Skirt Steak Recipe Perfect Every Single Time

My family LOVES it when I cook steaks for dinner, whether it’s cooked sous vide, reverse-seared, or air-fried. This recipe features a cut of beef steak marinated in a flavorful mixture that includes honey and soy sauce. The steak is then seared in a hot pan for only a few minutes per side.

What is skirt steak?

Skirt steak is a long and flat cut. It comes from the beef plate on the belly area right under the ribs. This cut is not the most tender cut of beef; however, it has a rich beefy flavor and turns out super delicious when cooked right with a juicy texture. Like sirloin and Denver steak, it is very affordable.

Skirt steak vs. flank steak

Flank steak is another long cut from the abdominal area of the cattle. Telling these two cuts apart is difficult unless you are a butcher.

Flank steak is typically wider and thicker than skirt steak (why it works well in beef negimaki or beef wellington). Like a tomahawk steak, skirt steak comes from the area under the ribs, whereas flank steak comes from below the loin. The flavor of flank steak is not as beefy as that of skirt steak. The latter is fattier, more marbled, and, therefore, juicier (and perfect for a beef Katsu).

Both cuts are good for marinating, like in beef bulgogi or a classic torta.

Ingredients needed

Besides the meat itself and some seasonings, there isn’t much else that goes into cooking skirt steak. Here is what you’ll need:

Skirt steak. Cut the skirt steak into two pieces. If you can, get outside skirt steak as it is tenderer and richer in flavor (if you’ve tried our arrachera or Philly cheesesteak casserole, you’ll see why!). Olive oil. Using oil in the marinade helps infuse the meat with all flavors as well as makes it cook evenly once you put it on a hot grill or pan. Garlic. Crushed. Please use fresh garlic as it makes all the difference in terms of flavor. Soy sauce. It adds moisture and gives the steak a rich, umami flavor. Lime juice. Helps tenderize the steak and gives it a hint of acidic flavor. If you don’t have a lime, use lemon juice instead. Honey. It gives the meat a subtly sweet flavor and helps break down the proteins. Italian seasonings. This seasoning blend is a mixture of such dried herbs as basil, oregano, thyme, and rosemary. They all pair well with beef. Black pepper and salt. To taste.

Find the printable recipe with measurements below.

How to cook skirt steak

As this particular cut of meat is relatively tough, cooking it quickly on high heat works best, whether stovetop or on a grill. Here’s one of the best ways to cook this meat that turns out perfect every single time: Step 1 – Pound and marinate the meat. Cover the meat with cling wrap and pound it using a meat pounder. Doing this helps tenderize the skirt steak. Next, mix the marinade ingredients in a bowl. Add the steak, cover the bowl, then marinate the meat in the freezer for 10 minutes or in the refrigerator for up to 4 hours. Step 2 – Cook and serve. Heat a cast iron skillet until sizzling and place the marinated steak in it. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side. Let the steak rest for 10 minutes before you slice it and serve it. Make sure to slice it against the grain.

Tips for cooking the best steak

You can marinate the steak for up to 24 hours. Don’t marinate it longer than that to avoid breaking down the meat entirely. Marinate the steak in a resealable bag. Marinating meat in plastic bags helps distribute the marinade evenly and eases the cleanup process. I recommend adding the steak to the pan once it is very hot. This will give it a nice sear and keep the juices intact. Always pat dry the steak before adding the seasonings and marinade. It will give the steak a gorgeous crust once seared.

What to serve with this dish

Like any good pan-seared steak, this variety pairs with almost any side dish you can think of. We like any kind of potato salad, including German or Japanese potato salad. A smaller serving size may work if you have more than two hearty side dishes with the steak (like a baked potato and a green goddess salad). Try some green vegetables, including Brussels sprouts, asparagus, or green beans, for something a little lighter. Leftovers can be chopped up over a rice salad, orzo salad, or stuffed in a sandwich or quesadilla.

Storage instructions

To store. Store leftover cooked steak in the fridge for up to 4 days. You can store it in an airtight container or wrap it tightly with aluminum foil. To reheat. Reheat leftover steak in the oven preheated to 250F degrees until the internal temperature of the steak reaches 110F degrees. You can also reheat leftovers in a covered pan over medium heat. Add a splash of water to the pan to create steam and make the steak juicy again. To freeze. Freezing cooked steak is also an option to extend its shelf life. Wrap the steak in foil and put it in a heavy-duty freezer bag to ensure it’s airtight. It will keep well for up to 2 months.