Grilled Skirt Steak

By Jessica Swartz June 16, 2023 27 mins read 99 Views

Grilled skirt steak benefits from a good marinade: the meat gets juicy, packed with flavor, and super tender. I go big in this grilled steak recipe with a daring mix of garlic, lemon, and fragrant Mediterranean spices like cumin and Aleppo pepper.

a half-sliced grilled skirt steak on a wooden cutting board with a knife. — Photo Credits: Mariam Hamdy

Grilled skirt steak with a nice char and tender, buttery center rivals any “fancy” cut of meat—watch out filet mignon! Though skirt steak costs a fraction of the price, this no-fail recipe with a flavorful Mediterranean marinade makes for a restaurant-worthy steak that’s sure to impress at your next BBQ.

Skirt steak is a lean, thin cut of meat, which means for the best results you need to cook it hot and fast. You'll only need 3 to 4 minutes per side to be rewarded with a golden brown, crispy crust that gives way to a decadently juicy, pink interior. Ideally, go for rare to medium-rare and no longer.

A spread of effortless sides like Grilled Corn Salad, Mustard Potato Salad, and Grilled Watermelon will make your summer BBQs vibrant, colorful and healthy!

Table of Contents

Grilled Skirt Steak Ingredients
How to Grill Steak
How Long to Grill Steak
Go Against the Grain! How to Slice Steak
What to Serve with Grilled Skirt Steak
Fire Up Your Grill with These Delicious Recipes
Grilled Skirt Steak Recipe

ingredients for grilled skirt steak including skirt steak, salt, pepper, shallots, garlic, parsley, cumin, aleppo pepper, paprika, lemon zest, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, and olive oil.

Grilled Skirt Steak Ingredients

Though grilled steak may elicit a summer feeling, the ingredients for this recipe can be easily found year-round. Simply turn to your grill pan in the winter months and your outdoor grill in the summer to make this easy steak recipe all year!

Skirt steak: Comes from the plate section of the cow, right below the rib and between the brisket and flank. Rich and flavorful, it cooks quickly and is less expensive than fancier cuts like tenderloin. But, it can be just as tender when cooked properly—fast and hot is best!
Seasoning: Kosher salt, black pepper, cumin, Aleppo pepper, and sweet or smoked paprika bring a Mediterranean flair to the marinade. If you don’t have Aleppo pepper on hand, you can find it at our shop or substitute with red pepper flakes.
Alliums: A healthy dose of shallot and garlic adds an irresistible sweet and savory flavor.
Parsley: Brings freshness to the marinade. Opt for the flat-leaf Italian variety, as curly parsley tends to be bitter.
Acidity: The juice and zest of 1 large lemon and red wine vinegar bring balance and lightness to the savory marinade.
Extra virgin olive oil: Olive oil tenderizes and enriches the meat. Use a smooth variety like our Italian Nocellara or Spanish Hojiblanca for a peppery kick.
Neutral oil: A small amount of neutral oil on your grill prevents sticking.

close up of a sliced grilled skirt steak on a wooden cutting board.

How to Grill Steak

This no-fail steak recipe leans on a savory marinade, which keeps it juicy and flavorful as it cooks. You only need to sear it! Cook it fast and hot so it stays juicy.

Get ready: While the steak is still cold, use a sharp knife to trim off any extra fat. Work in a slow, deliberate manner to avoid removing too much meat.
Make the marinade: Rub a 2-pound skirt steak well all over with salt and pepper. Place in a resealable bag or glass container. Add 2 chopped shallots, 4-6 crushed or minced garlic cloves (minced for the strongest flavor), and ⅓ cup of minced parsley. Season with 1 teaspoon of ground cumin and Aleppo pepper (or red pepper flakes), ½ teaspoon of paprika, and the zest and juice of 1 lemon. Add ¼ cup of red wine vinegar and ½ cup extra virgin olive oil.
Marinate the steak: Seal the bag shut and massage to distribute the marinade. Set it in your refrigerator to marinate for 30 minutes-24 hours, then allow it to come to room temperature on your counter for 30 minutes. If you're short on time, let it marinate on your counter for 30 minutes.
Grill: Lightly oil your grill grates and preheat the grill to high heat (400-450°F for direct heat). Give the steak a gentle shake to remove excess marinade. Arrange on the grill directly over the heat. Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the temperature reaches 125-130°F for medium-rare.
Rest, slice, and serve: Transfer to a wire rack or cutting board to rest for 5 minutes. Thinly slice the skirt steak against the grain. Arrange the pieces on a large platter, fanning them to show off your beautiful work! Serve immediately.

How Long to Grill Steak

Grilled skirt steak is best cooked to rare or medium rare over high heat for 3 to 4 minutes per side. This will create a beautiful sear without overcooking. From there, cook according to your preference:

Rare: 2-3 minutes per side, with an internal temperature of 115-120°F. The steak will be browned on the outside and red on the inside, with a warm and juicy center.
Medium-rare: 3-4 minutes per side, with an internal temperature of 125-135°F. The steak will be browned on the outside and pink in the center, with a warm and juicy center.
Medium: 4-5 minutes per side, with an internal temperature of 140-150°F. The steak will be browned on the outside and pink in the center, with a slightly firmer texture than medium rare.
Medium-well: 5-6 minutes per side, with an internal temperature of 150-160°F. The steak will be browned on the outside with a hint of pink in the center, and will have a firmer texture.
Well Done: 6-7 minutes per side, with an internal temperature of 160-170°F. The steak will be browned on the outside and fully cooked through, with no visible pink and a very firm texture. I do not recommend cooking it to this temperature.

If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can test the steak’s doneness by performing the “bounce test.” When meat is cooked, it goes from soft and mushy to giving resistance when pressed. To test for medium rare, make a fist with one hand and squeeze. Use your other hand to press on the area between your pointer finger and thumb. The amount of resistance is similar to how the thickest part of the steak should feel!

a sliced grilled skirt steak on a wooden cutting board.

Go Against the Grain! How to Slice Steak

The “grain” refers to the long lines you see running across the meat’s surface. Those lines are the muscle fibers, which take some extra work to break down when you chew. When you slice against the grain, you cut the fibers into shorter pieces. This does some of the work for you, making the meat more tender and less chewy. To slice against the grain:

Let the steak rest. Always allow meat to rest after cooking. A good rule of thumb is to allow meat to rest for half of the amount of time it took to cook. This resting period gives the juices time to redistribute throughout the meat so they don’t spill out when you slice them.
Locate the grain: Look closely at the steak and try to identify the direction of the muscle fibers. The grain will appear as long lines running along the surface of the meat.
Position the steak: Place the steak on a cutting board with the grain running lengthwise in front of you.
Slice against the grain: Use a sharp knife to cut across the grain of the meat, perpendicular to the muscle fibers. The thickness of the slice is a personal preference, but most people like ¼ to ½-inch thick.

overhead photo of grilled skirt steak slices on a plate with a side of shopska salad and a fork.

What to Serve with Grilled Skirt Steak

When we grill skirt steak for a backyard bash, I like to serve it with a spread of small plates and salads. Try to make your table as colorful as possible!

Set out platters of grilled steak alongside Grilled Corn Salad, Mustard Potato Salad, Grilled watermelon or mango, and a Summer Berry Salad. Keep things effortless and let your guests serve themselves.

For drinks, keep it casual and easy with pitcher cocktails. Sangria, Rosé Lemonade, and Agua De València always get the party going in my (professional) experience! For those who prefer a booze-free lifestyle, I'm a big fan of Mediterranean Mint Lemonade!

Fire Up Your Grill with These Delicious Recipes

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Grilled Skirt Steak

A punchy marinade scented with Mediterranean spices and lemon zest tenderizes and infuses this skirt steak with bold flavor. From there, it needs only a few minutes on the grill to get a nice sear and buttery-soft, juicy center. If you can, start marinating the steak the night before for the strongest flavor. Even 30 minutes on your counter will do the trick, though, if you’re short on time.

Course Entree

Cuisine Mediterranean

Diet Gluten Free, Low Lactose

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 6

Resting Time 35

Total Time 51

Servings

Calories 410.4kcal

Author Suzy Karadsheh

Ingredients

2 pounds skirt steak, trimmed of extra fat
Kosher salt
Black pepper
2 shallots, finely chopped
4-6 large garlic cloves, minced or crushed
⅓ cup chopped Italian parsley leaves and tender stems
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 teaspoon Aleppo pepper or red pepper flakes
½ teaspoon paprika
1 large lemon, zested and juiced
¼ cup red wine vinegar
½ cup extra virgin olive oil
Neutral oil, for grilling

Instructions

Make the marinade: Rub the steak well on both sides with kosher salt and black pepper. Place in a resealable bag and add the shallot, garlic, parsley, cumin, Aleppo pepper (or red pepper flakes), and paprika. Add the lemon juice, zest, red wine vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil. Seal and gently massage the skirt steak to distribute the marinade.
Marinate the steak: If you have the time, marinate it in the refrigerator for 30 minutes to 24 hours, turning the bag every so often to distribute the marinade. Then, allow it to sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before grilling. Otherwise, allow the steak to marinate at room temperature for about 30 minutes. (It is best to bring the meat to room temperature before grilling so it will start with an even temperature throughout).
Get ready: Lightly oil the grates and preheat the grill to high heat (400 to 450°F for direct heat). Keeping the steak in the bag, hit the steak with a mallet or rolling pin to tenderize the meat.
Grill: Remove the meat from the sealed bag and gently shake off the excess marinade. Arrange on the grill directly over the heat. Grill for 3-4 minutes on each side, or until the temperature reaches somewhere between 125-130°F.
Slice and serve: Transfer to a wire rack or cutting board to rest for 5 minutes. Thinly slice the skirt steak against the grain and arrange the pieces on a large platter. Serve with your favorite sides and salads (see notes for ideas).

Video

Notes

If you don’t have a meat thermometer, you can test the steak’s doneness using the “bounce test.” When meat is cooked, it goes from soft and mushy to giving resistance when pressed. To test for medium rare, make a fist with one hand and squeeze. Use your other hand to press on the area between your pointer finger and thumb. The amount of resistance is similar to how the thickest part of the steak should feel!
Serve with effortless sides and small plates. Grilled Corn Salad, Mustard Potato Salad, Grilled watermelon or mango, and a Summer Berry Salad would make for a vibrant and colorful spread filled with texture and flavor. Pitcher cocktails like Sangria, Rosé Lemonade, and Agua De València get the party going.
Visit our shop to browse quality Mediterranean ingredients including olive oils, honey, jams, and spices.

Nutrition

The post Grilled Skirt Steak appeared first on The Mediterranean Dish.

By: Suzy Karadsheh
Title: Grilled Skirt Steak
Sourced From: www.themediterraneandish.com/grilled-skirt-steak/
Published Date: Fri, 16 Jun 2023 12:00:00 +0000

Frequently Asked Questions

Is it possible to lose weight by following the Mediterranean diet

Yes, it's possible to lose weight with the Mediterranean Diet. The Mediterranean diet is a focus on whole foods (vegetables, fruits, legumes) and high quality fats such as olive oil. This can help lower calories and provide essential nutrients to your overall health and wellbeing. Incorporating physical activity into this eating style can also support weight loss by burning excess calories. Additionally, reducing highly processed foods, red meat consumption, and added sugars can help maintain a healthy weight over time if paired with the right mindset!

Is the Mediterranean diet suitable for people with certain health conditions, such as diabetes?

The Mediterranean Diet is suitable for people suffering from certain conditions such as diabetes. This diet emphasizes whole foods and limits refined sugars and carbohydrates. It also focuses more on healthy fats than butter and lard. This helps reduce diabetes risk in people who don't already have it. It also controls blood sugar levels and insulin for those with diabetes. Incorporating moderate exercise into this eating plan can help control and stabilize blood sugar levels. Healthy food swaps like replacing white bread with whole grain bread or adding nuts in salads to replace crackers can help create a balanced eating plan that's suitable for managing symptoms and conditions.

What should I consume in a Mediterranean-style diet for one day?

The Mediterranean diet is rich in healthy fats, protein, and lots of fresh fruits, veggies, and whole grains. Healthy Mediterranean eating habits should include seven to ten servings of vegetables per day, and two to four 3-ounce portions of lean protein like chicken or fish. You can also eat healthy fats, such as olive oil or nuts, in moderate amounts. To ensure a balanced diet, aim for three portions of whole grains each day, such as quinoa or barley.

It is also important to limit the intake of unhealthy foods such as added sugar, unhealthy fats and white bread. It is important to avoid dairy, and to consume reduced-fat milk when possible. You should limit the number of fish you eat to three per week. Mercury contamination can cause nutritional problems and may even lead to problems with your health.

To ensure you're getting the most from your Mediterranean diet experience every day, it can help to plan meals - paying particular attention to ingredients included within chosen dishes that provide the heart and health benefits associated with this dietary pattern accordingly over time.

It is possible to have a pleasant experience following a Mediterranean diet. This includes delicious and nutritious food items. Choose high-quality proteins such as wild-caught fish, grass-fed meat, and organic eggs to ensure the healthiest meals. Also, include healthy fats like coconut oil, nuts, olives, avocados and extra-virgin olive oil. Whole grains like quinoa, barley and oats should be included in your meals. Limit unhealthy fats, added sugars, processed foods, starches and red meat.

What foods can you not eat on a Mediterranean diet

Certain food groups are not included in a Mediterranean diet. For the health benefits associated this dietary style, some foods shouldn't even be eaten. Even though these items can be part of a healthy eating plan, consistent consumption can negate the potential health benefits.

Whole-grain breads and starches (such as white bread, sugary breads, and other highly processed baked goods) are not allowed on a Mediterranean food plan. These items can quickly be absorbed into your body as sugars, which may cause weight gain. These products are not as rich in vitamins and minerals than whole grain alternatives like quinoa, millet, or barley.

Other sugars fall under this category too. Limit your intake of sweetened beverages, such as soda, tea with added sugars, or juices. These won't help you manage weight, or provide healthy nutrient profiles.

Red meats and processed meats are not recommended for Mediterranean-style meals. Red meats and processed meats possess high levels of saturated fat, which increases cholesterol levels, raising the risk for heart disease and other metabolic syndrome-related problems that could lead to more serious illnesses. The association of nitrates in processed lunchmeat may lead to increased cancer risk. Dairy products should not also be consumed frequently as some cheeses contain significant amounts of saturatedfats. However, feta and skimmed milk are better options than heavy cream and creme fraiche alternatives.

According to nutrition experts, fish should not be eaten more than three times per week.

Can I use regular olive oil instead of extra virgin olive oil?

You can substitute extra virgin olive oils for regular olive oil in the Mediterranean diet. Extra Virgin Olive Oil or EVOO is preferred because it has more nutritional benefits and a richer flavor. Regular olive oils, however, are still an option. They have a milder flavor profile. Regular olive oils are great for everyday meals like roasting vegetables or making stir-fry dishes. This olive oil has a lower price than EVOO. However, some believe that it is better suited for higher heat applications like deep frying. But, it doesn't have the same nutrients or positive compound as EVOO. You should make up these benefits by eating other foods whenever you can.

Statistics

The research suggested that the diet reduced the risk of cardiovascular issues, including stroke, heart attack, and death, by about 30 percent compared with the control group. (medicalnewstoday.com)
Aim to get 20 to 35 percent of your total daily caloric intake from fat, and for saturated fats to represent less than 10 percent of your total caloric intake, advises the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services. (everydayhealth.com)
Choose fat-free or 1% milk, yogurt, and cottage cheese. (my.clevelandclinic.org)
1g sugar Benefits Rich in heart-healthy polyunsaturated fats, these nuts may also favourably impact your gut microbiome (and thus improve digestive health) and lower LDL cholesterol, according to a small study that included 18 healthy adults. (everydayhealth.com)

External Links

How To

How to Plan a Week Of Delicious and Nutritious Mediterranean Meals

A Mediterranean diet can improve your overall health and life quality. This rich diet is high in healthy fats, whole grain, legumes and fresh fruits. You can reap many benefits from eating this way, including improved blood lipids, glucose control and reduced risk for certain types of cancer.

Following these tips can make it easy to incorporate Mediterranean-inspired foods into your diet: swapping out high-calorie snacks like chips with nutrient-dense vegetable appetizers or other traditional greens or beans dishes; learning how to increase variety with spices or different sources derived from nuts, fruits, and vegetables; integrating more whole grains, legumes, and high fiber items that can enhance satiety after meals; adding moderate amounts of dairy products like yogurt cheese and milk throughout the day for added nutrition; using olive oil as the primary cooking fat instead of traditional oils; occasionally enjoying a glass of red wine to complete the Mediterranean experience.

For a week filled with delicious, healthy meals that fall within the Mediterranean diet guidelines, you will need to focus on specific ingredients. This could include protein, fish, poultry or eggs, as well as healthy fats like olive oil nuts and avocadoes. You may also want to consider vegetables in prepared vegetables salads dips spreads soups or vegetables, starches like potatoes, legumes, old grains, and others. ; fruits for desserts snacks smoothies, etc. Seasonings, herbs, tasty sauces, plus optional dairy yogurt cheese and kefir. Mixing and matching different flavors throughout the week will ensure that you get enough nutrients while still maintaining a balance of flavor, which is an essential part of a Mediterranean balanced lifestyle. Combining the meal in combination with regular exercise will result in even greater short-term gains and long-term benefits on your overall health and body composition.