What To Know
- Whether you’re grilling, pan-searing, or roasting it, there are a few key tips to follow to ensure that your skirt steak is cooked to perfection and served at its best.
- Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook the steak for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
- To slice skirt steak against the grain, hold the steak perpendicular to your cutting board and slice it into thin strips.
Skirt steak is a flavorful and versatile cut of meat that can be prepared in a variety of ways. Whether you’re grilling, pan-searing, or roasting it, there are a few key tips to follow to ensure that your skirt steak is cooked to perfection and served at its best.
Choosing the Right Cut
The first step to serving a great skirt steak is to choose the right cut. Skirt steak is a long, thin muscle that runs along the belly of the cow. It’s typically about 12 to 18 inches long and 1 to 2 inches wide. When selecting a skirt steak, look for one that is bright red in color and has a good amount of marbling. Avoid steaks that are brown or have a lot of fat.
Preparing the Steak
Once you’ve chosen your skirt steak, it’s time to prepare it for cooking. The first step is to trim the steak of any excess fat. Then, score the steak in a crosshatch pattern to help it cook evenly. You can also marinate the steak in your favorite marinade for up to 24 hours. However, if you’re short on time, you can simply season the steak with salt and pepper before cooking.
Cooking the Steak
There are a few different ways to cook skirt steak. The most popular methods are grilling, pan-searing, and roasting.
Grilling: To grill skirt steak, preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Season the steak with salt and pepper and then grill it for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Pan-searing: To pan-sear skirt steak, heat a large skillet over medium-high heat. Add a little oil to the skillet and then add the steak. Sear the steak for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it is browned on both sides. Then, reduce the heat to medium-low and continue to cook the steak for an additional 5-7 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Roasting: To roast skirt steak, preheat your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Season the steak with salt and pepper and then place it on a baking sheet. Roast the steak for 15-20 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Slicing the Steak
Once the steak is cooked, it’s time to slice it. Skirt steak is a tough cut of meat, so it’s important to slice it against the grain. To do this, hold the steak perpendicular to your cutting board and slice it into thin strips.
Serving the Steak
Skirt steak can be served with a variety of sides. Some popular options include:
- Grilled vegetables
- Roasted potatoes
- Rice
- Beans
- Salad
Seasoning and Sauces
Skirt steak is a flavorful cut of meat, but it can benefit from a little extra seasoning or sauce. Here are a few ideas:
- Salt and pepper
- Garlic and herb rub
- Mustard glaze
- BBQ sauce
- Chimichurri sauce
Conclusion
Serving skirt steak is a great way to impress your friends and family. By following these tips, you can ensure that your steak is cooked to perfection and served at its best.
FAQ
Q: What is the best way to cook skirt steak?
A: The best way to cook skirt steak is to grill it or pan-sear it. This will give the steak a nice crust and keep it juicy.
Q: How long should I cook skirt steak?
A: The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and how you are cooking it. However, as a general rule, you should cook skirt steak for 5-7 minutes per side for medium-rare, 7-9 minutes per side for medium, and 9-11 minutes per side for medium-well.
Q: How do I slice skirt steak against the grain?
A: To slice skirt steak against the grain, hold the steak perpendicular to your cutting board and slice it into thin strips. This will help to make the steak more tender and easier to eat.
