Skirt steak is the unsung hero of weeknight dinners and weekend cookouts. It’s flavorful, quick-cooking, and versatile enough for everything from tacos to stir-fry. If you’re looking for delicious and easy skirt steak recipes, you’re in for a treat. This guide showcases 17 amazing ways to cook skirt steak that’ll have your taste buds dancing.
Whether you prefer grilling, pan-searing, or broiling, these recipes bring out the best in this juicy cut of beef.
Why Skirt Steak?
Skirt steak is prized for its deep beefy flavor and tenderness when cooked and sliced correctly. It comes from the diaphragm muscle and has a loose, long-grain structure that soaks up marinades beautifully.
Tips for perfect skirt steak:
- Marinate: At least 30 minutes to several hours.
- High heat: Grill or sear for a charred crust.
- Slice against the grain: Always cut thin slices across the muscle fibers.
Now, let’s dig into the best skirt steak recipes you’ll want to make on repeat.
1. Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri
This classic Argentine recipe is a crowd-pleaser. Marinate the steak in garlic, vinegar, olive oil, and oregano before grilling it to perfection. Serve with a vibrant chimichurri sauce packed with parsley, garlic, and red wine vinegar.
Pro tip: Let the steak rest before slicing to lock in the juices.
2. Skirt Steak Tacos
One of the most popular skirt steak recipes, tacos are always a crowd-pleaser. Use a citrusy marinade with lime juice, cumin, and chili powder. Grill the steak, slice it thin, and serve with corn tortillas, onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime.
Add-ons: Guacamole, pickled onions, or queso fresco.
3. Skirt Steak Stir-Fry
Quick and full of flavor! Slice your skirt steak thinly and stir-fry it with bell peppers, onions, and broccoli. Use a sauce made from soy, garlic, sesame oil, and ginger.
Perfect for weeknight dinners served over rice or noodles.
4. Skirt Steak Fajitas
This Tex-Mex classic is a must-try. Marinate the steak in lime juice, garlic, and spices. Grill with onions and colorful bell peppers for a sizzling skillet meal. Wrap it all up in warm tortillas.
Don’t forget: Sour cream and salsa on the side.
5. Korean BBQ Skirt Steak
Inspired by bulgogi, this version uses a sweet-and-savory marinade of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, sesame oil, and pear puree. Grill or pan-sear until caramelized. Serve with steamed rice, kimchi, and green onions.
Optional: Wrap in lettuce for a low-carb meal.
6. Skirt Steak Salad
For a lighter option, slice grilled skirt steak over a bed of mixed greens. Add cherry tomatoes, avocado, red onion, and a balsamic vinaigrette.
Tasty tip: Blue cheese crumbles and toasted walnuts make great toppings.
7. Skirt Steak Sandwich
Thin slices of juicy steak on a crusty baguette with arugula, caramelized onions, and horseradish mayo. It’s the perfect sandwich for lunch or game day.
Bonus: Melt provolone for extra indulgence.
8. Garlic Butter Skirt Steak
Sometimes, simple is best. Sear your steak in a hot cast iron skillet with butter, crushed garlic, and fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary. Baste while cooking for rich flavor.
Serve with: Mashed potatoes or sautéed green beans.
9. Carne Asada
Authentic Mexican-style skirt steak recipe that’s great for grilling. Marinate the meat in lime juice, orange juice, garlic, and spices. Grill and chop for burritos, tacos, or bowls.
Pair with: Cilantro-lime rice and black beans.
10. Skirt Steak and Eggs
Who says steak is just for dinner? Grill or pan-fry skirt steak and serve with sunny-side-up eggs and breakfast potatoes. Great for brunch or a protein-packed breakfast-for-dinner meal.
Flavor tip: Add hot sauce or salsa verde.
11. Skirt Steak Rice Bowls
Cook rice (white, brown, or cauliflower) and top with sliced skirt steak, veggies, avocado, and a drizzle of sriracha mayo or peanut sauce. It’s balanced, delicious, and meal-prep friendly.
12. Broiled Skirt Steak
No grill? No problem. Use your oven’s broiler for a quick and easy method. Marinate, then place on a foil-lined pan under the broiler for 3–5 minutes per side.
Watch closely: It cooks fast!
13. Mediterranean Skirt Steak
Marinate with olive oil, lemon, oregano, and garlic. Grill and serve with a Greek salad, hummus, and warm pita. The bold, fresh flavors make it a standout.
14. Skirt Steak with Red Wine Sauce
For an elegant twist, pan-sear the steak and make a pan sauce with shallots, red wine, and a touch of butter. Ideal for date night or a cozy dinner in.
Serve with: Roasted fingerling potatoes and asparagus.
15. Skirt Steak Ramen
Upgrade your instant noodles! Slice grilled skirt steak over a hot bowl of ramen with bok choy, mushrooms, and a soft-boiled egg. Add chili oil for a spicy kick.
16. Teriyaki Skirt Steak
Marinate in a mix of soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, and ginger. Grill or broil and serve with white rice and steamed edamame. It’s sweet, savory, and kid-approved.
17. Skirt Steak Sliders
Perfect party food! Grill skirt steak, slice thin, and serve on mini buns with slaw or spicy aioli. Great for game nights, BBQs, or tailgates.
How to Cook Skirt Steak Perfectly Every Time
Here are some universal tips to get the best results:
- Marinate: At least 30 minutes to tenderize and flavor the meat.
- Hot and Fast: Skirt steak is thin, so it cooks quickly—2–4 minutes per side on high heat is usually enough.
- Let It Rest: Rest for 5 minutes after cooking to retain juices.
- Cut Against the Grain: This is critical for tenderness.
Best Marinades for Skirt Steak
Here are a few marinade combinations to experiment with:
- Citrus Garlic: Lime juice, orange juice, olive oil, garlic, cumin
- Asian-Inspired: Soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, brown sugar
- Classic Herb: Olive oil, rosemary, thyme, lemon zest, balsamic vinegar
- Spicy Kick: Chipotle in adobo, garlic, lime, smoked paprika
Skirt Steak FAQs
Q: Is skirt steak the same as flank steak?
A: Not quite. Both are long and lean, but skirt steak is thinner with more marbling and a stronger beef flavor.
Q: Can I freeze skirt steak?
A: Yes! It freezes well, raw or cooked. Wrap tightly in plastic and foil or use a vacuum sealer.
Q: How long should I marinate skirt steak?
A: Anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours. The longer, the better the flavor.
Final Thoughts
With so many skirt steak recipes to try, you’ll never run out of delicious dinner ideas. From sizzling fajitas to bold Korean BBQ and comforting steak rice bowls, this cut of beef proves that quick meals can still be full of flavor.
Skirt steak is affordable, easy to cook, and always satisfying. So fire up your grill, heat your skillet, or get creative with bold marinades—your next favorite meal is just a skirt steak away.