Discover everything you need to know about skirt steak in this comprehensive guide, from its history and best places to eat it in the USA to cooking tips, unique recipes, and perfect pairings. Find answers to common questions and learn how to make skirt steak your new favorite dish!
Skirt steak is a beloved cut of beef known for its rich flavor, tender texture, and versatility. Whether grilled to perfection, marinated for hours, or paired with a zesty sauce, skirt steak has captured the hearts and taste buds of food enthusiasts worldwide. In this ultimate guide, we’ll explore everything you need to know about skirt steak, from its intriguing history and unique characteristics to the best ways to cook it, where to find the most mouthwatering skirt steak dishes in the USA, and delicious recipes and pairings that go beyond the ordinary. Whether you’re a seasoned chef or a home cook, this article is packed with fresh insights and information to elevate your culinary game.
History of Skirt Steak: A Cut with Character
The history of skirt steak dates back centuries and is deeply rooted in culinary traditions across different cultures. Skirt steak comes from the diaphragm muscle of the cow, specifically the plate section, and is known for its long, flat shape and intense beefy flavor.
The cut has long been a staple in Argentine cuisine, where it is called “entraña” and is often cooked on a traditional “parrilla” (grill) and served with Chimichurri sauce. In Mexico, skirt steak is a key ingredient in fajitas, a Tex-Mex favorite that originated in the Rio Grande Valley of Texas. The cut became popular in the United States in the 1930s and 1940s as butchers began to appreciate its flavor and versatility. Since then, skirt steak has become a staple in American barbecue culture and is frequently found on the menus of steakhouses and restaurants across the country.
Best Places to Eat Skirt Steak in the USA
If you want to experience the best skirt steak the USA offers, these restaurants and steakhouses are must-visits:
- Peter Luger Steak House (New York, NY): Known for its dry-aged meats, Peter Luger serves an exceptional skirt steak that is perfectly charred on the outside and juicy on the inside.
- Joe’s Kansas City Bar-B-Que (Kansas City, KS): Famous for its barbecue, Joe’s Kansas City offers a mouthwatering smoked skirt steak that’s tender, flavorful, and cooked to perfection.
- Bavette’s Bar & Boeuf (Chicago, IL): This French-inspired steakhouse offers a beautifully marinated and grilled skirt steak that pairs perfectly with their house-made Béarnaise sauce.
- La Esquina (New York, NY): A hidden gem for Mexican cuisine, La Esquina serves a delicious skirt steak taco, bursting with flavor and accompanied by fresh guacamole and salsa.
- The Capital Grille (Various Locations): A renowned steakhouse chain across the USA, The Capital Grille serves a grilled skirt steak with roasted tomatoes and house-made Chimichurri, showcasing the cut’s natural flavors.
What is Skirt Steak Good For?
Skirt steak is highly versatile and can be used in a wide range of dishes. It’s well-suited for grilling, pan-searing, stir-frying, and braising. Due to its robust flavor, skirt steak pairs well with bold seasonings, marinades, and sauces. Here are some popular uses:
- Fajitas: The classic Tex-Mex dish features marinated skirt steak, seared to perfection and served with bell peppers, onions, and warm tortillas.
- Steak Salad: Skirt steak adds a protein-packed punch to salads, combining crisp greens with a juicy, flavorful steak.
- Stir-Fries: The thin, long strips of skirt steak cook quickly, making them ideal for stir-fry dishes loaded with vegetables and a savory sauce.
- Sandwiches: Thinly sliced skirt steak can elevate a simple sandwich, especially when paired with caramelized onions, arugula, and aioli.
- Tacos: Grilled skirt steak is a favorite filling for tacos, topped with fresh cilantro, onions, and a squeeze of lime.
What is Skirt Steak Called in the UK?
In the United Kingdom, skirt steak is often referred to as “skirt steak” or “bavette.” The term “bavette” originates from French but is commonly used in British butchery to refer to the same cut. In some regions, it may also be called “flank steak,” although technically, the flank and skirt are different cuts with distinct textures and flavors.
How Long Can You Marinate Skirt Steak?
Marinating is a great way to enhance the flavor and tenderness of skirt steak. Due to its thin cut, skirt steak does not require a long marinating time. Typically, marinating the steak for 30 minutes to 2 hours is sufficient to impart flavor without compromising the meat’s texture. For a more intense flavor, you can marinate it overnight, but be cautious, as marinating for too long can break down the fibers too much and make the steak mushy.
How Do You Cook Skirt Steak So It Isn’t Tough?
Cooking skirt steak to perfection is all about the right techniques. Follow these steps to ensure your steak is tender and flavorful:
- Choose High Heat: Skirt steak benefits from high-heat cooking methods like grilling or pan-searing. These methods create a beautiful crust on the outside while keeping the inside juicy.
- Don’t Overcook: Skirt steak is best served medium-rare to medium. Overcooking can result in a tough, chewy texture. Aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare.
- Slice Against the Grain: To maximize tenderness, always slice skirt steak against the grain. The grain refers to the direction of the muscle fibers, and cutting against it shortens the fibers, resulting in a more tender bite.
- Let it Rest: Allow the steak to rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to let the juices redistribute, ensuring a juicy, flavorful steak.
Is Skirt Steak Chewy?
Skirt steak can be chewy if not cooked or sliced properly. Its texture is naturally fibrous due to the muscle’s structure, but with the right preparation and cooking techniques, skirt steak can be tender and delicious. The key is to cook it quickly over high heat and cut it against the grain to break down the muscle fibers.
Why is Skirt Steak So Tasty?
Skirt steak is known for its deep, beefy flavor, which is more pronounced than many other cuts of beef. Several factors contribute to its taste:
- Marbling: Skirt steak has good marbling, which provides flavor and juiciness.
- Thin Cut: The thinness of the steak allows for a higher ratio of surface area to volume, resulting in more caramelization and Maillard reaction, which enhances flavor.
- Muscle Structure: The muscle fibers in skirt steak are long and coarse, giving the meat a hearty, chewy texture that absorbs marinades and seasonings exceptionally well.
Nutritional Profile of Skirt Steak
Skirt steak is not only flavorful but also packed with nutrients:
- High in Protein: A serving of skirt steak provides around 23 grams of protein per 100 grams, which is essential for muscle growth and repair.
- Rich in Iron: Skirt steak is an excellent source of heme iron, which is more easily absorbed by the body than non-heme iron found in plants.
- Vitamin B12: It contains high levels of vitamin B12, crucial for maintaining healthy nerve cells and red blood cells.
- Zinc and Selenium: These minerals are vital for immune function, wound healing, and DNA synthesis.
Kid-Friendly Skirt Steak Recipes
Cooking for kids can be challenging, but skirt steak offers a tasty and nutritious option for family meals. Here are some kid-friendly recipes:
- Mini Skirt Steak Sliders: Make small, bite-sized sliders with grilled skirt steak, cheddar cheese, lettuce, and a mild sauce, served on mini buns.
- Steak Tacos with Avocado: Soft tortillas filled with thinly sliced skirt steak, mild salsa, and avocado slices are perfect for kids.
- Beef and Veggie Skewers: Thread cubes of skirt steak and colorful vegetables onto skewers and grill them for a fun, interactive meal.
- Stir-Fried Beef and Broccoli: A simple stir-fry with tender skirt steak strips, broccoli, and a kid-friendly sauce.
- Skirt Steak Quesadillas: Grilled skirt steak and cheese quesadillas with a side of mild salsa and sour cream.
An Unusual Skirt Steak Recipe to Try: Coffee-Rubbed Skirt Steak
Ingredients:
- 1 pound skirt steak
- 2 tablespoons ground coffee
- 1 tablespoon brown sugar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- Olive oil for brushing
Instructions
- Prepare the Rub: In a small bowl, mix the ground coffee, brown sugar, smoked paprika, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper.
- Season the Steak: Pat the skirt steak dry with paper towels. Brush lightly with olive oil to help the rub adhere. Rub the coffee mixture evenly over both sides of the steak.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to high heat (about 450°F or 230°C).
- Grill the Steak: Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy.
- Rest and Slice: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. Slice against the grain into thin strips.
- Serve: Serve with a side of grilled vegetables or a fresh salad. The coffee rub imparts a unique, slightly smoky flavor that pairs wonderfully with the beef.
Five Skirt Steak Recipes to Try
- Classic Fajitas:
- Ingredients: Skirt steak, bell peppers, onions, fajita seasoning, tortillas.
- Instructions: Marinate skirt steak in fajita seasoning, grill, and slice. Sauté bell peppers and onions, then serve with tortillas and your favorite toppings.
- Asian Beef Stir-Fry:
- Ingredients: Skirt steak, broccoli, bell peppers, soy sauce, garlic, ginger.
- Instructions: Slice steak thinly and stir-fry with vegetables in a hot pan with soy sauce, garlic, and ginger. Serve over rice.
- Steak Salad with Blue Cheese:
- Ingredients: Skirt steak, mixed greens, blue cheese, cherry tomatoes, balsamic vinaigrette.
- Instructions: Grill steak, slice thinly, and toss with salad greens, blue cheese, cherry tomatoes, and balsamic vinaigrette.
- Skirt Steak Tacos:
- Ingredients: Skirt steak, tortillas, avocado, cilantro, lime, salsa.
- Instructions: Grill steak, slice thinly, and serve in tortillas with avocado, cilantro, lime, and salsa.
- Beef and Mushroom Stroganoff:
- Ingredients: Skirt steak, mushrooms, onions, sour cream, beef broth.
- Instructions: Sauté steak and mushrooms, then simmer with beef broth and sour cream to create a creamy sauce. Serve over egg noodles.
Five Side Dishes to Pair with Skirt Steak
- Garlic Mashed Potatoes:
- Creamy mashed potatoes with roasted garlic make a perfect complement to the savory flavors of skirt steak.
- Grilled Asparagus:
- Lightly seasoned and grilled asparagus adds a fresh, crunchy side that balances the richness of the steak.
- Corn on the Cob:
- Grilled or boiled corn on the cob with a touch of butter and seasoning is a classic, delicious side.
- Roasted Brussels Sprouts:
- Crispy, roasted Brussels sprouts with a hint of balsamic glaze are a flavorful and healthy side dish.
- Tomato and Cucumber Salad:
- A refreshing salad with tomatoes, cucumbers, red onions, and a light vinaigrette adds a crisp contrast to the steak.
Five Wines to Pair with Skirt Steak
- Malbec:
- A robust Malbec from Argentina complements the bold flavors of skirt steak and enhances its savory notes.
- Cabernet Sauvignon:
- The tannins and rich fruit flavors of a Cabernet Sauvignon pair beautifully with the hearty texture of skirt steak.
- Zinfandel:
- A Zinfandel with its spicy, peppery notes is a great match for the flavors of skirt steak, especially when grilled.
- Syrah/Shiraz:
- Syrah or Shiraz offers bold, smoky flavors that work well with the caramelized crust of grilled skirt steak.
- Merlot:
- A smooth, medium-bodied Merlot can provide a balanced pairing, enhancing the steak’s richness without overpowering it.
People Also Ask
What is Skirt Steak Good For? Skirt steak is versatile and can be used in various dishes, including fajitas, stir-fries, steak salads, sandwiches, and tacos. Its rich flavor and tenderness make it ideal for grilling, pan-searing, and marinating.
What is Skirt Steak Called in the UK? In the UK, skirt steak is known as “bavette” or sometimes “skirt steak.” The term “bavette” is often used interchangeably with skirt steak in British butchery.
How Long Can You Marinate Skirt Steak? Skirt steak can be marinated for 30 minutes to 2 hours. For a more intense flavor, marinate it overnight, but avoid marinating for too long to prevent the meat from becoming mushy.
How Do You Cook Skirt Steak So It Isn’t Tough? To ensure skirt steak is tender, cook it quickly over high heat. Avoid overcooking and always slice against the grain to shorten the muscle fibers. Let it rest after cooking to redistribute the juices.
Is Skirt Steak Chewy? Skirt steak can be chewy if not prepared correctly. Its texture is naturally fibrous, but by cooking it properly and slicing against the grain, you can achieve a tender, enjoyable texture.
Why is Skirt Steak So Tasty? Skirt steak is flavorful due to its marbling and thin cut, which enhances caramelization. Its robust beefy flavor comes from its muscle structure and high surface area, making it an excellent choice for bold seasonings and marinades.
Conclusion
Skirt steak is a cut with a rich history and a beloved place in culinary traditions around the world. Its versatility, robust flavor, and ease of preparation make it a favorite among chefs and home cooks alike. Whether you’re grilling, marinating, or experimenting with new recipes, skirt steak offers endless possibilities for delicious meals. By understanding its history, learning how to cook it perfectly, and exploring creative recipes, you can make the most of this fantastic cut of beef and enjoy a truly memorable dining experience.