Intensely beefy skirt steak with a bold char
Grilled Skirt Steak
Prep Time
10 min
Cook Time
6 min
Total Time
16 min
Servings
4
1.5 lbs steak
Difficulty
Easy
Cost
Moderate
$$
Grilled Skirt Steak
Intensely beefy skirt steak with a bold char
★4.6(12)
Skirt steak grilled screaming hot for the deepest beefy flavor and most dramatic char. The fajita king of steaks, ready in minutes.
10m
Prep Time
6m
Cook Time
16m
Total Time
4
Servings
Easy
Difficulty
Moderate $$
Cost
Sarah Chen
(Updated )
Skirt steak has the most intense beef flavor of any cut, with long muscle fibers that soak up marinades beautifully. It needs nothing more than the hottest fire and a quick rest.
This is the kind of recipe that defines American home cooking at its best — straightforward, satisfying, and built on flavors that everyone loves.
Ingredients
Instructions
- 1
Rub steak with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, garlic, salt, and pepper.
- 2
Let steak come to room temperature while preheating grill to the highest heat possible.
- 3
Grill steak 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare—skirt steak is thin and cooks fast.
- 4
Rest for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain into thin strips.
- 5
Serve with warm tortillas, lime wedges, grilled onions, and salsa for fajitas.
Serving Suggestions
Ways to Serve This Dish
Serve with warm corn tortillas and fresh lime wedges
Top with crumbled queso fresco and sliced avocado
Pair with a side of Mexican rice and refried beans
Serve with classic coleslaw and cornbread on the side
Substitutions
Skirt steakFlank steak or hanger steak
Flank is leaner; hanger has similar rich flavor
CuminCoriander
Adds a citrusy note instead of earthy warmth
Tips & Storage
Pro Tips
The hotter the grill, the better—you want a hard sear before the interior overcooks.
Cut skirt steak into shorter sections before slicing against the grain for easier eating.
Let the protein rest for 5-10 minutes after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
Season each component individually rather than seasoning at the end — this builds deeper, more complex flavor throughout.
Storage
Store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, freeze individual portions in freezer-safe containers for up to 3 months. Label with the date and recipe name.
Reheating
Reheat quickly in a screaming hot skillet for 30 seconds per side.
Nutrition Facts
Per serving (95mg) · 4 servings
Calories300
LowModerateHigh
A moderate-calorie serving · based on a 2,000 cal daily diet
Protein34g
Carbohydrates16g
Fat2g
Fiber340mg
Sugar0g
Sodium0g
Nutritional values are approximate and may vary based on specific ingredients and preparation methods.
Frequently Asked Questions
- Inside vs outside skirt?
- Outside skirt is thicker and more tender. Inside is thinner and more common at grocery stores.
- Why is skirt steak great for fajitas?
- Its loose grain absorbs seasonings deeply and its thin profile cooks in minutes over high heat.
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About Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen is a professional recipe developer and food editor with over a decade of experience in test kitchens and food media. She trained at the Culinary Institute of America before spending six years developing and testing recipes for national food publications, where she honed her ability to translate restaurant techniques into approachable home cooking. At RecipePool, Sarah leads recipe development, ensuring every dish is tested at least three times for clarity, accuracy, and genuine deliciousness. When she is not in the kitchen, she is browsing farmers markets and collecting vintage cookbooks.
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