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  3. Grilled Skirt Steak
Grilled skirt steak with charred edges on a plate

Intensely beefy skirt steak with a bold char

Grilled Skirt Steak

Grilled Skirt Steak

16 minEasy

Prep Time

10 min

Cook Time

6 min

Total Time

16 min

Servings

4

1.5 lbs steak

Difficulty

Easy

Cost

Moderate

$$

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Grilled Skirt Steak

Intensely beefy skirt steak with a bold char

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

Mexican CuisineMain CourseGluten-FreeKeto
Sarah Chen
Sarah Chen

March 8, 2023(Updated April 13, 2026)

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.

Why This Recipe Works

The loose grain structure and higher fat content of skirt steak absorb marinades deeply and stay juicy over extreme heat. Its thin profile means cooking takes mere minutes.

Ingredients

  • 1.5 lbs skirt steak
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 tsp cumin
  • 1 tsp chili powder
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • Salt, pepper, and lime wedges

Instructions

  1. 1

    Rub steak with olive oil, cumin, chili powder, garlic, salt, and pepper.

  2. 2

    Let steak come to room temperature while preheating grill to the highest heat possible.

  3. 3

    Grill steak 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare—skirt steak is thin and cooks fast.

  4. 4

    Rest for 5 minutes, then slice against the grain into thin strips.

  5. 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

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.

Storage

Refrigerate for up to 3 days. Great cold in salads.

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.

Explore More

More Mexican RecipesMore Main CourseGluten-Free RecipesKeto RecipesGrill Recipes
Sarah Chen

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.

View all recipes →

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