Quick Answer: How Do You Cook Skirt Steak In The Oven?

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Skirt steaks are lovely thinly sliced pieces of beef that are best cooked in the oven at a high temperature: 450 degrees Fahrenheit. Skirt steak generally cooks quickly, but the total time will vary depending on how well done you like your steak. The average time is 10-15 minutes, ensuring the steak gets flipped halfway through. This timeframe can decrease to 8-10 minutes if using an oven broiler. how to cook skirt steak in oven Your beef will be done when it has reached an internal temperature of 145-165 degrees Fahrenheit.

When it comes to beef, cuts such as ribeye and sirloin steak tend to be the most popular. And while these are undeniably delicious, a cut of beef that is often highly underrated is skirt steak.

Skirt steak is a thinly sliced type of beef that comes from the under section of the cow’s ribs. Many people hold the misconception that this cut of beef is tough and chewy, but this isn’t always the case.

The key to achieving the perfect skirt steak is all in how you cook it. There are many ways to prepare this type of beef, but our favorite is in the oven.

Cooking skirt steak in the oven will give you an irresistibly juicy and tender result that is not only delectable in flavor but also super easy to implement.

The actual cooking process, however, is not the only aspect of preparing skirt steak that is of notability.

Being knowledgeable of the different types of skirt steak, as well as understanding how this type of beef should be cut and served, is also of great importance.

To learn more about how to achieve the perfect skirt steak for any occasion, make sure to check out the rest of this article.

Because life is too busy to worry about the “how.”

How To Cook Skirt Steak In The Oven?

Cooking skirt steak in the oven is a fast and easy way to achieve juicy and flavorful cuts of beef every time.

This dish is great for weeknights when you want to get in your source of protein but are limited on time.

Pro Tips

Many recipes require you to sear your steak prior to cooking it in the oven, so you may be confused as to why this step is missing in these instructions.
Because skirt steak cooks so quickly and at such a high temperature, it actually gets crispy this way and doesn’t need any searing beforehand.

In addition, it is not necessary to cut your skirt steak into slices prior to cooking. This can actually cause your beef to be more dry (unless you are marinating your steaks beforehand.
In this case cutting your steaks before will allow even more juices from the marinade to be absorbed).

While the 45-minute salt prep is not necessary, we do recommend it as it aids in making your skirt steak extra crispy on the exterior.
When you allow salt to soak into steak it will bring the moisture to the top of your beef and will seep back in during the cooking process, leaving just enough to allow the outside to get crispy.

As all ovens are different, it’s a good idea to keep an eye out on your skirt steaks while they’re cooking. After the 4-5-minute mark, you should be able to notice them starting to get brown and crispy on the top.

After the full cooking time is up, checking that your steak has formed a crisp crust is also a great way to know your steak is done.

If you’re feeling uneasy as to whether or not your beef is finished, another effective method is using a thermometer. Depending on how well done you like your steak can alter the cooking time and temperature slightly. To know what suits your preference best, check out the following figures:

For Medium-rare: remove from oven at 120-125 degrees Fahrenheit
For Medium: remove from oven at 130-135 degrees Fahrenheit
For Medium-well: remove from oven at 140-145 degrees Fahrenheit
For Well-done: remove from oven at 150-155 degrees Fahrenheit

Note: these are the temperatures your steak will be at when you remove them from the oven. Make sure to allow them to sit for 5-10 minutes in foil so that the temperature increases.

Note: the best way to use a thermometer is by inserting it into the thickest part of the meat, as this is the section of the beef that will take the longest to cook.

Do not skip the resting part! This will not only allow the internal temperature of your steak to rise, it will also allow the juices to really soak in, making your steaks even more flavorful.

Remember not to cut your skirt steak until after it has rested.

Speaking of cutting, when it comes to skirt steak, it is vital that you always cut against the grain. The reason for this is that it causes the muscle fibers of the beef to shorten, which will produce a more tender steak.
A great approach to adhere to when cutting skirt steak is to always cut it on a diagonal: approximately a 45-degree angle.

RELATED: 15 Beef Bottom Round Steak Recipes That Are Easy To Make

How To Cook Skirt Steak Using An Oven Broiler?

Using the oven broiler for cooking skirt steak is ideal as it will provide the beef with the intense heat that it requires.

If you’re looking for tender, juicy strips of skirt steak with a deliciously crisp coating, then this recipe is for you.

Remember to check whether or not you are cooking with inside or outside skirt steak, as this will require different steps.

Source of recipe: https://www.craftbeering.com/what-is-skirt-steak-how-to-cook/

Pro Tips

Marinating your outside skirt steak is not necessary as it is naturally tender, but if desired, it can be done in the same way as the inside skirt steak.

Using a broiler will cook your beef fast, so make sure to keep an eye out. Some thinner pieces may be done before others.

Your skirt steak will be complete when a crispy crust has formed around it.

Make sure to cut your skirt steak against the grain (at a 45-degree angle).

Frequently Asked Questions

What Is The Difference Between Skirt Steak And Flank Steak?

Because of their similar appearances, skirt steak and flank steak are often confused for one another.

Flank steak comes from an even lower part of the abdomen of the cow than skirt steak and is distinct from the latter in that it is wider, shorter and often thicker.

Skirt steak also tends to contain a higher fat content which makes it more flavorful than flank steak.

What Are The Two Types Of Skirt Steak?

There are two main types of skirt steak:

Inside Skirt Steak: a thinner and longer cut of the abdomen of the cow that contains more connective tissues, which makes it tougher. To make it more tender, it is a good idea to marinade your inside skirt steak. Inside skirt steak is less flavorful so marinating it will help with this as well.

Outside Skirt Steak: a thicker part of the abdomen of the cow that is more tender in texture. This type of skirt steak has great marbling and is perfect for medium-rare lovers.

What Should You Serve With Skirt Steak?

Steak pairs well with a variety of side dishes, but because it cooks so quickly, we recommend sticking with foods that also require a short period of time to prepare.

Some of our favorite foods to complement skirt steak with include: mashed potatoes, grilled veggies, rice and salad.

Skirt steak is also a key ingredient in South American cuisine and goes perfectly in dishes such as fajitas and burritos.

How To Store Skirt Steak?

Raw skirt steak can be kept in the fridge for up to 4 days, or 5 days if it is in a marinade. Once the steak has been cooked, it shouldn’t be stored in the fridge for more than 3 days.

You can also freeze your skirt steak in an airtight vacuum-sealed bag for up to 12 months.

How Do You Make Skirt Steak Tender?

No one likes chewing on tough pieces of meat. The best ways to avoid this with skirt steak include using a marinade, tenderizing it with a mallet, avoiding overcooking your beef, allowing the steak to rest in foil after it is cooked and making sure to cut your skirt steak against the grain.
Video:

How To Cook Skirt Steak In The Oven?

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 15 minutes

Rest Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 30 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Skirt steaks are seasoned with salt while they sit at room-temperature for 45 minutes before cooking in the oven for approximately 10-15 minutes, ensuring to be flipped halfway through. Steaks then sit for an additional 5-10 minutes before being cut and served.

Materials

Skirt steak
Salt
Pepper

Tools

Oven
Baking sheet
Cooking spray
Spatula
Cutting board
Knife
Foil

Instructions

Remove the skirt steak from the oven 45 minutes prior to cooking it
Salt both sides of the steak and allow it to sit at room-temperature for 45 minutes
Preheat your oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
Take out a rimmed baking sheet and spray it all over with cooking spray
Sprinkle some pepper on to both sides of the skirt steak
Place the skirt steak onto the baking sheet and put it in the preheated oven on the middle rack
Allow the skirt steak to cook for 5-6 minutes
Flip the skirt steak over and cook in the oven for another 4-5 minutes
Remove the skirt steak from the oven and transfer it to a cutting board
Wrap foil around the steak and allow it to sit for at least 5-10 minutes
After the resting period, cut the steak against the grain
Serve and enjoy!

How To Cook Skirt Steak Using An Oven Broiler: Inside Skirt Steak?

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Rest Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Skirt steak sits in marinade and is broiled for 8-10 minutes before resting for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Materials

1.5 lb inside skirt steak
2-3 tsp Olive oil
Salt and pepper
Marinade:
1/4 cup olive oil
2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
2 tsp garlic powder
2 tsp salt
1 tsp pepper
1 tsp dried oregano

Tools

Oven broiler
Resealable bag
Measuring spoons/pans
Baking sheet
Parchment paper/cooking spray
Brush
Foil
Cutting board
Knife
Paper towel

Instructions

Mix your marinade and place it in a large resealable bag
Put your steaks in the bag and allow to marinate in the fridge for at least 2 hours or overnight
Preheat your boiler to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
Put the rack in the third lower section of the oven
Prepare a baking sheet with either parchment paper or cooking spray
Remove steaks from fridge and allow to come to room-temperature
Dry your steaks with paper towel and cover them with olive oil, salt and pepper
Place steaks onto the baking sheet
Allow steaks to broil on each side for 4-5 minutes (refer to temperatures above for exact cooking times depending on how well done you like your steak)
Place steak onto a cutting board and wrap in foil
Allow steaks to rest for 5-10 minutes
Cut steaks against the grain
Serve and enjoy!

How To Cook Skirt Steak Using An Oven Broiler: Outside Skirt Steak?

Prep Time: 5 minutes

Cook Time: 8 minutes

Rest Time: 10 minutes

Total Time: 23 minutes

Difficulty: Easy

Skirt steak is seasoned and broiled in the oven for 6-8 minutes before restings for an additional 5-10 minutes.

Materials

1.5 lb outside skirt steak
2-3 tsp Olive oil
Salt and pepper

Tools

Oven broiler
Measuring spoons/pans
Baking sheet
Parchment paper/cooking spray
Brush
Foil
Cutting board
Knife

Instructions

Preheat your boiler to 450 degrees Fahrenheit
Put the rack in the third lower section of the oven
Prepare a baking sheet with either parchment paper or cooking spray
Remove steaks from fridge and allow to come to room-temperature
Cover steaks with olive oil, salt and pepper
Place steaks onto the baking sheet
Allow steaks to broil on each side for 3-4 minutes (refer to temperatures above for exact cooking times depending on how well done you like your steak)
Place steak onto a cutting board and wrap in foil
Allow steaks to rest for 5-10 minutes
Cut steaks against the grain
Serve and enjoy!

Author
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Jess Smith

Hi, my name is Jess Smith, and I love cooking in my spare time. Around three years ago, I decided to give up my day job as a teacher to pursue my passion for food. While I have enjoyed sharing tips and tricks on Social Media, I have decided to expand my horizons through this blog.

Through this blog I hope to help others learn the basics and more intricate details of cooking. I know from personal experience how frustrating it can be to cook a meal, only to realize you are missing one ingredient from your list. This is why I love to write articles chatting readers through some great substitutes that can be used in an emergency.

I hope you will find this blog useful, and that it will help you to develop your culinary skills, to help you cook up a storm!