Skirt Steak Marinade (2024)

The ultimate combination of herbs and sauces, this incredible Skirt Steak Marinade flavors, moistens, and tenderizes for guaranteed delicious steak every time! Grilled or cooked in a cast iron skillet on the stove, the result is juicy, melt-in-your-mouth marinated skirt steak perfect for busy weeknight dinners or summer cookouts.

The Best Skirt Steak Recipe

A good marinade can make all the difference between a show-stopping steakhouse dinner or a chewy, sad, and flavorless fifteen-dollar-a-pound wasted piece of beef.

Dramatic? Ok, maybe a little. But I’ve been on both sides of that dinner table, and I know which side I’d like to stay on. I imagine you prefer a showstopping steak over a sad one, so today, I’m sharing my favorite skirt steak marinade recipe, plus tips and tricks on cooking the best skirt steak ever.

Skirt steak is one of those cuts of beef that really benefits from about 2-4 hours of marinating as it isn’t naturally super tender. Marinating helps both tenderize and add flavor, so I highly recommend giving it a try! Perfect for grilling and BBQs or cooking in a hot pan for easy weeknight dinners with the family.

Skirt Steak Marinade Ingredients

• Oil – In this case, I recommend using vegetable oil like canola oil rather than olive oil. It has a higher smoke point than olive oil and a neutral flavor.
• Apple cider vinegar – Vinegar works to tenderize the meat as it marinates. Apple cider vinegar isn’t as harsh as white vinegar and is perfect for marinades.
• Onion – The chopped onion will add flavor to the marinade.
• Fresh Parsley – I always try to add at least one fresh herb to my marinades. Fresh parsley or cilantro are two of my favorite.
• Honey – It adds just a hint of sweetness to balance the savoriness of the herbs. Swap with agave syrup if desired.
• Worcestershire sauce – or soy sauce. Must have addition(s) to any marinade.
• Salt – Any salt will work.
• Dried marjoram – Dried oregano will also work if you don’t have any marjoram on hand.

How Long Should You Marinate Skirt Steak?

Marinating skirt steak adds flavor and helps to tenderize the meat.

The ideal marinating time for skirt steak is between 2 to 4 hours. As little as 30 minutes can still impart some flavor, but it won’t be as effective in tenderizing the meat. Avoid marinating for longer than 24 hours, as the acidity in the marinade can break down the meat fibers too much, resulting in a mushy texture.

Always refrigerate the steak while it’s marinating and ensure that it’s covered or sealed in a plastic bag to prevent cross-contamination.

Tips for Cooking the Perfect Steak

1. Marinate the meat: As mentioned earlier, marinate the skirt steak for 2 to 4 hours to enhance its flavor and tenderize the meat.
2. Bring the steak to room temperature: Remove the skirt steak from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking to let it come to room temperature. This ensures even cooking and helps prevent the steak from being tough.
3. Preheat your cooking surface to high heat: Whether you’re using a grill, cast iron skillet, or broiler, make sure it’s hot before adding the steak. For grilling, aim for high heat, around 450°F (232°C). For a cast iron skillet, preheat it over medium-high heat. If using a broiler, place the oven rack about 4 inches from the heating element and preheat the broiler.
4. Pat dry and season: Remove the skirt steak from the marinade, pat it dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, and season with salt and pepper if desired. Excess marinade can cause flare-ups on the grill or inhibit proper searing in a skillet.
5. Cook quickly: Skirt steak cooks quickly due to its thinness. For medium-rare, cook the steak for about 2 to 3 minutes per side. Adjust the cooking time according to your preferred level of doneness. Keep in mind that overcooking can lead to a tough, chewy texture.
6. Allow the steak to rest: After cooking, let the skirt steak rest for about 5 to 10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender steak.
7. Slice against the grain: Identify the direction of the muscle fibers, and slice the steak against the grain into thin, diagonal slices. Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making it more tender and easier to chew.

Storage and Freezing

Skirt steak will always taste best served immediately. However, leftovers are delicious, especially when wrapped in tacos or tossed in a salad.

Keep leftovers stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4-5 days. Easily reheat in the microwave or in a hot skillet until reheated. To freeze skirt steak, allow it to cool completely before transferring it to an airtight container in the freezer for up to 2 months.

Recipes to Serve with Skirt Steak

This incredible marinated skirt steak pairs well with countless side dishes. Here are a few of my favorites,

• Perfect Baked Potatoes
• Easy Creamy Potato Salad
• Easy Grilled Veggie Skewers
• Easy Fruit Salad Recipe
• Roasted Zucchini with Parmesan
• Roasted Asparagus

If you try making this Skirt Steak Marinade Recipe, please leave me a comment and let me know!I always love to hear your thoughts.