5 Tips to Perfectly Grill Skirt Steak and Elevate Your BBQ Game

Grilling Skirt Steak: A Guide to Perfection

When it comes to grilling, skirt steak stands out as a favorite among BBQ enthusiasts. Its rich flavor and unique texture make it a must-have on any grilling menu. But how do you cook skirt steak to perfection? Let’s dive into the secrets of elevating your BBQ game with this delicious cut of meat.

The Art of Selecting Skirt Steak

Choosing the right skirt steak is the first step towards a delicious outcome. Skirt steak, often referred to as the “butterfly steak” due to its shape, is a long, flat cut from the diaphragm muscles of the cow. It’s known for its robust flavor and the perfect balance of tenderness and chewiness. According to culinary expert “J. Kenji López-Alt”, author of “The Food Lab,” the best skirt steaks have a good amount of marbling, which contributes to their flavor and tenderness when cooked.

Preparation: The Key to Success

Before you throw the skirt steak on the grill, it’s essential to prepare it properly. Trim off any excess fat, leaving a thin layer that will render down during cooking, adding flavor to the meat. Seasoning is another crucial step. A simple blend of salt and pepper is often all that’s needed, but you can also experiment with garlic, chili, or your favorite herbs. Remember, the steak’s natural flavor should shine through.

The Heat and the Grill

High heat is essential for searing the outside of the skirt steak while keeping the inside juicy and tender. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Too low, and the steak will stew in its own juices, becoming tough and less flavorful. Too high, and it will char on the outside before the inside is cooked through. As “Steven Raichlen”, a renowned BBQ expert, suggests, “The key to a great steak is a hot fire and a watchful eye.”

Cooking: Timing is Everything

Cooking skirt steak is all about timing. Place the steak on the grill and let it cook undisturbed for a few minutes to develop a nice crust. Flip it and repeat on the other side. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F. A good rule of thumb is to cook it for about 4 minutes per side, but this can vary based on the thickness of the steak and the heat of your grill. Always use a meat thermometer to check the doneness, as this is a more reliable method than guessing by touch or sight.

Rest and Serve: The Final Touch

Once the skirt steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, it’s time to let it rest. This is a critical step that many grillers overlook. By allowing the steak to rest for about 5 to 10 minutes, the juices are reabsorbed, ensuring a tender and juicy steak. Slice against the grain for the best texture and serve with your favorite side dishes. As “Jamie Oliver”, a popular chef and food writer, says, “Resting meat is not a luxury, it’s a necessity.”

Grilling skirt steak is an art that combines the right cut, preparation, heat, timing, and resting. By mastering these elements, you’ll be well on your way to grilling the perfect skirt steak every time. So, fire up the grill, and let’s elevate your BBQ game to new heights.