Grilling a skirt steak to perfection on a gas grill can seem like a daunting task, but fear not! In this article, you will discover How Long To Grill Skirt Steak On Gas Grill, the ideal cooking time, and essential tips to achieve mouthwatering results every time.
Prepare to be a grill master as you learn the secrets of cooking a delicious skirt steak that is juicy, tender, and full of flavor.
Get ready to impress your friends and family with your newfound expertise and take your grilling game to the next level. So, grab your apron, and let’s get cooking!
Preparing the Skirt Steak
Choosing the Right Skirt Steak
When it comes to grilling skirt steak, it’s important to start with a high-quality cut of meat. Look for a skirt steak that is well-marbled and has a bright red color. The meat should feel firm to the touch and have a smooth texture. If possible, try to find grass-fed skirt steak, as it tends to have better flavor and texture.
Trimming and Prepping the Skirt Steak
Before grilling, it’s important to trim any excess fat and silver skin from the skirt steak. Using a sharp knife, carefully remove any tough membrane or sinew from the surface of the meat. This will help prevent the steak from curling up when it’s cooked and will allow for more even cooking.
Marinating the Skirt Steak
To enhance the flavor and tenderness of the skirt steak, consider marinating it before grilling. A simple marinade can be made by combining olive oil, minced garlic, lime juice, and your choice of herbs and spices.
Place the skirt steak in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Allow the meat to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or up to 24 hours for more intense flavor.
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Preheating the Gas Grill
Cleaning the Gas Grill
Before preheating your gas grill, it’s important to clean it thoroughly. Start by removing any leftover food or debris from the grates using a brush or scraper. Then, clean the grates with warm soapy water and a sponge, making sure to remove any grease or residue. Finally, rinse off the soap and dry the grates completely before preheating.
Properly Preheating the Gas Grill
To ensure that your skirt steak cooks evenly and develops a delicious char, it’s essential to preheat your gas grill properly. Start by turning on all the burners to their highest setting and closing the lid.
Allow the grill to heat up for about 10 to 15 minutes, or until it reaches a temperature of around 400 to 450°F (204 to 232°C). This will ensure that the grates are hot enough to sear the skirt steak and create those beautiful grill marks.
Setting Up the Grill for Direct Heat
Skirt steak cooks best over direct heat, so it’s important to set up your gas grill accordingly. This means that you want to position the skirt steak directly over the flames.
If your grill has multiple burners, only turn on the ones that are directly underneath where you’ll be placing the meat. This will give you better control over the heat and help prevent flare-ups.
Grilling the Skirt Steak
Setting the Flames to the Right Temperature
To achieve the perfect grill marks and char on your skirt steak, it’s crucial to set the flames to the right temperature. For skirt steak, medium-high heat is ideal.
You want the flames to be hot enough to sear the meat quickly, but not so hot that it burns before it cooks through. If you’re using a gas grill, this usually means keeping the burner at around medium-high settings.
Setting Up the Cooking Zones
Skirt steak is a thin cut of meat, so it’s important to set up different cooking zones on your grill to prevent overcooking.
Create a hot zone with direct heat where you’ll sear the steak and a cool zone with indirect heat where you can move the steak to continue cooking without burning.
This will allow you to control the level of doneness and ensure that the skirt steak cooks evenly.
Placing the Skirt Steak on the Grill
Once your grill is preheated and set up for direct heat, it’s time to place the skirt steak on the grates. Using tongs, carefully lay the steak flat on the hot grates.
Be sure to position it diagonally across the grates to achieve those beautiful crosshatch grill marks. Close the lid and let the skirt steak cook undisturbed for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, depending on the desired level of doneness.
Grilling Time and Techniques
Determining the Desired Doneness
Skirt steak can be cooked to different levels of doneness, depending on personal preference. The general rule of thumb is to cook it to medium-rare to medium, as this will yield the best combination of tenderness and flavor. However, if you prefer your steak more well-done, you can adjust the cooking time accordingly.
Grilling Time for Rare Skirt Steak
For a rare skirt steak, grill each side for about 1 to 2 minutes. The internal temperature should reach around 125°F (52°C) for medium-rare. Keep in mind that the steak will continue to cook slightly after it’s removed from the grill, so take it off a little earlier if you prefer it on the rarer side.
Grilling Time for Medium Rare Skirt Steak
For a medium-rare skirt steak, grill each side for about 2 to 3 minutes. The internal temperature should reach around 130 to 135°F (54 to 57°C) for medium-rare. This will result in a steak that is pink and juicy in the center with a slightly charred exterior.
Grilling Time for Medium Skirt Steak
If you prefer your skirt steak cooked to medium, grill each side for about 4 to 5 minutes. The internal temperature should reach around 140 to 145°F (60 to 63°C). This will give you a steak that is slightly pink in the center with a more pronounced char and firmer texture.
Grilling Time for Well-Done Skirt Steak
For a well-done skirt steak, grill each side for about 6 to 7 minutes. The internal temperature should reach around 155 to 160°F (68 to 71°C). Keep in mind that cooking skirt steak too well done can result in a tougher and drier texture, so it’s recommended to cook it to medium-rare or medium for optimal tenderness.
Using a Meat Thermometer
To ensure that your skirt steak reaches the desired level of doneness, it’s always a good idea to use a meat thermometer. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak without touching the bone or grill grates. The internal temperature should be checked a few degrees before the target temperature, as the temperature will rise slightly during the resting period.
Flipping and Basting
Flipping the Skirt Steak
Once the first side of the skirt steak has cooked for the desired amount of time, it’s time to flip it over and cook the other side. Use tongs to carefully flip the steak, being cautious not to pierce or tear the meat. Allow the second side to cook for the same amount of time as the first side.
Basting the Skirt Steak
Basting the skirt steak with a flavorful sauce or marinade can help enhance its taste and keep it moist during grilling. About halfway through the cooking process, brush the steak with your favorite basting sauce using a basting brush. This will add an extra layer of flavor and create a delicious glaze on the exterior of the meat.
Resting and Slicing the Skirt Steak
Resting the Skirt Steak
After grilling, it’s crucial to let the skirt steak rest before slicing into it. This allows the juices to redistribute within the meat, ensuring a tender and flavorful end result. Transfer the cooked steak to a clean cutting board or platter and loosely cover it with aluminum foil. Let it rest for about 5 to 10 minutes.
Slicing the Skirt Steak Against the Grain
When it’s time to slice the skirt steak, it’s important to cut it against the grain. Skirt steak has long muscle fibers, and cutting against the grain helps break up these fibers, resulting in a more tender and easier-to-chew steak.
Look for the direction of the grain (the lines running through the meat) and slice perpendicular to them. Cut the steak into thin slices, about ¼ to ½ inch thick, for maximum tenderness.
Tips and Tricks
Using a Skirt Steak Marinade
Marinating skirt steak before grilling can add incredible flavor and tenderness. Consider marinating the steak in a mixture of olive oil, acid (such as citrus juice or vinegar), minced garlic, and your choice of herbs and spices. Let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for more intense flavor.
Adding Flavor with Dry Rubs
Dry rubs are another great way to add flavor to skirt steak. Create a flavorful blend of herbs, spices, salt, and sugar, and rub it generously onto both sides of the meat before grilling.
Allow the steak to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat before grilling.
Enhancing the Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
Chimichurri sauce is a classic Argentinean sauce that pairs beautifully with grilled skirt steak. Made with parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and spices, this vibrant sauce adds a burst of freshness and tang to the meat. Drizzle it over the sliced skirt steak before serving, or serve it on the side for dipping and spooning.
Properly Handling and Storing Leftover Skirt Steak
Cooling and Storing the Grilled Skirt Steak
If you have leftover grilled skirt steak, it’s important to handle and store it properly to ensure food safety. Allow the steak to cool completely at room temperature for about 2 hours. Then, wrap it tightly in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container before refrigerating. Leftover skirt steak can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 to 4 days.
Reheating Leftover Skirt Steak
To reheat leftover skirt steak, it’s best to use a gentle and indirect heat method. Preheat your gas grill to medium-low heat and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking.
Place the refrigerated steak on the grates and warm it for about 2 to 3 minutes per side, or until heated through. Be careful not to overcook the steak, as it can become dry and tough.
Alternative Cooking Methods
Grilling Skirt Steak on Charcoal Grill
If you prefer the smoky flavor of charcoal grilling, you can certainly grill skirt steak on a charcoal grill. Follow the same principles of preheating the grill and setting up direct heat.
Use natural lump charcoal or briquettes and arrange them in a two-zone fire, with the hot coals on one side and no coals on the other side. Place the steak directly over the hot coals and grill according to the desired level of doneness.
Using a Grill Pan or Cast Iron Skillet
If you don’t have access to a gas or charcoal grill, you can still achieve great results by using a grill pan or cast iron skillet. Preheat the grill pan or skillet over medium-high heat until it’s hot. Lightly oil the pan or skillet to prevent sticking.
Cook the skirt steak for the same amount of time as on the grill, flipping it halfway through. The pan or skillet will create beautiful grill marks and give the meat a delicious seared crust.
Serving Suggestions
Pairing Grilled Skirt Steak with Sides
Grilled skirt steak pairs perfectly with a variety of delicious side dishes. Consider serving it with sautéed mushrooms, roasted potatoes, grilled vegetables, or a refreshing salad.
The rich and flavorful meat can be easily balanced with lighter and citrusy accompaniments, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
Creating Delicious Skirt Steak Tacos
Another fantastic way to serve grilled skirt steak is by turning it into delicious tacos. Warm up some corn or flour tortillas and fill them with thinly sliced skirt steak, diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, chopped cilantro, and a drizzle of your favorite sauce or salsa. The combination of tender steak, fresh toppings, and warm tortillas is sure to be a crowd-pleaser.
