How to Grill a Flank or Skirt Steak, Recipe

Skirt steak and flank steak can be used in fajitas.

Flank steak and skirt steak are two distinct cuts of beef that are derived from two different areas of the cow. Despite this, they both are cooked the same way. Flank steak and skirt steak can be some of the tastiest meat coming off of your grill, but if done incorrectly, you could be left with a dry, tough piece of rubber. By knowing a few simple tricks, you can become a pro grilling flank steak and skirt steak.

Things You'll Need

• 2-pound strip steak or flank steak
• Store-bought or homemade marinade or spice rub
• Zip top storage bag
• Knife

Instructions

1. Rub your spice rub onto the surface of your steak, if that is what you have chosen to use. If you are using a marinade, pour it into a zip top storage bag.

2. Place the meat in the bag, close it and refrigerate for two to three hours.

3. Take the steak out of the refrigerator before you plan on grilling and allow it to come to room temperature.

4. Preheat your grill to high heat.

5. Place the steak directly on the heat and cook for four minutes on each side. Flank steak and skirt steak are best served medium rare to medium, which means they need to be cooked over very high heat for a very short period of time.

6. Allow the steak to rest for 10-15 minutes before cutting it. This allows all the juices in the steak to settle so they won't leak out when you cut into the steak, making it dry.

7. Look closely at the steak to identify the grain of the meat. You will notice striations on the meat that run in one direction. Take your knife and cut perpendicular to those striations, or against the grain, in very thin slices. By cutting against the grain, the fibers in the meat are shorter and easier to break down, making for a more tender steak.

Tips & Warnings

• One simple homemade marinade for your steak is a combination of 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar, 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce, 1 tablespoon soy sauce and 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil. One of the many spice rubs you can make at home is a combination of 2 teaspoons paprika, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1/2 teaspoon salt, 1/4 teaspoon black pepper and 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder.

References

• Serious Eats: How to Grill Skirt Steak