Marinated Skirt Steak is one of those dishes that feels impressive but takes almost no effort. The steak comes out incredibly juicy, full of bold flavor. It’s a simple, reliable crowd‑pleaser that works just as well for weeknights as it does for a special occasion.
Almost everything tastes better grilled. Two more favorites are my Grilled Asian Chicken and my Grilled Steak Skewers. Perfect for a warn summer evening.
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Why this Marinated Skirt Steak Recipe is a Keeper
This cooked steak is pure nostalgic comfort and incredibly easy. Making it the perfect meal for a busy day.
- 45 Minute Meal: Have this delicious summer dinner ready in less than an hour.
- Easy Ingredients: Make this steak with just 6 ingredients, all of which can be found in your kitchen or local grocery store.
- Family Friendly: This balsamic skirt steak is the perfect delicious recipe to make for your next family cookout.
- Serve With: Serve this cooked skirt steak with Mexican Rice and Beans, Easy No Knead Rolls and Roasted Smashed Potatoes.
Why Is My Marinated Skirt Steak Tough?
If your skirt steak ended up tougher than you would’ve liked, it may have gotten overcooked. Do your best to not overcook by checking after 4 minutes on each side. If it is over cooked, try adding a little butter or beef broth. Remember to slice it thin.
Pro Tip for Grilled Steak
First sear the steaks over a hot, high flame, then move the steaks over to a cooler, unlit portion of the grill to finish cooking via indirect heat.
Ingredient Notes for Marinade Recipe
This simple grilled steak recipe uses easy, fresh ingredients that pack a punch of flavor.
This is an overview of key ingredients. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Skirt Steak: Use a thawed piece of meat for this recipe.
- Balsamic Vinegar: This will be the base for your marinade.
- All Purpose Seasoning: I whisk up my own mix of All Purpose Seasoning to have on hand.
Variations and Substitutions for Grilled Skirt Steak
This medium rare steak is so easy to change up. I like to experiment to make different varieties.
➡️ Swap Vinegar: Use red wine vinegar for a sharper flavor.
➡️ Add Heat: Include red pepper flakes or ancho chile powder for a spicy kick.
➡️ Use Citrus: Add lemon juice or lime juice for brightness.
➡️ Fresh Herbs & Spices: Mix in rosemary, cilantro or thyme. You can also add freshly cracked black pepper.
➡️ Different Marinade: Marinate the steak with chimichurri sauce for a different flavor profile.
Kitchen Tools To Make Marinated Skirt Steak Easier
You don’t need anything fancier than your favorite large skillet. You will also want a proper knife and a cutting board to let the meat rest.
- Large Skillet: I prefer to use a cast iron skillet, but you can also use a different skillet or grill for stovetop.
How to Make Skirt Steak Marinade
In just 3 steps, you can have your very own quick steak. It takes just a little effort but the results are well worth it.
These are just highlights. Get the full printable recipe with specific measurements and directions in the recipe card below.
- Marinate the Steak: Mix together the balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, dark brown sugar and minced garlic in a bag. Add the steak and let sit for 30 minutes before grilling. Then discard the marinade.
- Cook the Meat: Place a grill pan over medium high heat. Sprinkle both sides of the meat with All Purpose Seasoning. Add steak to pan and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Season & Let Rest: Remove the steak from the pan, then sprinkle with the rest of the seasoning. Tent with foil and let rest for 10 minutes before slicing steak against the grain.
Prep Ahead and Short Cut Tips and How Long to Marinate
Start preparing steps to this buttery grilled recipe ahead of time so that the cooking process is as easy as can be.
➡️ Make the Marinade Ahead: Store in fridge up to 2 days.
➡️ Marinate Overnight: Prep the night before for easy dinner that tenderizes the meat. Cover with plastic wrap well.
➡️ Trim Steak Early: Saves time during cooking.
Alternate Marinade Steak Cooking Methods
Take this steak dinner one step further and prepare the ingredients another way.
- Broiler: Cook close to heat source for similar char. Preheat a super hot oven and bake in a shallow baking dish.
What Temperature Should Skirt Steak be Cooked to?
It depends on the desired doneness you want. For well done, the middle of the biggest piece should read 145 degrees. Remember to let the steak rest after cooking.
Is Skirt Steak and Flank Steak the Same?
No, they differ in shape, muscle fibers and taste. Click the link to find out more of the differences.
Store, Reheat and Use Leftover Slice Skirt Steak
- Storing: Keep leftover skirt steak in airtight container up to 3 days.
- Reheating: Warm gently in skillet to avoid overcooking.
- Using Leftovers: Add to tacos, salads, or wraps.
Expert Tips for Making Marinated Beef Skirt Steak
➡️ Don’t Over-Marinate: The easy marinade for skirt steak is so good, but too much acid can break down texture. You can use it on hanger steak or skirt steak.
➡️ High Heat Only: This cut cooks best quickly.
➡️ Rest First: Allow to rest so the meat stays moist and juicy.
➡️ Slice The Steak Thin: Thick slices = chewy bites.
➡️ Cut Against Grain: This is the #1 tenderness tip.
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Marinated Skirt Steak
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Ingredients
- ¼ cup Balsamic vinegar
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- 2 teaspoon Dark brown sugar
- 1 clove Garlic, minced
- 1 pound Skirt steak, trimmed and cut into 4 pieces
- 1 teaspoon All Purpose Seasoning, divided
Instructions
- Combine vinegar, Worcestershire, brown sugar and garlic in a large Ziploc plastic bag.
- Add steak, turning to coat; seal and marinate at room temperature 25 minutes, turning once.
- Remove steak from bag; discard marinade.
- Heat a large grill pan over medium-high heat.
- Sprinkle both sides of steak with ½ teaspoon All Purpose Seasoning.
- Add steak to pan; cook 3 minutes on each side or until desired degree of doneness.
- Remove steak from pan; sprinkle with remaining ½ teaspoon seasoning.
- Tent with foil; let stand 5 minutes.
- Cut steak diagonally across the grain into thin slices.
Christina’s Notes
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- Soy Sauce: Add some soy sauce to the marinade to give it an umami flavor. You can also add parsley, Kosher salt, or lemon juice to make the marinade.
- Chimichurri Sauce: Save time by making a skirt steak with chimichurri sauce.
- Grill Cover: Keep the grill cover closed while grilling the steak.
- Rest: Do not forget to let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
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- Scale the recipe: Simply adjust the serving size in the recipe card and the ingredients will update automatically.
- Make your own All Purpose Seasoning: When a recipe calls for All Purpose Seasoning, you can use my homemade All Purpose Seasoning recipe or substitute salt and pepper to taste.
- Meat doneness: I always use a meat thermometer to test for doneness when cooking meat.
- Use unsalted butter: I use unsalted butter so I can control the salt level in the recipe.
- Preheat the oven: Unless otherwise noted, always preheat your oven before baking.
For more helpful information about this recipe, such as variations, substitutions and other pro-tips, check out the blog post.