When it comes to beef cuts, skirt steak is a favourite among foodies and chefs alike. This flavorful and tender cut of beef comes from the diaphragm muscle of the cow, which means it has a rich, beefy flavour and a texture that's perfect for grilling, searing, or braising.
In this guide about skirt steak, we'll explore everything you need to know about skirt steak. We'll discuss its origins, flavour profile, cooking methods, seasoning tips, and recipe ideas to inspire your culinary creativity. Whether you're a seasoned pro or a novice cook, this guide will help you master the art of cooking skirt steak to perfection.
Skirt steak is a long, thin cut of beef that comes from the plate or diaphragm muscle of the cow. It's known for its rich flavour and tender texture, making it a popular choice for grilling and other high-heat cooking methods. Until recently, it has not been a common steak here in Australia but with the raise in the popularity of Mexican, Tex Mex and South American food is now available at good butchers.
Beef Skirt Steak is a flavour-packed cut known for its intense beefy taste and juicy bite. It’s ideal for high-heat cooking and works brilliantly on the BBQ or in a hot pan.
Cook it fast, rest it well, then slice thinly across the grain for tenderness. Perfect for tacos, stir-fries, or a simple steak dinner with your favourite sides.
Small to Medium Size is 500 - 600 grams
Medium to Large is 600 grams to 1kg (we may not always have the large size so will pack to the expected weight)
Let us know your preference in the instructions and we will match as best we can.
Skirt steak has a long and interesting history, dating back to the early days of the cattle industry in the United States. It was a popular cut among cowboys and ranchers, who prized its rich flavour and toughness.
Over time, skirt steak became a staple of Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine, where it's often used in dishes like fajitas and carne asada. Today, skirt steak is enjoyed by food lovers all over the world, thanks to its delicious taste and versatility in the kitchen.
Skirt steak has a rich, beefy flavour that's slightly more intense than other cuts of beef. It's also known for its tender texture, which is due to the long, thin muscle fibres that make up the cut.
When cooked properly, skirt steak can be incredibly juicy and flavorful. It pairs well with a variety of seasonings and marinades, making it a versatile cut for a range of recipes.
The main differences between skirt steak and flank steak are their location on the cow, thickness, and texture. Skirt steak is a thin, narrow cut from the diaphragm area of the cow, with intense beefy flavour and more intramuscular fat, making it juicier. It has a loose grain that runs crosswise. On the other hand, flank steak is a thicker, wider cut from the bottom abdominal area of the cow, with an intense beefy flavour and tough fibres running through it. It is a reasonable substitute for skirt steak and is best cut thinly against the grain for tenderness. Flank steak is denser and doesn't take on much flavour from a marinade, while skirt steak takes to marinades better
When selecting a skirt steak, look for a cut that's bright red in colour and well-marbled with fat. The fat helps to keep the meat tender and juicy during cooking, so don't be afraid of a little marbling.
Before cooking, be sure to trim any excess fat or connective tissue from the meat. Skirt steak is best when cooked quickly over high heat, so preheat your grill or pan before adding the meat.
Skirt steak is a versatile cut of beef that can be cooked in a variety of ways. Some popular cooking methods include:
While skirt steak has a delicious flavour on its own, adding the right seasonings can take it to the next level. Here are a few seasoning tips to try:
Skirt steak is a versatile cut that can be used in a variety of recipes. Here are a few ideas to inspire your culinary creativity:
Sur Chimichurri Mild is a fresh, raw Argentine-style sauce made with parsley, garlic, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices. It delivers all the bright, herbaceous character of authentic chimichurri with absolutely no chilli heat — a sauce for everyone at the table.
Spoon it over grilled steak, chicken, or fish. Use it as a marinade, a dipping sauce, or a finishing drizzle for roast vegetables. It is balanced, clean, and endlessly versatile.
Made locally in the Shire with fresh, real ingredients — all flavour, no fire.
Sur Chimichurri Hot is a bold, raw Argentine-style sauce made with fresh parsley, garlic, chillies, lemon juice, extra virgin olive oil, vinegar, herbs, and spices. It delivers bright, herbaceous freshness up front with a confident chilli warmth that builds as you eat — bolder than mild, more versatile than extra hot.
Spoon it over grilled steak, pork, chicken, or roast vegetables. Use it as a marinade before cooking, a dipping sauce at the table, or a finishing drizzle that lifts anything off the grill.
Made locally in the Shire with fresh, real ingredients — balanced heat, proper flavour.
Q: Is skirt steak tough? A: Skirt steak can be tough if it's not cooked properly. Be sure to cook it quickly over high heat and slice it thinly against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Q: How long should I marinate the steak? A: Skirt steak can be marinated for as little as 30 minutes or as long as 24 hours. A simple marinade of lime juice, garlic, and cumin is a great place to start.
Q: What temperature should I cook skirt steak? A: Skirt steak is best when cooked to medium rare, which is an internal temperature of 54-57°C. Better to side with rare on this steak as you can always cook another 30 seconds if needed
Q: What do Australians call skirt steak? A: While the name originates from the US we actually call it skirt steak as well, so you can just ask for it by name.
Skirt steak is a delicious and versatile cut of beef that's perfect for grilling, searing, or braising. Whether you're making tacos, salads, stir-fries, or simply grilling a steak, skirt steak is sure to impress. With the right seasoning and cooking techniques, you can create a mouth-watering meal that's sure to please even the most discerning of palates. So why not give it a try and add skirt steak to your next meal plan? Your taste buds will thank you!
