Unlock the secrets of perfectly grilled skirt steak tacos on the stove
What To Know
- Look for a skirt steak that is about 1 inch thick and has a good amount of marbling.
- To marinate the steak, place it in a large bowl and add the marinade.
- Place the steak on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
Skirt steak is a flavorful and affordable cut of meat that’s perfect for tacos. When cooked properly, it’s tender, juicy, and packed with flavor. But if you’re not careful, it can easily become tough and chewy. That’s why we’re sharing our foolproof guide on how to cook skirt steak on the stove for tacos. With our step-by-step instructions and tips, you’ll be able to make mouthwatering skirt steak tacos in no time.
Choosing the Right Skirt Steak
The first step to cooking great skirt steak tacos is choosing the right cut of meat. Look for a skirt steak that is about 1 inch thick and has a good amount of marbling. Marbling is the white streaks of fat that run through the meat. The more marbling, the more flavorful and tender the steak will be.
Marinating the Skirt Steak
Once you’ve chosen your skirt steak, it’s time to marinate it. Marinating the steak helps to tenderize it and add flavor. There are many different marinades that you can use, but we recommend a simple marinade made with olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and cilantro.
To marinate the steak, place it in a large bowl and add the marinade. Use your hands to massage the marinade into the steak, making sure that it’s evenly coated. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the steak for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
Grilling the Skirt Steak
When you’re ready to cook the steak, preheat your stovetop grill over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels.
Place the steak on the grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, the steak should have a slightly pink center. For medium, the steak should be slightly pink in the middle but cooked through. For medium-well, the steak should be mostly brown in the middle.
Slicing and Serving the Skirt Steak
Once the steak is cooked, remove it from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the steak, making it more tender.
To slice the steak, cut it against the grain into thin strips. Serve the steak immediately with your favorite taco toppings.
Tips for Cooking Skirt Steak on the Stove
- Use a sharp knife to slice the steak against the grain. This will help to make the steak more tender.
- Don’t overcook the steak. Skirt steak is a thin cut of meat, so it cooks quickly. Overcooking will make the steak tough and chewy.
- Let the steak rest before slicing. This will help the juices redistribute throughout the steak, making it more tender.
- Serve the steak immediately with your favorite taco toppings. Skirt steak tacos are best enjoyed fresh.
Variations on Skirt Steak Tacos
There are many different ways to make skirt steak tacos. Here are a few of our favorite variations:
- Classic Skirt Steak Tacos: These tacos are made with grilled skirt steak, onions, cilantro, and lime wedges.
- Al Pastor Skirt Steak Tacos: These tacos are made with grilled skirt steak that has been marinated in achiote paste.
- Chorizo and Skirt Steak Tacos: These tacos are made with grilled skirt steak and chorizo.
- Shrimp and Skirt Steak Tacos: These tacos are made with grilled skirt steak and shrimp.
- Veggie Skirt Steak Tacos: These tacos are made with grilled skirt steak and your favorite vegetables.
The Final Word: How to Cook Skirt Steak on Stove for Tacos
Skirt steak is a delicious and affordable cut of meat that’s perfect for tacos. With our step-by-step instructions and tips, you’ll be able to make mouthwatering skirt steak tacos in no time. So what are you waiting for? Fire up your stovetop and get grilling!
Common Questions and Answers
Q: What is the best way to marinate skirt steak?
A: We recommend a simple marinade made with olive oil, lime juice, garlic, and cilantro.
Q: How long should I marinate skirt steak?
A: You can marinate skirt steak for at least 2 hours, or up to overnight.
Q: How do I know when the skirt steak is cooked to my desired level of doneness?
A: For medium-rare, the steak should have a slightly pink center. For medium, the steak should be slightly pink in the middle but cooked through. For medium-well, the steak should be mostly brown in the middle.
Q: What are some of the best toppings for skirt steak tacos?
A: Some of our favorite toppings include onions, cilantro, lime wedges, salsa, and guacamole.
Q: Can I make skirt steak tacos ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make skirt steak tacos ahead of time. Simply grill the steak and slice it. Then, store the steak and toppings in separate containers in the refrigerator. When you’re ready to eat, simply reheat the steak and assemble the tacos.
