Are you tired of the same old grilled or fried skirt steak? Why not try cooking it in the oven for a change?
While it may take a bit longer, the result is a tender and juicy steak that’s sure to impress. In this article, we’ll show you how to cook beef skirt steak in the oven using different methods and techniques.
Whether you’re a seasoned cook or just starting out, we’ve got you covered. So, let’s get started and learn how to make a delicious skirt steak that will have everyone asking for seconds!
How To Cook Beef Skirt Steak In The Oven?
There are several ways to cook beef skirt steak in the oven, and we’ll cover a few of them here.
One method involves preheating the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and placing the steak on a rimmed baking sheet. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the steak becomes browned, then flip it over and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Use a thermometer to check that the temperature reaches 120-125°F, then rest for 5 minutes on a plate tented with foil.
Another method involves preheating the oven broiler to 450 F and placing a rack at the lower third of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it, then lightly brush both sides of the steak with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place it on the prepared sheet and broil for 3-4 minutes per side (flip only once) or until the internal temperature reaches 130 F for medium-rare or 140 for medium. Thinner sections will need considerably less time and possibly a brief broil only on one side; remove these pieces out of the oven first. Transfer cooked steak to a cutting board and allow to rest before you slice it against the grain (hold knife at 45 degrees to the width).
A third method involves placing the skirt steak in a pan sprayed with oil to keep it from sticking. You can bake other foods with it that you want to serve with the skirt steak. Once your oven has properly heated, place the steak in the oven for 7 minutes. Then flip it over and cook it on the other side for just half that amount of time. If you want it done more, you can cook it for up to 9 minutes, and for a rarer steak, cook for 5-6 minutes.
Choosing The Right Cut Of Beef Skirt Steak
When it comes to choosing the right cut of beef skirt steak, it’s important to consider the thickness and texture of the meat. Skirt steak is a long and thin cut of meat that can be tough due to its muscle fibers, especially the outer skirt steak. However, it has a rich flavor that makes it a popular choice for dishes like carne asada.
If you’re looking for a more tender cut of beef skirt steak, consider opting for the inside skirt steak. This cut is known for its robust flavor profile and can be marinated and grilled hot for fajitas or used for stir-fry. It’s thicker, wider, and heavier than the outer skirt steak, making it a better choice for oven cooking.
When cooking beef skirt steak in the oven, it’s important to choose a thicker cut of meat to ensure it doesn’t dry out during cooking. The inside skirt steak is a good choice for this method as it has more fat and marbling than the outer skirt steak. It’s also important to let the meat rest after cooking to allow the juices to redistribute and ensure maximum tenderness.
Preparing The Skirt Steak For Oven Cooking
Before you start cooking your skirt steak in the oven, there are a few steps you need to take to ensure the best results. First, bring the steak to room temperature by leaving it out for about 45 minutes. This will help it cook more evenly.
Next, season the steak with salt and pepper. You can be generous with the salt, as it will help to enhance the flavor of the meat. Make sure to season both sides of the steak evenly.
If your skirt steak is one long continuous piece, use a sharp knife to section it into two or three portions where the thickness transitions from thin to very thin. This will help it cook more evenly.
For the first method mentioned above, lightly spray a rimmed baking sheet with cooking spray and preheat the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit. For the second method, line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it before placing the steak on it.
For both methods, lightly brush both sides of the steak with olive oil. This will help to keep the meat moist and prevent it from sticking to the pan.
Once you have prepared your steak, place it on the baking sheet or in the pan and transfer it to the oven. Cook according to the instructions for your chosen method and use a thermometer to check that the internal temperature reaches 120-125°F for medium-rare or 130-140°F for medium.
Once your steak is cooked to your desired level of doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing against the grain. This will help to ensure that your steak is tender and juicy.
By following these steps, you can prepare your skirt steak for oven cooking and achieve delicious results every time.
Oven Cooking Methods For Beef Skirt Steak
When it comes to cooking beef skirt steak in the oven, there are a few different methods you can try. The first method involves preheating the oven to 450 degrees Fahrenheit and placing the steak on a rimmed baking sheet. This method is great for achieving a medium-rare steak that is tender and juicy. Cook for 5-6 minutes until the steak becomes browned, then flip it over and cook for another 4-5 minutes. Use a thermometer to check that the temperature reaches 120-125°F, then rest for 5 minutes on a plate tented with foil.
Another method involves using the broiler setting on your oven. Preheat the oven broiler to 450 F and place a rack at the lower third of the oven. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or grease it, then lightly brush both sides of the steak with olive oil and season with salt and pepper. Place it on the prepared sheet and broil for 3-4 minutes per side (flip only once) or until the internal temperature reaches 130 F for medium-rare or 140 for medium. Thinner sections will need considerably less time and possibly a brief broil only on one side; remove these pieces out of the oven first. Transfer cooked steak to a cutting board and allow to rest before you slice it against the grain (hold knife at 45 degrees to the width).
A third method involves placing the skirt steak in a pan sprayed with oil to keep it from sticking. This is a great method if you want to bake other foods with it that you want to serve with the skirt steak. Once your oven has properly heated, place the steak in the oven for 7 minutes. Then flip it over and cook it on the other side for just half that amount of time. If you want it done more, you can cook it for up to 9 minutes, and for a rarer steak, cook for 5-6 minutes.
No matter which method you choose, be sure to check the internal temperature of your steak using a thermometer to ensure that it is cooked all the way through. It should be 145-165°F, as this will help ensure that most of the bacteria (particularly harmful bacteria) is killed before you consume the food. Remember that cooking times may vary depending on your oven and how thick your steak is, so be sure to keep an eye on it as it cooks. Once your beef skirt steak is cooked to perfection, allow it to rest before slicing against the grain and serving hot.
Tips For Achieving The Perfectly Cooked Skirt Steak
Cooking skirt steak in the oven can be a bit tricky, but with the right tips and techniques, you can achieve the perfect cook every time. Here are some tips to help you cook the perfect skirt steak in the oven.
1. Dry the surface of the steak: Before seasoning or cooking your skirt steak, make sure to dry the surface thoroughly. Any excess moisture will create steam and reduce the likelihood of creating a nice crust on the steak.
2. Don’t overcook: Skirt steak is thin and lean, so going past medium-rare or medium doneness will yield an extremely dry and chewy steak. The best texture comes with just a few minutes of contact on the heated surface, to medium-rare doneness.
3. Cook it hot! Cook it fast: Skirt steak doesn’t have much connective tissue, so hot and fast is the best way to cook it to end up with a tender piece of meat. The brief flash time, just a few minutes on each side, ensures a juicy finish.
4. Marinate for tenderness: Skirt steak doesn’t have to be marinated, but it should be marinated to increase tenderness due to its tough connective tissues. Marinating with an acid such as citrus or vinegar chemically breaks down the tough fibers so it not only becomes buttery tender but drinks up notes of the marinade.
5. Resting is key: Resting your skirt steak is important because the heat of cooking pulls the juices in the meat toward the surface; if you slice into it immediately after cooking, those flavorful juices will end up on your plate, not in your steak. Allowing your steak to rest will give the juices time to sink back in and throughout the meat, keeping it moist and flavorful.
By following these tips, you can achieve a perfectly cooked skirt steak in the oven that is juicy, flavorful, and tender. Experiment with different marinades and seasonings to create your own unique twist on this classic cut of beef.
Serving And Enjoying Your Oven-Cooked Skirt Steak
Now that you’ve cooked your beef skirt steak in the oven, it’s time to serve and enjoy it. Here are some tips to make the most of your delicious steak:
1. Let it rest: Once your steak is cooked, let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavorful.
2. Slice against the grain: When you’re ready to slice your steak, make sure to cut against the grain. This means cutting perpendicular to the lines of muscle fibers in the meat. This will make it easier to chew and more tender.
3. Pair with sides: Skirt steak pairs well with a variety of sides, including roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a crisp salad. Consider adding a flavorful sauce or marinade to enhance the taste of your steak.
4. Enjoy with wine: A glass of red wine can be the perfect accompaniment to your oven-cooked skirt steak. Choose a full-bodied red like Cabernet Sauvignon or Malbec to complement the rich flavors of the meat.
5. Store leftovers properly: If you have any leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to three days. You can reheat them in the oven or on the stovetop for a quick and easy meal.
By following these tips, you can serve and enjoy your oven-cooked skirt steak to perfection!