The ultimate guide to skirt steak tacos: how to sear it to perfection on the stove

Skirt steak is a flavorful and budget-friendly cut of meat that’s perfect for tacos. When cooked properly, it’s tender, juicy, and packed with umami. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll take you through the step-by-step process of how to cook skirt steak on the stove for tacos.

Choosing the Right Skirt Steak

• Thickness: Choose a skirt steak that’s about 1/4 to 1/2 inch thick. Thicker steaks will take longer to cook and may not cook evenly.
• Marbling: Look for a skirt steak with some marbling, which will add flavor and tenderness.
• Grain: The grain of the steak should run perpendicular to the short edge. This will make it easier to cut against the grain and produce tender tacos.

Marinating the Steak

Marinating the skirt steak helps tenderize it and infuse it with flavor. Here’s a simple marinade:

• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup lime juice
• 2 tablespoons chopped cilantro
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ground cumin
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Combine the ingredients in a bowl and stir well. Add the steak to the marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight.

Cooking the Steak

1. Prepare the skillet: Heat a large cast-iron skillet or grill pan over medium-high heat.
2. Remove the steak from the marinade: Remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Discard the marinade.
3. Season the steak: Season the steak with additional salt and pepper to taste.
4. Sear the steak: Place the steak in the hot skillet and sear it for 2-3 minutes per side, or until it’s browned and slightly charred.
5. Reduce heat: Reduce the heat to medium and continue cooking the steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired doneness.
6. Rest the steak: Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This will allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful taco.

Slicing and Serving

• Slice against the grain: Use a sharp knife to slice the steak thinly against the grain.
• Serve immediately: Serve the sliced steak on warm tortillas with your favorite taco toppings, such as cilantro, onions, salsa, and guacamole.

Tips for Perfect Skirt Steak Tacos

• Don’t overcook the steak: Skirt steak is a thin cut of meat, so it’s important not to overcook it. Overcooked steak will be tough and chewy.
• Use a sharp knife: A sharp knife will help you slice the steak thinly and against the grain, which will result in more tender tacos.
• Don’t be afraid to experiment with marinades: There are many different marinades you can use for skirt steak. Experiment with different flavors to find what you like best.
• Don’t skip the resting period: Allowing the steak to rest before slicing will help the juices redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful taco.

FAQs

Q: What is the best way to marinate skirt steak?

A: The best way to marinate skirt steak is to use a flavorful marinade that contains acidic ingredients, such as lime juice or vinegar. These ingredients will help tenderize the steak and infuse it with flavor.

Q: How long should I cook skirt steak on the stovetop?

A: The cooking time will vary depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired doneness. As a general rule, cook the steak for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, 3-4 minutes per side for medium, and 4-5 minutes per side for medium-well.

Q: Can I use a different cut of meat for tacos?

A: Yes, you can use other cuts of meat for tacos, such as flank steak, top round steak, or sirloin steak. However, skirt steak is a particularly good choice for tacos because it’s flavorful, tender, and relatively inexpensive.