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The Best Tender & Flavorful Skirt Steak Marinade for Grilling

Close-up of perfectly grilled and sliced skirt steak showing a medium-rare center on a white plate.

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Learn how to cook skirt steak to be tender and juicy every time using this simple, savory citrus marinade. This recipe is perfect for grilling or broiling and makes amazing carne asada for tacos.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 2 pounds skirt steak, trimmed
  • 1/2 cup fresh lime juice
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro
  • 4 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the lime juice, olive oil, cilantro, minced garlic, cumin, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes to create the best skirt steak marinade.
  2. Place the skirt steak in a large, resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is fully coated.
  3. Seal the bag or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but no more than 8 hours, to prevent the citrus from making the meat mushy. This step is key for tender skirt steak.
  4. Remove the steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come closer to room temperature. Discard the used marinade.
  5. Preheat your grill to high heat (about 450 degrees F) or set your oven broiler to high. Lightly oil the grates or broiler pan.
  6. Grill or broil the skirt steak for 3 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare (130 degrees F internal temperature). Cooking time depends on thickness. Do not overcook to prevent chewy steak.
  7. Remove the steak from the heat and let it rest on a cutting board for 10 minutes before slicing.
  8. Slice the skirt steak thinly against the grain for the juiciest skirt steak results. Serve immediately, perhaps for skirt steak tacos.

Notes

  • For maximum tenderness, always slice skirt steak against the grain after resting.
  • If you are making carne asada recipe style, use a high-heat grilling method for a good sear.
  • This marinade works well for flank steak if you do not have skirt steak.

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