This Best Marinade for Grilling Skirt Steak is the secret to elevating your grilling game. With a perfect balance of savory and sweet flavors, this marinade not only enhances the natural taste of skirt steak but also tenderizes it, making it ideal for summer barbecues, family gatherings, or a cozy dinner at home. The combination of soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and spices creates a unique flavor profile that will impress your guests every time.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredible Flavor: The blend of soy sauce, Dijon mustard, and garlic infuses the steak with mouthwatering tastes.
Quick Prep: With just 10 minutes of prep time, you can easily whip up this marinade before heading to the grill.
Versatile Use: While perfect for skirt steak, this marinade works well with other cuts of beef and even chicken.
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this recipe fits all occasions.
Easy Cleanup: Marinating in a zip bag means less mess and easy cleanup after cooking.

Tools and Preparation

Before you start marinating your skirt steak, gather the essential tools to make the process smooth and enjoyable.

Essential Tools and Equipment

Ziploc bags
Grill
Knife
Cutting board

Importance of Each Tool

Ziploc bags: Perfect for mixing ingredients while keeping everything contained. They allow for effective marination without mess.
Grill: The ideal cooking tool for achieving that delicious charred flavor on your steak. A good grill makes all the difference in texture and taste.

Ingredients

Very flavorful marinade for steak!

For the Marinade

1/4 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup Dijon mustard
3 tablespoons red apple vinegar
1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
2 tablespoons molasses
3 medium garlic cloves (peeled & smashed with the side of a knife)
1/2 medium onion (chopped)

For the Steak

2 pounds skirt steak

For Garnish

2 tablespoons fresh parsley, finely chopped

How to Make Best Marinade for Grilling Skirt Steak

Step 1: Prepare the Marinade

Mix all marinade ingredients in a large zip bag. Smash the ingredients around to mix them together thoroughly.

Step 2: Marinate the Steak

Add the skirt steak into the zip bag. Seal it tightly and refrigerate for 3 to 12 hours to let the flavors meld into the meat.

Step 3: Preheat Your Grill

Fifteen minutes before grilling, remove the steak from the refrigerator. Let it sit at room temperature while preheating your grill to medium heat.

Step 4: Grill the Steak

Remove the steak from the marinade. Place it on the hot grill and cook for about 5 to 8 minutes per side. Adjust time based on your preferred level of doneness.

Step 5: Rest and Serve

Once grilled to your liking, remove the steak from the grill. Let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve with fresh parsley garnish and enjoy!

How to Serve Best Marinade for Grilling Skirt Steak

Serving skirt steak marinated with the best marinade for grilling enhances its flavor and tenderness. Here are some creative ways to enjoy your grilled skirt steak.

Tacos

Use warm corn or flour tortillas, topped with fresh cilantro, diced onions, and a squeeze of lime for a delicious taco experience.

Salad

Slice the grilled skirt steak over a bed of mixed greens, cherry tomatoes, and avocado. Drizzle with a light vinaigrette for a refreshing salad.

Sandwiches

Layer the sliced steak in a crusty baguette or sandwich roll with caramelized onions and melted cheese for a hearty meal.

Rice Bowls

Serve the sliced skirt steak over rice or quinoa, adding grilled vegetables and your favorite sauce for a nutritious bowl.

How to Perfect Best Marinade for Grilling Skirt Steak

To ensure your skirt steak turns out perfectly every time, consider these helpful tips.

Choose quality meat: Select fresh, high-quality skirt steak for the best texture and flavor.
Marinate properly: Allow at least 3 hours of marination; longer marinating (up to 12 hours) intensifies flavor.
Use room temperature: Let the steak sit at room temperature for about 15 minutes before grilling to promote even cooking.
Preheat grill: Make sure your grill is preheated to medium heat before placing the meat on it for optimal searing.
Monitor cooking time: Grill each side for 5 to 8 minutes depending on your preferred doneness; avoid overcooking.
Rest before slicing: Allow the steak to rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes after grilling to retain juices.

Best Side Dishes for Best Marinade for Grilling Skirt Steak

Pairing side dishes with your skirt steak can elevate your meal. Here are some delicious options that complement this flavorful dish.

Grilled Vegetables: A medley of zucchini, bell peppers, and asparagus drizzled with olive oil makes a colorful side.
Corn on the Cob: Sweet corn brushed with butter adds a delightful crunch and sweetness that pairs well with savory steak.
Baked Potatoes: Fluffy baked potatoes topped with sour cream and chives are classic accompaniments that never disappoint.
Coleslaw: A crunchy coleslaw adds freshness and balance to the rich flavors of grilled skirt steak.
Garlic Mashed Potatoes: Creamy mashed potatoes infused with garlic provide comfort alongside your main dish.
Quinoa Salad: A light quinoa salad with herbs and lemon dressing offers a healthy option that complements the meal.

Common Mistakes to Avoid

When preparing the Best Marinade for Grilling Skirt Steak, there are some common pitfalls you should steer clear of. Here are a few mistakes to watch out for:

Not allowing enough marinating time: Skirt steak needs time to absorb the flavors. Aim for at least 3 hours, but ideally let it marinate for up to 12 hours for maximum flavor.
Skipping the resting period: After grilling, it’s crucial to let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy steak.
Using a too hot grill: High heat is great, but if your grill is too hot, it can char the outside before the inside cooks through. Aim for medium heat to achieve even cooking.
Failing to slice against the grain: Cutting against the grain helps maintain tenderness. Always check the direction of the muscle fibers before slicing.
Overlooking ingredient quality: The quality of your marinade ingredients affects the final taste. Use fresh garlic, high-quality olive oil, and good soy sauce for the best results.

Refrigerator Storage

Store leftover skirt steak in an airtight container.
It can be refrigerated for up to 3 days.

Freezing Best Marinade for Grilling Skirt Steak

Place marinated skirt steak in a freezer-safe bag or container.
It can be frozen for up to 3 months. Ensure that you remove as much air as possible.

Reheating Best Marinade for Grilling Skirt Steak

Oven: Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C). Wrap the steak in foil and reheat until warmed through, about 10-15 minutes.
Microwave: Use a microwave-safe dish and cover with a lid or microwave-safe wrap. Heat in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Stovetop: Heat a skillet over medium heat and add a little oil. Sear each side of the steak briefly until warmed through.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate skirt steak?

Marinating skirt steak should take between 3 to 12 hours. This allows the flavors from your marinade to penetrate deeply into the meat.

Can I use this marinade on other cuts of beef?

Yes! While this is the Best Marinade for Grilling Skirt Steak, it works well with other cuts like flank steak or even chicken.

What sides pair well with grilled skirt steak?

Grilled vegetables, baked potatoes, or a fresh salad complement skirt steak beautifully. Try serving with chimichurri sauce for added flavor.

How can I customize this marinade?

Feel free to add spices like cumin or chili powder for an extra kick. You can also swap out vinegars or mustards based on your taste preference.

Final Thoughts

The Best Marinade for Grilling Skirt Steak offers incredible flavor and versatility. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or preparing a weeknight dinner, this recipe adapts well to various occasions. Don’t hesitate to customize it with your favorite herbs and spices! Give it a try; you’ll be delighted by how delicious your skirt steak turns out!