• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar

Kitchen Laughter logo

  • Home
  • About
    • Contact Us
    • Privacy Policy
  • Recipe Index
  • Resources
menu icon
go to homepage
search icon
Homepage link
  • Home
  • About Us
  • Recipe Index
  • Resources
    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
  • ×

    Home » Kitchen Laughter Recipes Blog » Beef

    Grilled Skirt Steak

    Published: Jun 16, 2022 · Modified: Jan 17, 2023 by Jason C · This post may contain affiliate links ·

    Share
    Pin1
    1 Shares
    Jump to Recipe Print Recipe

    This Grilled Skirt Steak recipe is FAST (10 Minutes) and so delicious! It is served with a black garlic aioli that adds a sweet and earthy depth of flavor that will make your mouth water!

    grilled skirt steak sliced on the cutting board with the black garlic aioli and bread.
    Grilled Skirt Steak with Black Garlic Aioli
    Contents hide
    1 🍽️ Why This Works
    2 🐄 Ingredients
    3 📝 Ingredient Notes
    4 ⏲️ Equipment and Tools
    5 🔥 Instructions
    6 ❗ Recipe Tips and Tricks
    7 🧑‍🍳 Storage and Reheating
    8 Meal Prep
    9 Additions and Substitutions
    10 Serving Suggestions
    11 ❓ Recipe FAQ
    12 Grilled Skirt Steak

    Everything you need to know on how to grill a skirt steak to come out tender, juicy and melt in your mouth is right here and it couldn’t be more simple. Topped with a fast black garlic aioli sauce simply takes it the next level of grilling.

    🍽️ Why This Works

    Fast – I love recipes that taste amazing, but take just minutes to make. This cut of meat is best cooked on 450°+ temperatures for just three or four minutes per side. You’ll probably spend more time heating up the grill than actually cooking.

    Aioli – I used a black garlic aioli which was remarkably sweet and earthy. You can make this ahead of time to save even more time.

    Delicious – We loved this dish straight off the grill and the leftovers too. I swear that some meals get better in the fridge overnight – and this is one of them!

    🐄 Ingredients

    ingredient photo showing the skirt steak and everything needed for the black garlic aioli with labels.
    Ingredients for the Steak and Aioli

    📝 Ingredient Notes

    Inside Skirt Steak – This thin cut of beef is from the diaphragm muscles and contains tough, white fibers that you can see. There are a couple of tricks to help address that and we’ll cover those later in the article. If you can’t find inside skirt steak, you can substitute it with the flank our outside skirt. If you don’t see it on the store shelf, ask the butcher and decide if you want the prime vs the choice version.

    Black Garlic Aioli – The star of the show here is the black garlic. These are just regular garlic cloves that have been treated to very warm temperatures in a humid environment for several weeks until they turn black. They change their flavor profile during this time and the ‘sharp’ garlic flavor goes away. In its place is a sweet, earthy taste that is extremely smooth. If you haven’t ever tried this, now is the time!


    ⏲️ Equipment and Tools

    Food Processor – You will need a small food processor to make the aioli. It doesn’t have to be very large.

    Grill – This recipe works great on gas and Kamado grills alike. The key is bringing the temperature up to at least 450°.

    GrillGrate – This is one of my favorite grilling tools. I wrote a GrillGrate review if you want more detailed information on it. It serves two primary purposes. First, the fins become super-heated and seals in the juices. Second, the valleys minimize anything dripping into hte flames, creating undesired smoke.


    🔥 Instructions

    six process photos showing how to make the black garlic aioli and putting it in a small mason jar.
    Rich and Sweet Black Garlic Aioli

    Step One: Add all of the ingredients to a small food processor and pulse it a few times until it is well mixed.

    Step Two: Add red pepper to taste after you have tasted it. We like a little bit of heat in a dish, so the red pepper added a kick. Try it first!

    Step Three: Pour the aioli into a small jar and refrigerate until you are ready to use it.

    Try the aioli sauce on Smoked Flank Steak, Grilled Bison Steaks, Smoked Top Round or Grilled Flat Iron.

    Note: I find that letting the aioli’s flavors enhance after a day in the fridge, so I try to make this ahead of time. As a benefit, it saves me time during the day of the cook.

    Grilling the Skirt Steak

    process photos showing seasoning the skirt steak and searing it on both sides for just a few minutes.
    Super Fast Instruction!

    Step One: Lay the skirt steak out flat and add salt and pepper to each side. You’ll see a lot of recipes say that you should marinate this cut of meat in order to keep it tender, but I have found that the hot and fast cooking method drives the tenderness more than a marinade.

    Step Two: Preheat the grill to 450° on direct heat. I added the GrillGrate as it spreads out the heat and virtually eliminates hot spots. I find it helpful to oil the grate with olive oil to minimize sticking.

    Step Three: Grilling the skirt steak each side for three minutes and remove it.

    Note: You’ll want the internal temperature to be medium rare to medium (135° to 145°). Unfortunately, this cut of beef is so thin, it may be hard to take the temperature. If you are in doubt, cut it open and check.

    Step Four: Remove the skirt steak from the grill (and put out the charcoal) and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing.

    ❗ Recipe Tips and Tricks

    This cut of meat can be tough it you aren’t careful. The hot grill makes the biggest difference, but when it is time to slice, make sure you cut it into thin slices against the grain.

    Drizzle the aioli over the steak. You really won’t believe how delicious this is!

    Don’t let the steak cook to more than a medium temperature or it risks become tough and chewy.

    🧑‍🍳 Storage and Reheating

    Slice the steak and store in the refrigerator for 2-3 days. Keep the aioli stored in a jar. To reheat, you can use the microwave, but don’t let it cook for too long or it may toughen up.

    You can add the steak to a hot skillet to heat up as well.

    Meal Prep

    Definitely make the aioli a day or two ahead of time. While it is a super fast recipe, I would rather you spend time with your family and friends during the day of the grilling.

    The steak is seasoned with salt and pepper which doesn’t require a lot of preparation.

    Prepare any vegetable or sides ahead of time, or plan it out knowing the grill will be hot and the steak finished in just a few minutes.

    Additions and Substitutions

    Marinade – A marinade is not necessary for this recipe, but if you do want to use one, go for it. Most marinades include olive oil, garlic, honey, soy sauce and red pepper flakes, but this is completely customizable.

    The oil in the marinade will help minimize the skirt steak from sticking to the grill.

    There are several cuts of beef that can be used as a substitute. Don’t worry if you can’t find this exact cut.

    top down view of the grilled skirt steak with black garlic aioli in a jar and drizzled on top.
    Slice the Skirt Steak AGAINST the Grain

    Serving Suggestions

    With this fast of a recipe, you’ll want a vegetable or side dish that is made quickly as well.

    Grilled Broccolini – This simple recipe works perfectly with the steak. It is light, bright, and has a refreshing crunch.

    Grilled Sweet Onions – The sweetness of the onions complements the aioli and you’ll love the combination of the flavors.

    Grilled Tater Tot Bombs – You don’t have to be a kid to love tater tots! These are wrapped in bacon and you’ll have a line of empty plates with folks asking for more!

    ❓ Recipe FAQ

    What is the Difference Between Skirt and Flank Steak

    The skirt steak is cut from the cow’s diaphragm where the flank steak is cut from the loin. More noticeable is that the flank steak is thicker and wider than the skirt. It is the thin cut that makes this recipe so quick and easy.

    Is Inside Skirt Steak the Same as Skirt Steak

    Skirt steak is the generic term of both inside and outside skirt steak cuts. While the outside skirt is a bit larger and thicker, they both are ideally suited for hot and fast grilling.

    Is Inside Skirt Steak Tough?

    It can be tough, but taking a few precautions, including the slicing, will minimize this. Cooks hot and fast and sliced thin against the grain will make all the difference.

    How long to grill skirt steak?

    On a very hot grill, grill it 3 minutes per side and allow to rest. This is not the best cut of meat to cook until it is well done.

    Related Recipes

    • Best Flank Steak Substitutes
    • Smoked Flank Steak
    • Grilled Greek Steak Bites {15 Minutes}
    • Peppercorn Crusted Grilled Eye of Round Roast {70 Minutes}

    Tried this recipe? Please leave a star ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ rating in the recipe card below and/or a review in the comments section further down the page. You can also stay in touch with me through social media by following me on Instagram, Pinterest, and Facebook!

    grilled skirt steak sliced on the cutting board with the black garlic aioli and bread.

    Grilled Skirt Steak

    Sink your teeth into this tender and succulent Grilled Skirt Steak drizzled with black garlic aoili sauce. It is perfect for a quick weeknight dinner and night enough for Saturday night guests.
    No ratings yet
    Print Pin
    Course: Main Course, Sauce
    Cuisine: American
    Prep Time: 5 minutes
    Cook Time: 6 minutes
    Black Garlic Aioli Sauce: 5 minutes
    Total Time: 16 minutes
    Servings: 6
    Calories: 234kcal
    Author: Jason

    Equipment

    • Grill
    • Food Processor small

    Ingredients

    Black Garlic Aoili

    • 6 cloves Black Garlic
    • 2 cloves Garlic
    • ½ cup Mayonnaise
    • 1 ½ tbsp Lemon Juice
    • 1 tsp Worcestershire Sauce
    • pinch Red Pepper Flakes crushed

    Grilled Skirt Steak

    • 2 lb Skirt Steak
    • Salt and Pepper

    Instructions

    Garlic Aioli

    • Combine all of the ingredients in a small food processor and pulse a few times until it is a smooth consistency.
    • Refrigerate until ready to use.

    Grilled Skirt Steak

    • Heat grill up to 450 degrees. It is critical that the grill is hot before starting to cook.
    • Sprinkle steak with salt and pepper.
    • Place the skirt steak on the GrillGrate or Cast Iron Skillet and grill for three minutes per side. That should result in a medium rare temperature. If you aren't sure, slice it open to check. Getting a thermometer in this thin cut of beef is tough.
    • Remove from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes. Slice it AGAINST the grain and drizzle with the black garlic aioli to serve.

    Notes

    GrillGrate – Use a GrillGrate or cast iron skillet to cook the skirt steak.  This cut has a tendency to be tough, but a hot and fast cook to a lower temperature will keep it more tender.
    Aioli – You can make this recipe JUST for the black garlic aioli.  The black garlic is sweet and earthy and is a wonderful surprise on the steak.
    Slice Against the Grain – After it has rested, slice this thinly against the grain of the meat.  This makes a huge difference in keeping this tender.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 234kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 11g | Saturated Fat: 4g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 113mg | Potassium: 457mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 13IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 12mg | Iron: 3mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @kitchenlaughter or tag #kitchenlaughter!
    Grilled Skirt SteakGrilled Skirt Steak
    Share
    Pin1
    1 Shares
    « What is a Blue Steak?
    Difference Between Porterhouse and T-Bone Steak »

    Primary Sidebar

    family photo
    Welcome!  We love to grill and have a blast trying new recipes!  Join us and explore our favorite grilling recipes.

    Join the Kitchen Laughter Crew!

    Subscribe to get exclusive deals, tips, and the lastest info you need to step up your grilling game!

      We won't send you spam, but you can unsubscribe at any time. :-)

      Powered By ConvertKit
      • Facebook
      • Instagram
      • Pinterest

      Most Popular Posts

      Delicious Grilled Beer Can Chicken

      Beer Can Chicken Fresh off the Grill

      Smoked Cauliflower {45 Minutes}

      whole head of cauliflower in a cast iron skillet in front of the big green egg.

      How to Home Cure and Smoke Bacon

      Smoking Bacon on the Big Green Egg
      graphic showing publications that kitchen laughter was featured in.
      • Home
      • About Us
      • Recipe Index
      • Resources

      Footer

      About

      • Privacy Policy
      • Disclaimer
      • Accessibility Policy

      Contact

      • Contact

      As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.