As an ardent griller, I’m always looking for the finest meats to use and produce the most delectable results.
One of my favorite cuts is skirt steak — it has plenty of flavors, cooks quickly, and provides a delicious meal every time.
But when it comes to skirting steak, there’s one major decision that must be made: Inside skirt or outside?
The outside skirt steak can’t compare to the flavor, tenderness, and overall delectability of the inside skirt steak.
While both provide their own unique advantages and flavors, which one reigns supreme?
In this blog post, I’ll explore which cut of skirt steak is better so you can make informed choices when crafting your next BBQ feast!
What Is Skirt Steak?
Skirt steak is a flavorful cut of beef known for its bold flavor profile and tender texture.
The outside skirt/diaphragm muscle or the inside skirt/transversus abdominis muscle are the two muscles from which the skirt steak is cut and usually has more fat and a thicker texture than other cuts.
Because it’s so flavorful, skirt steak is an excellent choice for grilling, though slow braising is an option as well.
This cut works especially well with assertive marinades that contain acid or spice, as this helps to break down the meat.
Skirt steaks are commonly used in Latin American and Caribbean cuisines, such as tacos or fajitas but can also be served as steaks on their own with creamy sauces or chimichurri butter.
No matter how you decide to cook them, skirt steaks are sure to be a real crowd-pleaser!
Also Read: Is Smoked Salmon Considered Raw?
The Inside Skirt Steak
Inside skirt steak is a flavorful cut of beef derived from the cow’s transversus abdominis muscle.
It has a distinctively tough texture, but when cooked correctly, it becomes tender and succulent.
A marinade can help to break down the tough fibers of the meat, making it more tender and providing an even more robust flavor.
Because of its intense flavor and relatively affordable price tag, the inside skirt steak has become a popular cut in many Latin American cuisines.
This versatile cut can be used to make everything from tacos to fajitas to spicy stews – the possibilities are endless!
The Outside Skirt Steak
The outside skirt steak is a tender, flavourful cut of beef which melts in your mouth when cooked correctly.
It’s best when served medium-rare and grilled or pan-fried over high heat with little more than a simple seasoning of sea salt and cracked black pepper.
The outside skirt steak is made from the diaphragm muscle, which is located between the sixth and twelfth ribs on each side of the cow.
With its delightful taste, it’s no surprise that this cut is often featured in classic Mexican dishes like fajitas, making it an excellent addition to your next family dinner!
Inside Vs. Outside Skirt Steak: What Are The Differences?
In case you have trouble telling the difference between the inside and the outside skirt steak due to the similarities between the two, the following is a brief rundown on the distinctions between the two.
1- The Size
The outside skirt steak is longer in width and length but thinner, resulting in a faster cooking time due to less cleaning up needed!
The inside skirt steak, however, may seem more petite compared to its exterior companion, but that does not mean it will sacrifice flavor.
2- The Difference In Appearance
The most noticeable distinction between the two types of skirt steak is their appearance.
The inside skirt steak is much thinner than the outside skirt steak.
Additionally, the inside skirt steak has a more uniform shape, while the outside skirt steak is more irregular in shape.
3- The Preparation
The inside cut contains more fat, along with a thick membrane that needs to be removed prior to cooking.
This contrasts with the outside skirt cut, which has less fat but still enough to make your experience both mouthwatering and enjoyable when cooked correctly.
Plus, as this cut has fewer fats detected than an inner form, it also makes a great nutritional option when needed.
4- The Cooking Method
To get the most sweetness out of your skirt steak, you need to know how to prepare it properly.
Grilling is an ideal way to do so, as the inside will not dry out while cooking.
Plus, if you are careful with the heat and cook times, you can effortlessly achieve that rich sear on both sides while keeping the center of the cut at medium rare, locking in all that sumptuous flavor!
Everyone loves a juicy steak, and following these simple instructions will ensure your next dinner is divine!
5- The Flavor
The inside skirt steak and outside skirt steak offer different flavor profiles despite being cut from the same part of the cow.
Because of its higher fat content, the inside cut has a beefier, fuller flavor, making it ideal for dishes like fajitas or marinated in bold flavors.
Why Should You Try A Skirt Steak?
There is widespread consensus that a steak is one of the most mouthwatering cuts of beef.
The availability of so many different steak cuts, on the other hand, might make it challenging for anyone to choose which cut of steak is ideal.
There are numerous strong arguments in favor of giving the skirt steak a try, making it one of the most popular steak cuts available at supermarkets.
1- Flavorful
If you are looking for a cut of beef that is packed with flavor, then a skirt steak is a great option.
This area of the cow gets a lot of exercise, which results in the meat is very flavorful.
2- Tender
In addition to being flavorful, skirt steak is also very tender. This is because it comes from a part of the cow that does not get much exercise.
As a result, the muscle fibers in the meat are shorter, which makes it more tender.
3- Versatile
Another reason to try skirt steak is that it is very versatile.
It can be grilled, pan-fried, or even baked. Additionally, it can be served with a variety of different sauces or seasonings.
4- Affordable
If you are on a budget, skirt steak is a great option as it is relatively affordable.
It is typically less expensive than other cuts of beef, such as ribeye or filet mignon.
5- Cooks Quickly
Another benefit of skirt steak is that it cooks quickly.
This is due to its thinness and its lack of fat content.
As a result, it only requires a few minutes on each side to reach the desired level of doneness.
6- Can Be Sliced Thinly
If you are looking for a cut of beef that can be sliced thinly, then skirt steak is a good option.
This makes it ideal for dishes such as fajitas or stir-fries where thin strips of beef are desired.
7- Has A Good Fat Content
While some people may shy away from eating beef because of its fat content, skirt steak actually has a good amount of fat.
This fat helps to add flavor and juiciness to the meat. Additionally, the fat content helps to keep the meat moist during cooking.
8- Easy To Prepare
If you are new to cooking beef, then skirt steak is a good option as it is easy to prepare.
Simply season the meat with salt and pepper and cook it over high heat for a few minutes per side.
9- An Excellent Source For Vitamins And Protein
Consuming food serves the primary purpose of providing the body with the necessary nutrients.
Hemoglobin is vital for the body’s ability to transport oxygen throughout the body.
10- Easy To Store
In a refrigerator, a skirt steak will keep for no more than five days, but it will keep for as long as a year in the freezer.
Because of its flexible surface and narrow incisions, it can be shaped to fit perfectly inside your freezer.
How Does Skirt Steak Taste?
Skirt steak has a beloved reputation as one of the most flavorful cuts of beef around. It is known for its full-bodied, robust taste, making it a popular cut among steak lovers.
This prized cut possesses an intensely beefy flavor and delivers a pleasant chewiness when cooked correctly.
Due to its long muscle fibers, skirt steak is best cooked under high heat, usually over the grill or stovetop.
To go along with its zesty taste, skirt steak frequently contains generous amounts of fat marbling throughout the meat.
Further adding to its succulent and tender texture – an all-in-one experience that never fails to knock consumers off their feet!
Names For The Skirt Steak
If you’ve ever entered a store and the clerk pretended not to know what a skirt steak was, then you’ve probably asked yourself, “What is skirt steak called in the grocery store?”
The name “Romanian tenderloin” originates from the Jewish community, and the name “Arachera Mexican” comes from Mexico.
The name “Philadelphia steak” was given to the skirt steak because it works so well in cheesesteak sandwiches.
How To Cook Skirt Steak?
Grilling is the most effective method for preparing skirt steak, regardless of whether it is an inside or outside steak.
If you are familiar with how to use a grill, you already have a decent handle on the fundamentals of preparing skirt steak.
The following are some of the steps that will be taken during the cooking experience.
1- Marinate It:
It is a good idea to marinate skirt steak since it will make the steak more tasty and appetizing.
Before you put it on the grill, you should let it marinate for about half an hour at the very least.
2- Dry Rub:
The use of a dry rub for the steak is something that should be considered.
The steak’s natural tastes can be brought out with the help of a dry rub made of ground black pepper and kosher salt.
This results in a delicious crust that provides an excellent contrast to the meat on the inside of the steak.
3- Grill It:
Prepare the meat by grilling it or searing it over high heat.
On average, two to five minutes should be allotted for cooking each side of the steak on the grill.
The length of time needed for this step is going to be determined by the cut’s thickness.
In general, you want the outer surface of the steak to have a char while the interior should continue to be moist.
Because it is a tough cut of meat, it is important not to overcook it, or it will turn rough.
4- Cutting It:
When serving the steak, cut in between the grain and against the grain.
This will help the steak feel more tender.
Tips For Cooking The Skirt Steak
If you have access to a skirt steak, there are a variety of delicious dishes that you may prepare with this cut of beef.
When cooking skirt steak, either on the inside or outside, the following are a few key pointers that you should keep in mind.
1- Before you begin cooking the steak, you should first let it marinate for at least half an hour.
The steak will develop additional tastes as a result of marinating, and the marinade will also soften the tough muscle fibers, resulting in a steak that is more tender.
2- If you want to cook your skirt steak to perfection, the easiest way to do so is to grill it over a high fire.
The steak gets a lovely brown on the outside while still being delicate on the inside when it is grilled over high heat.
3- If you want to make a delicious skirt steak, one of the keys to success is to ensure that the steak is sliced correctly.
To put it another way, when you are presenting the steak, make sure that it is cut against the grain.
4- Coating the skirt steak with ground black pepper before cooking creates a savory crust that makes the steak even tastier.
If you’re having trouble getting your steak to char on the outside without overcooking it on the inside, try placing it on indirect heat on your grill.
This means that you’ll need to have two zones set up on your grill – one on high heat and one on low heat – and then cook your steak on the low heat zone for most of the time.
Only flipping it over to the high heat zone for a minute or so per side to get those beautiful char marks.
FAQs
What is the best Part Of Skirt Steak?
The majority of the time, the outside skirt steak is regarded as being the superior cut of skirt steak.
It is more tasty, soft, and juicy than before.
Although the interior skirt steak has a lot of flavors, it has a tendency to be chewier than the outside skirt steak, and it does not have the same flavor and taste that comes from the juicy part of the meat.
Skirt Steak Vs. Flank Steak?
Both the skirt steak and the flank steak are extremely comparable pieces of meat that are lean and rough, and it is frequently easy to substitute one for the other.
However, they are distinct from one another in a number of significant respects.
The flank steak comes from the lower part of the abdomen, while the skirt steak comes from the chest.
In comparison to skirt steak, a flank steak is often larger, heavier, and more robust in terms of thickness and width.
When compared to flank steak, skirt steak often possesses a more robust meaty flavor and a higher total fat content than flank steak does.
Where To Buy Outside Skirt Steak?
When compared to inner skirt steak, outside skirt steak is much more difficult to procure.
Because it is a more succulent and delectable cut, outer skirt steak is sold for a higher price, and there is a greater demand for it.
As a consequence of this, the vast majority of the outside skirt steak is sold to industrial cooks, and a good portion of it is also exported.
If you want an excellent cut of outside skirt steak, you should probably go to a store or vendor that specializes in that kind of meat.
You should be prepared to spend a price that is substantially higher than the typical amount for an inside skirt steak.
Is Inside Or Outside Skirt Steak Better For Fajitas?
Despite the fact that fajitas are usually prepared with an outer skirt, which is a portion of the diaphragm muscle of the steer.
This cut of meat is virtually impossible to find unless you work in a restaurant that specializes in making special orders.
The inside skirt is the cut that is most likely to be found in a butcher shop or at a meat counter, and this will do just well for our purposes.
How Long Does Skirt Steak Take To Cook?
The cooking time for skirt steak will vary depending on how you are cooking it and how well done you like your meat.
For example, if you are grilling the steak, you will need to cook it for about two minutes per side for medium-rare or four minutes per side for medium-well.
If you are pan-frying the steak, you will need to cook it for about three minutes per side for medium-rare or five minutes per side for medium-well.
Is Churrasco Inside Or Outside Skirt Steak
Churrasco, often referred to as Brazilian barbeque, is usually made with outside skirt steak.
Although inside skirt steak can also be used, it is much less common.
Outside skirt steak has more fat than the inside cut and yields a juicier and tastier steak when cooked. For this reason, it is the preferred choice for churrasco.
The result is an unforgettable flavor profile that packs an authentic Brazilian flavor punch!
Conclusion
In the end, it all comes down to personal preference.
Some people may prefer the taste of inside skirt steak, while others may find outside skirt steak to be more flavorful.
It really all depends on what you’re looking for in a piece of meat.
Some people have the opinion that the skirt steak on the exterior is superior to the steak on the outside.
In point of fact, the inner steak is more tasty and tender than the inside skirt steak.
Therefore, if you are seeking a fantastic beef steak, you should not be scared to embrace the inside steak rather than the inside skirt steak.
If you want something that is going to be packed with flavor, then outside skirt steak is probably the way to go.
However, if you’re looking for something a little bit more tender, then inside skirt steak might be a better option.
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