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Sliced skirt steak with chimichurri on a white serving platter with a lemon wedge.

Zesty Garlic-Herb Marinated Skirt Steak

This vibrant recipe features tender skirt steak infused with a bright, zesty marinade packed with fresh garlic and aromatic herbs. It's perfect for grilling or pan-searing, promising a flavorful and quick weeknight meal or a delightful weekend treat.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 12 minutes
Total Time 27 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mediterranean
Calories: 380

Ingredients
  

For the Zesty Garlic-Herb Marinade
  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 1/4 cup fresh lemon juice
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 2 tbsp fresh parsley chopped
  • 1 tbsp fresh oregano chopped
  • 1 tsp fresh thyme leaves
  • 1 tbsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes optional, for a kick
For the Skirt Steak
  • 1.5 lbs skirt steak approximately 2 pieces

Equipment

  • Large mixing bowl
  • Whisk
  • Large Ziploc Bag
  • Grill or Cast Iron Skillet
  • Tongs
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

Prepare the Marinade
  1. In a medium mixing bowl, whisk together the olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh oregano, fresh thyme leaves, Dijon mustard, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using) until well combined.
Marinate the Skirt Steak
  1. Place the skirt steak into a large Ziploc bag or a shallow non-reactive dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the steak, ensuring it's fully coated. Seal the bag (or cover the dish) and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably 4-12 hours for maximum flavor and tenderness.
Prepare for Cooking
  1. About 30-45 minutes before you plan to cook, remove the marinated skirt steak from the refrigerator. Allow it to come closer to room temperature, which promotes more even cooking.
  2. Preheat your grill to high heat (450-500°F / 230-260°C) or a heavy-bottomed cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until smoking lightly. Lightly oil the grill grates or the skillet to prevent sticking.
Cook the Steak
  1. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess marinade drip off (discard any remaining marinade). Place the skirt steak onto the preheated hot grill or skillet.
  2. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side for a medium-rare doneness (internal temperature 130-135°F / 54-57°C), or 5-6 minutes per side for medium (internal temperature 135-140°F / 57-60°C). Skirt steak is thin and cooks very quickly, so watch it closely.
Rest, Slice, and Serve
  1. Transfer the cooked skirt steak to a clean cutting board and tent loosely with aluminum foil. Let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a more tender and flavorful result.
  2. Slice the skirt steak thinly against the grain. Skirt steak has a very distinct grain; cutting perpendicular to these muscle fibers is essential for maximum tenderness. Serve immediately with your favorite sides.

Notes

Marinating time is key for both flavor absorption and tenderizing the skirt steak. Do not shorten the marinating time if possible. Skirt steak is best enjoyed medium-rare to medium; overcooking will make it tough. This Zesty Garlic-Herb Marinated Skirt Steak pairs wonderfully with roasted potatoes, a fresh green salad, grilled asparagus, or rice.