Cilantro and Lime Skirt Steak

When you're craving big, bold steakhouse flavors, look no further than cilantro and lime skirt steak. This flavorful cut of beef is infused with the fresh taste of lime, garlic, and cilantro for a zesty main dish. Best of all, skirt steak cooks up fast on the grill or stovetop, making it an easy weeknight dinner. The bright pop of cilantro balances the hearty charred beef beautifully. Read on to learn how simple ingredients come together to create amazing Tex-Mex inspired steak.

An Introduction to Skirt Steak

Let's cover the basics of this flavorful, affordable cut of beef:

Where it Comes From

Skirt steak is from the plate primal cut near the belly of the cow.

Characteristics

Long and thin with lots of coarse grain. It has intense beefy flavor.

Cost

One of the less expensive steaks, though popularity has increased price.

Preparation

Skirt steak can be grilled, pan seared, broiled or cooked sous vide.

When marinated and cooked right, skirt steak is tender and packed with flavor.

Marinating Skirt Steak for Maximum Flavor

A flavorful marinade makes all the difference for skirt steak. Follow these tips:

Penetrate the Meat

Use a fork to poke holes so the marinade can soak in deeper.

Include Acid

Ingredients like lime or vinegar help tenderize as well as marinate.

Work the Marinade In

Rub the marinade all over steak to evenly distribute flavor.

Marinate Overnight

For best flavor penetration, let steak marinate in the fridge up to 24 hours.

Pat Dry Before Cooking

Gently blot steak with a paper towel to remove excess moisture.

Taking a little extra time to marinate pays off in the end!

Health Benefits of Fresh Cilantro

Bright, aromatic cilantro boosts this steak's nutrition along with its flavor. Here's how cilantro benefits health:

Rich in Antioxidants

The polyphenols and flavonoids in cilantro act as antioxidants to reduce oxidative stress.

Promotes Detoxification

Cilantro may help remove heavy metals like mercury from the body through urine and feces.

Supports Heart Health

Coriander seed oil in cilantro demonstrates cholesterol lowering abilities.

Anti-inflammatory Effects

The compounds in cilantro exhibit potent anti-inflammatory activities.

Digestive Aid

Cilantro has historically been used to help relieve gas, bloating, diarrhea and indigestion.

A little cilantro goes a long way, health wise!

Recipe for Cilantro Lime Marinated Skirt Steak

This easy marinade infuses skirt steak with bold Tex-Mex flavor.

Marinade Ingredients:

• 1⁄4 cup olive oil
• Zest and juice of 2 limes
• 3 garlic cloves, minced
• 1 tbsp chopped cilantro
• 1 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp oregano
• Salt and pepper to taste

Instructions:

1. Whisk together all marinade ingredients in a bowl or resealable plastic bag.
2. Add 1-2 lbs skirt steak and turn to coat thoroughly with marinade.
3. Cover and refrigerate 8 hours up to overnight, turning occasionally.
4. Remove steak from fridge about 30 minutes before cooking. Pat dry.
5. Grill or pan sear steak to desired doneness, 3-5 minutes per side.
6. Let rest 5 minutes, then slice across the grain. Garnish with cilantro.

Serve this zesty, seasoned steak with tortillas, rice, beans, or salad for an easy Tex-Mex inspired meal.

Adapting the Recipe

Try these tasty ways to customize this marinade:

More Herbs

Add chopped cilantro, parsley, oregano, basil, or mint to the mix.

Spice It Up

Mix in jalapeño, red pepper flakes, paprika, chili powder, or cayenne for heat.

Switch Up Acids

Use lime, lemon juice, or a vinegar like red wine, sherry, or apple cider.

Swap the Oil

Try avocado, walnut, grapeseed, or other vegetable oil instead.

Other Proteins

Flavor chicken, shrimp, pork chops or fish with this zesty marinade too.

Tweak the ingredients to create your own signature steak marinade.

Serving Suggestions

Round out the meal with these tasty sides:

Mexican Rice

Cilantro lime rice, Spanish rice, or cumin rice.

Warm Tortillas

Corn or flour tortillas to make tacos.

Black Beans

Savory seasoned black beans.

Guacamole

Cool, creamy cilantro spiked guacamole.

Grilled Vegetables

Charred corn, zucchini, bell peppers, etc.

Pair this Tex-Mex steak with your favorite southwestern sides.

Conclusion

Cilantro and lime skirt steak is an easy way to infuse Southwest flavor into a quick weeknight dinner. Allowing the steak to marinate delivers flavor deep into the meat, resulting in an incredibly tasty, juicy finished dish. Cooked in minutes on the grill or stovetop, even novices can whip up an amazing steak meal at home. Serve with rice, beans, guacamole and tortillas for a casual family dinner or backyard grilling with friends. This simple marinade transforms an affordable cut into a restaurant-worthy feast!

FAQs

What sides go well with skirt steak?

Skirt steak pairs great with rice, beans, roasted veggies, potatoes, chimichurri sauce, and salads.

What is a good skirt steak marinade?

Flavors like lime, garlic, cilantro, cumin, chili, Worcestershire, and soy sauce make great marinades for skirt steak.

Is skirt steak the same as flank steak?

No, flank steak is from the abdominal area while skirt steak is from the diaphragm region near the belly.

How long does marinated steak last?

Marinated raw steak will last 1-2 days in the fridge. Discard if longer.

What is the best way to grill skirt steak?

Use high direct heat for 3-5 minutes per side for medium doneness. Let rest before slicing against the grain.

In summary, cilantro and lime make the perfect bold, bright marinade for fast-cooking skirt steak. The fresh flavors pair wonderfully with Tex-Mex sides.