This Alton Brown Skirt Steak Recipe is a bold and juicy grilled dish, which includes soy sauce and lime juice. It’s a no-fuss take on the classic, ready in about 1 hour and 40 minutes.
Alton Brown Skirt Steak Recipe Ingredients
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 4 scallions, roughly chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, peeled
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar or Mexican brown sugar
- 2 pounds inside skirt steak, cut into 3 equal pieces
- 2 teaspoons kosher salt
How To Make Alton Brown Skirt Steak Recipe
- Make the marinade: Blend olive oil, soy sauce, scallions, garlic, lime juice, red pepper flakes, cumin, and brown sugar until smooth.
- Marinate the steak: Place skirt steak in a zip-top bag, pour in the marinade, seal, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour.
- Prepare the grill: Light charcoal using a chimney starter. When the coals are white and ashy, spread them evenly in the grill.
- Season the steak: Remove steak from marinade, pat dry, and sprinkle evenly with kosher salt.
- Grill the steak: Use a blow dryer to clean ash off the coals. Lay steaks directly on hot coals and grill for 1 minute per side.
- Rest the meat: Wrap grilled steak in a double layer of foil and rest for 15 minutes.
- Slice and serve: Slice thinly across the grain, return to foil with juices, and toss. Serve with grilled peppers and onions if desired.

Recipe Tips
-
Can I use outside skirt steak instead?
Yes, but inside skirt steak is slightly thicker and better suited for high-heat grilling. -
Why grill directly on coals?
This method sears the meat quickly and creates a rich, smoky crust. -
How to slice skirt steak correctly:
Always slice thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness. -
Is marinating longer better?
One hour is effective, but you can marinate up to 8 hours for deeper flavor. -
Can I cook this on a gas grill?
Yes, use high heat and grill 2 minutes per side with the lid closed.
What To Serve With Skirt Steak
This steak is bold enough to pair with a variety of sides. Here are some favorites:
- Grilled bell peppers and onions
- Warm tortillas or flatbread
- Roasted corn on the cob
- Black beans or Mexican rice
- Chimichurri or salsa verde
How To Store Skirt Steak
Refrigerate: Store sliced steak and juices in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Wrap tightly and freeze for up to 2 months. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently in a pan or foil pouch.
Skirt Steak Nutrition Facts
- Calories: 340
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 6g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Sugar: 2g
- Protein: 30g
- Sodium: 520mg
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Can I marinate skirt steak overnight?
Yes, but don’t exceed 8 hours as the acid can break down the meat too much.
Why is my skirt steak tough?
It may have been overcooked or sliced with the grain. Always cook hot and fast, then slice against the grain.
Is skirt steak the same as flank steak?
No, skirt is more marbled and thinner than flank, and it’s better suited for high-heat grilling.
Do I need a blow dryer for the grill?
No, but it helps remove excess ash for cleaner, more direct grilling.
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Alton Brown Skirt Steak Recipe
Description
A juicy, flavor-packed skirt steak marinated in soy and lime, then grilled directly on hot coals for a smoky, charred crust.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Blend marinade ingredients until smooth.
- Marinate steak in a sealed bag in the fridge for 1 hour.
- Light charcoal and spread evenly once white and ashy.
- Pat steak dry and season both sides with salt.
- Clean coals with a blow dryer and grill steak 1 minute per side directly on coals.
- Wrap in foil and rest 15 minutes.
- Slice thinly against the grain and toss with juices. Serve.
