Are you craving a flavorful, healthy, and surprisingly easy weeknight dinner? Look no further! This baked skirt steak recipe is your answer. Forget tough, chewy skirt steak – this method delivers a juicy, tender masterpiece every time, perfect for busy weeknights or a special occasion. It’s one of those easy recipes that always impresses, proving that homemade cooking doesn't have to be complicated. Get ready to enjoy a delicious dish that’s quick to prepare and bursting with flavor!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs skirt steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tsp cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tsp onion powder
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 large onion, thinly sliced
- 1 red bell pepper, thinly sliced
- 1 green bell pepper, thinly sliced
Instructions:
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
In a small bowl, whisk together the olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. This simple blend of spices creates a fantastic flavor base for your skirt steak.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Place the skirt steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it's coated evenly. Let it marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably for 2-4 hours in the refrigerator. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful your steak will be.
Step 3: Prepare the Vegetables
While the steak marinates, prepare your vegetables. Thinly slice the onion and bell peppers. This ensures they cook evenly alongside the steak.
Step 4: Bake the Steak and Vegetables
Preheat your oven to 375°F (190°C). Place the marinated steak and sliced vegetables in a single layer in a baking dish. You can spread the vegetables evenly around the steak.
Step 5: Bake to Perfection
Bake for 20-25 minutes, or until the steak reaches your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy; 130-135°F (54-57°C) is medium-rare, 140-145°F (60-63°C) is medium. The internal temperature will continue to rise slightly after you remove it from the oven, so take it out a few degrees below your target temperature.
Step 6: Rest and Serve
Once cooked, remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Serve immediately with the roasted vegetables.
Cooking Tips for the Best Baked Skirt Steak:
- Don't overcook it! Skirt steak is best served medium-rare to medium. Overcooking will result in a tough and dry steak.
- Slice against the grain: This simple step makes a huge difference in tenderness.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your steak is cooked to your desired doneness.
- Experiment with marinades: Feel free to adjust the spices to your liking or try different marinades entirely.
Variations:
- Add other vegetables: Feel free to add other vegetables like zucchini, mushrooms, or asparagus.
- Make it spicier: Add more cayenne pepper or a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade.
- Serve with different sides: This baked skirt steak pairs well with rice, potatoes, salad, or even a simple pasta dish.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This nutritional information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients and portion sizes.
- Calories: Approximately 350-400
- Protein: Approximately 35-40g
- Fat: Approximately 20-25g
- Carbohydrates: Approximately 10-15g
This baked skirt steak recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of quick dinner ideas and healthy meals. It's a simple yet impressive dish that's perfect for any occasion. Enjoy!