Craving a delicious, restaurant-quality meal without the restaurant prices or lengthy cooking time? Then look no further! This Bobby Flay-inspired skirt steak recipe is your answer. It's a fantastic example of how simple ingredients, expertly combined, can create a truly unforgettable dish. This recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner, a casual gathering, or even impressing your guests with minimal effort. Get ready for a burst of flavor in every bite!
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs skirt steak
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 1 tbsp chili powder
- 1 tbsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper (optional, for extra heat)
- 1/2 tsp salt
- 1/4 tsp black pepper
- 1 lime, cut into wedges
Instructions:
Preparing the Marinade and Steak:
- In a medium bowl, whisk together olive oil, chili powder, cumin, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, cayenne pepper (if using), salt, and pepper. This vibrant blend forms the base of the incredible flavor profile.
- Place the skirt steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it's fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for maximum flavor infusion. Marinating helps tenderize the steak and infuse it with delicious spices.
Cooking the Skirt Steak:
- Preheat your grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. A hot grill is key to achieving that perfect sear.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and discard the marinade. Grilling the steak directly imparts a wonderful smoky char.
- Place the steak on the preheated grill and cook for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer to your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure accuracy; medium-rare should register around 130-135°F. Skirt steak is naturally lean, so overcooking can make it tough.
- Once cooked, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5-7 minutes before slicing against the grain. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Serving:
- Slice the rested steak thinly against the grain. This step is crucial for tenderness.
- Serve immediately with lime wedges. The acidity of the lime juice complements the rich, savory flavors of the steak beautifully. Consider serving with your favorite sides like grilled vegetables, a simple salad, or Mexican-inspired rice and beans.
Tips for the Best Skirt Steak:
- Don't overcrowd the grill: Give the steak enough space to sear properly.
- Use a meat thermometer: This is the best way to ensure your steak is cooked to your liking.
- Let it rest: This step is essential for a juicy and tender steak.
- Adjust the spices: Feel free to adjust the spices to your preference.
Variations:
- Add some sweetness: A touch of brown sugar or honey in the marinade adds a delightful sweetness that balances the spices.
- Citrus zest: Incorporating lime or orange zest into the marinade adds a fresh, bright flavor.
- Different herbs: Experiment with adding fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley to the marinade for an extra layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
This will vary based on the size of your steak and serving size. For a 4-ounce serving:
- Calories: Approximately 200-250
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 10-15g
Enjoy this quick, easy, and incredibly flavorful Bobby Flay-inspired skirt steak recipe! It's a delicious and satisfying meal perfect for any occasion. This recipe delivers on flavor and is sure to become a staple in your healthy meal rotation. Let me know how yours turns out!