Tired of tough, chewy skirt steak? Say hello to unbelievably tender, juicy perfection! This sous vide skirt steak recipe is your ticket to restaurant-quality results without the restaurant prices or fuss. It's a fantastic addition to your repertoire of easy recipes and healthy meals, perfect for a quick dinner idea or a special occasion. Get ready to elevate your homemade cooking with this simple yet impressive dish.
Ingredients:
- 1.5 lbs skirt steak, trimmed of excess fat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon dried oregano
Equipment:
- Sous Vide Immersion Circulator
- Large pot or container for water bath
- Vacuum sealer bags or zip-top freezer bags
- Kitchen tongs
- Meat thermometer
Instructions:
Step 1: Preparing the Steak
Pat the skirt steak dry with paper towels. This crucial step helps achieve a beautiful sear later on. In a small bowl, combine olive oil, salt, pepper, garlic, smoked paprika, onion powder, and oregano. Rub this mixture generously all over the steak, ensuring it's evenly coated.
Step 2: Sous Vide Cooking
Place the seasoned steak in a vacuum seal bag (or a zip-top bag, removing as much air as possible). Submerge the bag in a water bath set to 135°F (57°C) for 1.5-2 hours. This precise temperature ensures a perfectly medium-rare result. Adjust the time slightly depending on the thickness of your steak. A meat thermometer is your best friend here!
Step 3: Searing for Flavor
Once the sous vide cooking is complete, carefully remove the steak from the bag. Pat it dry again. Heat a heavy-bottomed skillet over high heat. Add a tablespoon of oil to the pan. Sear the steak for 1-2 minutes per side, until a beautiful crust forms. This crucial step adds that delicious char and enhances the flavor.
Step 4: Resting and Serving
Remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips and serve immediately.
Cooking Tips for Success:
- Don't overcrowd the pan: When searing, make sure the steak has enough space to brown properly.
- Use a meat thermometer: Don't rely solely on time; use a meat thermometer to ensure your steak reaches your desired internal temperature.
- Adjust seasoning to your taste: Feel free to experiment with different herbs and spices to customize the flavor profile.
Delicious Variations:
- Spicy Skirt Steak: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes to the marinade for a spicy kick.
- Garlic Herb Skirt Steak: Increase the amount of garlic and add fresh herbs like rosemary or thyme.
- Chipotle Lime Skirt Steak: Incorporate chipotle powder and lime juice for a smoky and zesty flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
Serving size will vary depending on how you slice the steak. However, a general estimate for a 4-serving recipe would be:
- Calories: Approximately 250-300
- Protein: 25-30g
- Fat: 15-20g
This sous vide skirt steak recipe is a fantastic addition to your collection of best recipes. It's a simple yet impressive dish that will impress your family and friends. Enjoy!