If you are new to steaks then you might find yourself asking, "What are skirt steaks?" or “What kind of steak is skirt steak?” Skirt steak is made from the cow's diaphragm muscle, which is situated close to the ribs. This cut has a grain that runs the length of it, giving it a distinctly long and flat appearance. It is popular for a variety of meals which is why it is favored by both chefs and steak lovers alike. Thanks to its rich flavor and tender texture, skirt steak has secured its place as a beloved choice for many culinary creations.
What is Skirt Steak: Outside Skirt Steak and Inside Skirt Steak
Outside skirt steak and inside skirt steak are two distinct cuts of beef, both derived from the diaphragm muscle of the cow, but they differ in terms of location, tenderness, and texture.
- Outside Skirt Steak:
- Outside skirt steak is the more tender and flavorful of the two cuts.
- It is located on the outer side of the diaphragm muscle, closer to the flank area.
- This cut is characterized by its fine marbling and pronounced beefy flavor.
- Outside skirt steak is often more expensive than inside skirt steak due to its superior tenderness and flavor.
- It is popular for grilling, searing, or slicing thinly for dishes like fajitas.
- Inside Skirt Steak:
- Inside skirt steak is located on the inner side of the diaphragm muscle, closer to the rib area.
- It is typically less tender and has a slightly chewier texture compared to outside skirt steak.
- Inside skirt steak is leaner and may require more careful cooking to avoid toughness.
- While it may not be as tender as outside skirt steak, it still boasts a rich beefy flavor.
- Inside skirt steak is commonly used in dishes where it is marinated and then grilled or seared to enhance its flavor and tenderness.
Overall, both outside skirt steak and inside skirt steak offer unique qualities and can be delicious when prepared properly, but outside skirt steak is generally considered the more desirable cut due to its tenderness and flavor.
What Is a Skirt Steak Good For?
Skirt steak is known for having a rich, beefy flavor and pronounced marbling, which adds to its juiciness and tenderness when cooked properly. Skirt steak offers a delicious and satisfying beef flavor that appeals to many palates and is a delectable choice for a variety of cooking methods.
- Grilling: Grilled skirt steak is delicious. It cooks quite rapidly because of its thinness and marbling, which causes it to take on a tasty sear on the exterior while maintaining its tenderness inside.
- Fajitas and Tacos: The flexibility of skirt steak is seen in Tex-Mex cooking. When thinly sliced and seasoned, it gives tacos, fajitas, and other foods with a Mexican flair a flavorful touch.
- Stir-Frying: Skirt steak, when sliced into strips, is excellent in stir-fries. Its strong taste goes well with Asian-inspired sauces and veggies.
- Sandwiches: Skirt steak adds a strong, meaty flavor to sandwich creations, whether it's used in the iconic Philly cheesesteak or a classic steak sandwich.
Order Your Skirt Steak Today
Now that you know what is a skirt steak and what kind of steaks are skirt steaks, are you ready to experience this exquisite cut for yourself? Check out our shop to see our selection of excellent beef cuts including skirt steaks. When you order from us, you're not just receiving a tasty piece of meat —choosing Black Angus skirt steaks from our Texas cattle operation supports local Texas ranchers and contributes to our local economy too. Order now to enjoy the rich, savory richness of this delicious cut.