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Best Ever Skirt Steak Marinade Recipe

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3.8 from 212 reviews

This Best Ever Skirt Steak Marinade Recipe transforms ordinary skirt steak into a tender, flavorful masterpiece with a rich blend of balsamic vinegar, olive oil, garlic, Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, spices, and brown sugar. Perfect for grilling, this marinade tenderizes the meat and infuses it with smoky, savory, and slightly sweet notes for an impressive, crowd-pleasing dish.

  • Total Time: 2 hours 20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings

Ingredients

Steak

  • 1 ½ lb skirt steak

Marinade

  • ¼ cup balsamic vinegar
  • ¼ cup olive oil
  • 1 teaspoon garlic, minced or paste
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 2 tablespoons low-sodium soy sauce
  • ½ teaspoon kosher salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper
  • 2 teaspoons smoked paprika
  • 1 teaspoon cumin
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar

Instructions

  1. Prepare the steak: Place the skirt steak on a cutting board and trim off all visible silver skin and fat using kitchen scissors. Tenderize the meat by using a meat mallet to gently pound it all over. Then pat the steak dry with a paper towel and place it in a shallow dish or a large Ziploc bag.
  2. Make the marinade: In a small bowl or jar, whisk together balsamic vinegar, olive oil, minced garlic, Worcestershire sauce, low-sodium soy sauce, kosher salt, black pepper, smoked paprika, cumin, and brown sugar until well combined.
  3. Marinate the steak: Pour the marinade over the skirt steak, ensuring every part is well coated. Flip the steak or squeeze the bag to fully distribute the marinade. Refrigerate and let the steak marinate for at least 2 hours, up to 24 hours for maximum flavor.
  4. Bring to room temperature: Remove the steak from the marinade and allow it to sit at room temperature for about 30 minutes before cooking to ensure even grilling.
  5. Preheat the grill: Heat your grill to 500°F and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Using tongs, let excess marinade drip off the steak before placing it on the hot grill.
  6. Grill the steak: Grill the steak for 1 minute, then rotate it 90 degrees and grill for another minute to create crosshatch grill marks. Flip the steak and grill for an additional 1-2 minutes, aiming for a total cooking time of 3-4 minutes for medium-rare doneness. Use a meat thermometer to check: 125°F for rare, 130-135°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and 150-155°F for medium-well. Avoid overcooking; skirt steak is best served medium-rare.
  7. Rest and serve: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute. Slice the steak against the grain for tender slices and drizzle with extra marinade or cooking juices before serving.

Notes

  • For best results, marinate the steak at least 2 hours and up to 24 hours.
  • Allowing the steak to rest after grilling ensures juicier, more tender meat.
  • Trim silver skin and excess fat to improve texture.
  • Slice against the grain to maximize tenderness.
  • Do not overcook skirt steak; it is best enjoyed medium-rare for optimal flavor and juiciness.
  • Author: Madelynn
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 5 minutes
  • Category: Main Dish
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: American