What is Pork Skirt Meat? The Underrated and Delicious Cut You Should Try

Pork skirt meat, also known as secreto or secret cut, is one of those underrated and lesser-known cuts of pork that is quickly gaining popularity around the world. If you haven’t tried pork skirt steak before, you’re definitely missing out! This tender, juicy, and flavorful cut of meat is easy to cook and versatile to use in many cuisines.

In this detailed guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know about pork skirt meat – what it is, where it comes from, how to cook it, and some mouthwatering recipes to try out. By the end, you’ll be excited to get your hands on this amazing cut!

What Exactly is Pork Skirt Meat?

Pork skirt steak is a thin, long cut of meat that comes from the diaphragm muscle of the pig. It sits right below the belly and between the ribs and stomach fat.

It’s called “skirt” meat because of its similarities in look and texture to a beef skirt steak. It has long meat fibers and is marbled with fat, which gives it a rich flavor and tender yet textured bite when cooked

The diaphragm muscle supports breathing for the pig, so it doesn’t get as much exercise as other muscles. This results in an exceptionally tender cut of meat that stays juicy when cooked quickly over high heat.

Where on the Pig Does Skirt Steak Come From?

As I mentioned earlier, pork skirt steak is cut from the diaphragm muscle of the pig. If you look at a pig’s anatomy, the diaphragm muscle is located right under the belly, above the stomach.

It sits in between the belly region, where bacon comes from, and the lower rib section. It’s a thin sheet of meat that is easy to miss if the butcher isn’t careful when breaking down the pig carcass.

Being near the belly, pork skirt steak contains a good amount of marbling from the belly fat, which bastes the meat and keeps it tender when cooked. It’s little worked and thin so it’s extremely tender compared to other cuts.

Why is Pork Skirt Meat so Tender and Flavorful?

There are two main reasons why pork skirt steak is exceptionally tender, juicy and flavorful:

1. It comes from a lightly worked muscle

As mentioned, the diaphragm muscle supports breathing and doesn’t get much exercise. This results in a tender cut of meat with little connective tissue that needs breaking down. It’s similar to how tenderloin is tender since the pig doesn’t use that muscle much.

2. It contains a high degree of marbling

Pork skirt steak sits right next to the belly, which is the source of bacon. All that tasty belly fat marbles through the skirt steak, basting it from the inside out. This gives it a soft texture and tons of rich, meaty flavor.

The high fat content allows pork skirt meat to stay nice and juicy when cooked quickly over high dry heat. The fat bastes the meat rather than letting it dry out.

How Much Does Pork Skirt Steak Weigh?

On average, a pork skirt steak weighs about 1 to 1.5 pounds. It’s an oblong, thin cut of meat similar in shape to a skirt steak or flank steak from beef.

The thin profile means it cooks up quickly and is easy to slice across the grain. It’s the perfect size for marinating and grilling or pan searing for a fast weeknight dinner.

How to Cook Pork Skirt Meat Perfectly

Cooking pork skirt steak correctly is important to get the most out of its tender and juicy qualities. Here’s a simple step-by-step guide:

• Trim off any excess fat or silver skin: Give the meat a quick trim to remove the very outer fat cap or any silver skin. This prevents burning or overcooking.

• Marinate for added flavor (optional): Skirt steak does well with quick marinades. A simple mixture of oil, acid like lime juice, and spices is perfect for 30 mins to 2 hours.

• Get the pan or grill ripping hot: You want to sear the meat hard to get a good crust while keeping the inside tender and pink. Heat your pan or grill to high heat until smoking.

• Cook for just 2-3 minutes per side: Avoid the urge to move the meat around too much. Cook it for just 2-3 minutes total, flipping once, until browned.

• Don’t overcook! Pork skirt should be served medium-rare to medium for the best texture. Use a thermometer to check for 135-145°F internal temp.

• Let rest before slicing: Give the meat a few minutes to relax so the juices stay locked in. Then slice across the grain.

It’s that simple! Skirt steak is great for weeknight meals since it cooks so quickly. Now let’s look at some serving ideas.

Incredible Recipe Ideas with Pork Skirt Meat

The flavor of pork skirt steak pairs wonderfully with bold seasonings and sauces. Here are just a few ideas:

• Tacos: Dice and marinate in lime, cumin, chili powder then cook hot. Serve in warm tortillas with salsa and avocado.

• Fajitas: Season with fajita seasoning mix then slice and serve with veggies, tortillas, guac and sour cream.

• Stir fry: Slice thinly and stir fry with veggies and a sweet & spicy Asian glaze. Serve over rice.

• Sandwiches: Grill whole then slice for an amazing sandwich topped with caramelized onions and chimichurri sauce.

• Salad topping: Cook sliced skirt steak medium-rare then serve over a fresh salad with tomatoes, cheese and vinaigrette.

• Kabobs: Cut into chunks, marinate in your favorite flavorings and grill on skewers with peppers and pineapple.

Where to Buy Pork Skirt Steak

You may need to search around a bit for pork skirt meat since it’s still an underrated cut. Here are a few tips:

• Check with your local butcher or specialty meat shop. They may stock it regularly or can order it for you.

• Look for online meat delivery services that offer niche or harder-to-find cuts like skirt steak.

• Try ethnic grocery stores, especially Hispanic or Asian markets, which often have skirt meat.

• Ask your local farmer at the market if they have or can get pork skirt steak.

The good news is once you find a supplier, pork skirt steak shouldn’t cost more than other popular cuts of pork. And it delivers big on flavor and tenderness for the price.

Is Pork Skirt Steak Worth Trying?

In my opinion, pork skirt steak is absolutely worth seeking out if you enjoy deeply flavorful and tender cuts of meat. It delivers on all fronts:

Tenderness – Skirt steak is fantastically tender due to being a little-used muscle near the belly. When cooked right, it’s melt-in-your mouth soft.

Juiciness – All that marbling means pork skirt steak stays incredibly moist when seared or grilled over high heat. It’s almost impossible to dry out.

Flavor – The rich fat marbling gives pork skirt steak outstanding porcine flavor. It’s porky perfection in every bite!

Versatility – Skirt steak is tasty on its own but also shines when marinated or paired with bold seasonings. It’s great for tacos, stir fries, sandwiches and more.

Affordability – This underrated cut provides amazing quality at a budget-friendly price point compared to popular cuts like pork chops.

For my money, skirt steak is one of the tastiest cuts of pork you can get. I highly recommend seeking it out and giving it a try soon. Just be ready to enjoy some of the juiciest, most flavorful pork you’ve ever tasted!