Skirt steak is an underrated cut of beef that can be absolutely delicious when cooked properly. With its thin profile and pronounced grain, skirt steak does best with quick high-heat cooking methods. One of my favorites is oven broiling.
When cooked at a high temperature for a short time, skirt steak develops a nice crispy crust in the oven while staying tender and juicy inside Follow this complete guide to learn how long to cook skirt steak in the oven, what temperature it should reach, marinade ideas, slicing tips, and more
Benefits of Cooking Skirt Steak in the Oven
Here’s why the oven is a great choice for skirt steak:
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Broiling at a high temp (450°F+) mimics grilling and creates that flavorful sear.
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No need to pre-sear since the oven heat crisps up the outside.
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Cooks quickly thanks to the thin profile, usually 10-15 minutes total.
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Oven provides consistent, even heating on both sides.
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Easy to monitor doneness and cook multiple steaks at once.
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Can add a marinade or dry rub to boost flavor.
Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Skirt Steak in the Oven
Follow these simple steps for perfect oven-broiled skirt steak every time.
1. Prepare the Steak
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Take the skirt steak out of the fridge and let sit at room temp for 30-45 minutes before cooking. This helps it cook more evenly.
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Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Generously season both sides with salt, pepper, and any other spices desired.
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If marinating, coat the steaks and let marinate for 1-4 hours.
2. Preheat the Oven
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Preheat your oven to 450°-500°F. The high temp helps the outside get crispy.
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Place an oven rack about 6 inches under the broiler. Line a rimmed baking sheet with foil.
3. Cook the Steak
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Place the seasoned steak on the baking sheet and put it in the preheated oven.
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Cook for 5-7 minutes until a nice brown crust forms. Flip the steak over.
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Cook for another 4-5 minutes until the second side browns. Check temperature using an instant-read thermometer.
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For medium-rare, cook until it reaches 125°F. For medium, cook to 135°F.
4. Rest and Slice the Skirt Steak
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Remove the steak from the oven and let rest for 5-10 minutes tented loosely with foil.
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For serving whole or in strips, slice against the grain after resting. For fajitas or stir fry, leave whole.
Handy Tips for Oven-Broiled Skirt Steak
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Use the marinade as a sauce. Boil it in a pan first to reduce bacteria before serving.
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Add smoked paprika, chili powder, cumin or dry rub for extra flavor.
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Use tongs to flip steaks; piercing with a fork can cause juices to escape.
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For caramelization, coat steaks lightly in oil before seasoning.
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Cook at 500°F if you want the outside extra crispy. Watch closely to avoid burning.
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Add fresh herbs like thyme or rosemary sprigs to the pan for aroma.
Oven-Cooked Skirt Steak Recipe
Follow this easy recipe to make perfect oven-cooked skirt steaks.
Ingredients:
- 2 skirt steaks (about 1 lb. total)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tsp sea salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
Instructions:
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Take steaks out of fridge and let sit at room temp for 30 minutes. Pat dry with paper towels.
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Make a rub by mixing spices with olive oil in a small bowl. Generously coat steaks with rub on both sides.
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Preheat oven to 500°F. Place a wire rack on a rimmed baking sheet. Add steaks.
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Cook steaks for 5-6 minutes until browned. Use tongs to flip steaks.
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Cook for 4 more minutes. Check temperature using a thermometer for doneness.
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Remove steaks from oven, tent with foil and let rest 5 minutes before slicing to serve.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long does it take to cook skirt steak in the oven?
- Total cooking time is typically 10-15 minutes for medium-rare doneness. Cook 5-7 minutes on the first side, then flip and cook for 4-5 more minutes.
What temperature should I cook skirt steak to?
- For medium-rare, cook to an internal temperature of 125-130°F. For medium, 135-140°F. Use an instant-read thermometer for best accuracy.
Can you cook a skirt steak from frozen?
- It’s best to thaw skirt steak completely before cooking. The thin cut makes it prone to overcooking if started frozen. Defrost in the fridge overnight before oven cooking.
Should you marinate skirt steak before broiling?
- Marinating is optional but recommended. The marinade adds lots of flavor to the lean steak. Marinate for 1-4 hours before cooking.
Is skirt steak tough?
- Skirt steak can become tough and chewy if overcooked. Cook quickly to medium rare, slice against the grain, and don’t pierce with a fork. This keeps it tender.
More Delicious Ways to Cook Skirt Steak
Oven broiling is just one of several quick, high-heat cooking methods that work wonderfully for skirt steak. Try these other options:
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Grilled: Get nice grill marks cooking over direct high heat for 4-7 minutes per side.
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Pan-seared: Cook in a hot cast iron skillet with oil for 2-3 minutes per side.
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Broiled: Great way to finish steaks after an initial sear. Places steaks closer to the heating element.
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Skewered: Marinate steak strips in a zip top bag. Skewer and grill or broil 2-3 minutes per side.
Perfectly Cook Skirt Steak in Your Oven
The oven may not seem like the obvious choice for cooking steak, but it can deliver delicious results with thin, quick-cooking cuts like skirt steak. With high heat and the right timing, your oven will produce a crispy, flavorful exterior and tender, juicy interior in skirt steak.