Go Back
Slices of perfectly grilled Marinated Skirt Steak, garnished with fresh rosemary and thyme, served on a white plate.
Daniel

Zesty Garlic-Herb Marinated Skirt Steak

This recipe delivers incredibly tender and flavorful skirt steak, infused with a vibrant marinade of fresh herbs, garlic, and citrus. Perfect for grilling or pan-searing, it's a quick and delicious weeknight meal or a crowd-pleasing barbecue star.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 25 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American, Mexican

Ingredients
  

For the Marinade
  • 1/4 cup Olive oil
  • 2 tbsp Low-sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tbsp Red wine vinegar
  • 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
  • 4 cloves Garlic minced
  • 1 tbsp Fresh rosemary chopped
  • 1 tbsp Fresh thyme chopped
  • 1 tsp Orange zest
  • 2 tbsp Orange juice
  • 1/2 tsp Black pepper freshly ground
  • 1/4 tsp Red pepper flakes optional, for heat
For the Steak
  • 1.5 lbs Skirt steak trimmed of excess fat
  • 1 tsp Salt or to taste
  • 2 tbsp Fresh parsley chopped, for garnish

Equipment

  • Large shallow dish or zip-top bag
  • Whisk
  • Tongs
  • Grill or Cast-iron skillet
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife

Method
 

Prepare the Marinade
  1. In a large non-reactive bowl or a gallon-sized zip-top bag, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, red wine vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, chopped rosemary, chopped thyme, orange zest, orange juice, black pepper, and red pepper flakes (if using).
Marinate the Steak
  1. Pat the skirt steak dry with paper towels. Place the steak into the prepared marinade, ensuring it is fully coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, or preferably 4-6 hours, but no more than 8 hours (due to the acidity of the marinade).
Cook the Steak
  1. Remove the steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to come closer to room temperature, which promotes more even cooking. Season generously with salt just before cooking.
  2. If grilling: Preheat your grill to high heat (450-500°F / 230-260°C). Lightly oil the grill grates. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off (do not wipe off, as the marinade provides flavor and helps with searing). Discard the remaining marinade.
  3. If pan-searing: Heat a large cast-iron skillet over high heat until smoking lightly. Add 1 tablespoon of high-smoke point oil (like avocado or grapeseed) to the pan. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the remaining marinade.
  4. Place the skirt steak on the hot grill or in the hot skillet. Cook for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare (internal temperature 130-135°F / 54-57°C), or longer for desired doneness. Skirt steak cooks quickly due to its thinness, so watch it closely.
Rest and Serve
  1. Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board. Tent it loosely with foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a more tender and flavorful steak.
  2. Against the grain, slice the skirt steak into thin strips. Garnish with fresh chopped parsley. Serve immediately with your favorite sides like rice, beans, a fresh salad, or tortillas for tacos.

Notes

For an even more tender skirt steak, you can lightly score the steak on both sides in a crisscross pattern before adding it to the marinade. Skirt steak is best cooked to medium-rare or medium; cooking it past medium can make it tough and chewy. Leftovers can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.