Inside Skirt Steak
Inside skirt steak is the larger of the two types of skirt steak. This cut is an abdominal muscle and is rather tough, so it's best for marinating, grilling, and slicing thin for fajitas or stir-fry.
Primal Cut
- Plate Primal
Inside Skirt Steak Cooking Methods and Tips
Typical Cooking Methods
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Grill
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Broil
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Stir-Fry
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Skillet
General Cooking Recommendations
Skirt steak is a tough cut with a coarse grain which makes it ideal for marinating. The marinade will slightly tenderize the meat, and nestle into the nooks and crannies in the grain to add flavor.
Cooking should be over high heat. Overcooking this cut will make it extremely tough, so only cook to medium-rare. After cooking, slice thinly across the grain to make it easier to chew.
How to Cook Inside Skirt Steak on Your Traeger
Skirt steak is the ideal cut for bold marinades and flavors, so this is one of our favorite cuts to prepare for carne asada.
The steak is just large enough to go through a short smoking process.
We start by submerging the steak in a citrus-heavy marinade for at least two hours, and adding even more flavor with Traeger's Prime Rib Rub.
Then smoke at 225 degrees Fahrenheit for 45 minutes (less if the steak is thin). Remove the steak and heat the grill to 500 degrees, then smoke for approximately two minutes per side until the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees for medium-rare.
Inside Skirt Steak Internal Temperatures
- For rare, aim for 120-130 °F internally.
- For medium-rare, aim for 130-135 °F internally.
- For medium, aim for 135-145 °F internally.
- For medium-well, aim for 145-155 °F internally.
- For well-done, aim for 155-165 °F internally.
Inside Skirt Steak FAQs
Is Inside Skirt Steak a Good Cut?
Inside skirt steak is a good cut for fajitas, stir-fry, and any preparation where you are adding extra flavor, cooking over high heat, and then slicing thin.
How Much Does Inside Skirt Steak Cost?
Expect to pay $5 to $10 per pound for this cut.
How Do You Know When Inside Skirt Steak Is Done?
It's done when the internal temperature reaches 135 degrees Fahrenheit for medium-rare.
What Is an Inside Skirt Steak Best For?
This cut is best for fajitas, tacos, stir-fries, and other dishes where you're adding flavor to the steak.
Is Inside Skirt Steak the Same as Flank Steak?
No, these are different cuts from different parts of the animal, but they have a similar shape and coarse grains. In general, you can substitute skirt steak for any recipe that calls for flank steak.
Is Inside Skirt Steak Better Than Outside?
No, the outside skirt is considered to be the better cut, with more tenderness and flavor.
Can Inside Skirt Steak Be Cooked From Frozen?
You can cook this cut from frozen, but the larger the cut, the more likely you could end up burning the outside before the inside is safe to eat.
Interesting Facts About Inside Skirt Steak
Like many of the now-traditional and famous barbecue cuts, skirt steak was once considered a lesser cut of steak.
Tradition has it that vaqueros (ranch hands in Texas) were given skirt steak and other lesser cuts as part of their pay. They figured out how to turn the cut into something incredible — by marinating it and cooking it over outdoor fires. Their preparation eventually became known as the fajita.
Today the popularity of the skirt steak has made it a sought-after cut.
The National Cattlemen's Beef Association identifies the inside skirt steak with UPC number 1585. You may see this number in the UPC code on the beef package label at the supermarket.
Inside Skirt Steak Nutritional Facts
According to the USDA, one grilled inside skirt steak contains 622 calories, 74.7 grams of protein, and 36.1 grams of fat.