Skirt steak is a versatile and flavorful cut of beef that is perfect for making delicious fajitas. While traditionally cooked on a grill or stovetop, you can also achieve mouthwatering results by cooking skirt steak in the oven. This article will walk you through the steps of preparing and cooking skirt steak for fajitas in the oven, ensuring tender and juicy meat that is packed with bold flavors.

Preparing the Skirt Steak:

Before cooking the skirt steak, it is important to properly prepare it. Start by marinating the steak to infuse it with delicious flavors. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own using a combination of ingredients like lime juice, garlic, cilantro, cumin, and chili powder. Allow the steak to marinate for at least 30 minutes, or preferably overnight, in the refrigerator.

Once the steak has marinated, remove it from the fridge and let it come to room temperature for about 30 minutes. This will ensure even cooking throughout the steak. Pat the steak dry with paper towels to remove any excess marinade, as this will prevent the steak from steaming in the oven.

Pro Tip: For the best results, season the steak with salt and pepper just before cooking to enhance the flavors.

Skirt steak for fajitas: Oven cooking guide

Beef Skirt Steak Step 1
Beef Skirt Steak Step 1
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Skirt steak is a delicious and flavorful cut of beef that is perfect for making fajitas. While traditionally cooked on a grill or on the stovetop, you can also cook skirt steak in the oven for a tender and juicy result. Here is a simple guide to cooking skirt steak for fajitas in the oven.

Ingredients:

  • 1 pound skirt steak
  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 2 cloves of garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions:

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
  2. In a small bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, chili powder, salt, and black pepper.
  3. Place the skirt steak on a baking sheet and pour the marinade over it, making sure it is evenly coated on both sides.
  4. Cover the baking sheet with aluminum foil and let the steak marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes.
  5. Once marinated, remove the baking sheet from the refrigerator and let the steak come to room temperature.
  6. Remove the aluminum foil and place the baking sheet in the preheated oven.
  7. Cook the skirt steak for about 10-12 minutes for medium-rare or 14-16 minutes for medium, flipping halfway through.
  8. Remove the steak from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing it thinly against the grain.
  9. Serve the sliced skirt steak in warm tortillas with your favorite fajita toppings such as sautéed onions, bell peppers, guacamole, and sour cream.

Enjoy your delicious oven-cooked skirt steak fajitas!

Preparing the skirt steak

To cook skirt steak for fajitas in the oven, it is important to properly prepare the meat. Follow these steps to ensure a delicious and tender result:

1. Marinating the steak

Begin by marinating the skirt steak. This step is crucial as it adds flavor and helps tenderize the meat. You can use a store-bought marinade or make your own by combining ingredients like lime juice, garlic, cumin, and chili powder. Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag and pour the marinade over it. Massage the marinade into the meat and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or overnight if possible.

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2. Preheating the oven

Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). This high temperature will help sear the outside of the steak, sealing in the juices and creating a flavorful crust.

3. Searing the steak

Heat a cast-iron skillet or oven-safe skillet over high heat on the stovetop. Once the skillet is hot, remove the steak from the marinade and pat it dry with paper towels. Brush both sides of the steak with olive oil and season it with salt and pepper. Place the steak in the hot skillet and sear it for about 2-3 minutes on each side, or until a golden brown crust forms.

Amazon Grocery, Beef Inside Skirt Steak, Boneless, USDA Choice
Amazon Grocery, Beef Inside Skirt Steak, Boneless, USDA Choice
Check Price
Amazon.com

4. Finishing in the oven

Transfer the skillet with the seared steak to the preheated oven. Cook the steak for an additional 6-8 minutes for medium-rare doneness. If you prefer your steak more well-done, you can cook it for a few minutes longer. Keep in mind that the exact cooking time will depend on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness.

5. Resting and slicing the steak

Once the steak reaches your desired level of doneness, remove it from the oven and let it rest for a few minutes. This resting period allows the juices to redistribute and ensures a juicy and tender steak. After resting, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. This will help to further tenderize the meat and make it easier to chew.

Tips:
– Be sure to preheat your skillet properly to achieve a good sear.
– Let the meat marinate for longer if you have the time, as this will enhance the flavor.
– Don’t skip the resting step, as it is essential for a juicy and tender steak.
– Serve the sliced steak in warm tortillas with your favorite fajita toppings.

Marinating the skirt steak

To prepare the skirt steak for fajitas, it’s important to marinate it to infuse it with flavor and tenderize the meat. Here is a simple marinade recipe:

Ingredients:

  • 1/4 cup olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
  • 1 tablespoon soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon lime juice
  • 1 teaspoon ground cumin
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1/2 teaspoon salt

Instructions:

  1. In a bowl, combine all the marinade ingredients and mix well.
  2. Place the skirt steak in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish.
  3. Pour the marinade over the skirt steak, making sure it is evenly coated.
  4. Seal the bag or cover the dish with plastic wrap.
  5. Refrigerate the skirt steak for at least 2 hours, or preferably overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavorful it will be.
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Remember to periodically flip the skirt steak in the marinade to ensure it is evenly flavored. Once the steak has finished marinating, it is ready to be cooked for the fajitas.

Preheating the oven

Before cooking skirt steak for fajitas in the oven, it’s important to preheat the oven to the correct temperature. This ensures that the steak cooks evenly and to the desired level of doneness.

To preheat the oven, follow these steps:

  1. Turn the oven on by selecting the desired temperature. Typically, for skirt steak fajitas, a temperature of 400°F (200°C) is recommended.
  2. Allow the oven to preheat for at least 10-15 minutes. This ensures that the oven reaches the desired temperature and is evenly heated.
  3. During the preheating process, you can prepare the skirt steak by marinating it or seasoning it with your preferred spices and flavors.
  4. Once the oven reaches the desired temperature, it is ready for cooking the skirt steak for fajitas.

Remember, preheating the oven is an important step to ensure that the skirt steak cooks properly and achieves the desired level of tenderness and flavor. Skipping this step may result in an undercooked or unevenly cooked steak.

Cooking the skirt steak in the oven

To cook skirt steak for fajitas in the oven, you’ll need:

  • 2 pounds of skirt steak
  • 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil
  • 1 teaspoon of salt
  • 1 teaspoon of black pepper
  • 1 teaspoon of garlic powder
  • 1 teaspoon of onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon of chili powder

Step 1: Preheat the oven

Start by preheating the oven to 400°F (200°C).

Step 2: Season the steak

In a small bowl, mix together the salt, black pepper, garlic powder, onion powder, and chili powder. Rub the mixture all over the skirt steak, making sure to coat both sides evenly.

Step 3: Sear the steak

Heat a large oven-safe skillet over high heat and add the vegetable oil. Once the oil is hot, add the skirt steak and sear it for about 2 minutes on each side until it’s browned and caramelized.

Step 4: Cook in the oven

Transfer the skillet with the seared steak to the preheated oven. Cook the steak for about 6-8 minutes for medium doneness, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness. Remember that the internal temperature of the steak will rise a bit more as it rests.

Step 5: Rest and slice

Allow the skirt steak to rest for about 5 minutes before slicing it. This will help the juices redistribute and result in a more tender and flavorful steak. Once rested, slice the steak across the grain into thin strips.

Your oven-cooked skirt steak is now ready to be used in fajitas or any other dish you desire. Enjoy!

Resting and slicing the cooked steak

Once the skirt steak has finished cooking, it is important to let it rest for about 5-10 minutes. This will allow the juices to redistribute and the meat to become more tender.

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Gently transfer the cooked steak onto a cutting board and let it rest uncovered. If you cut into it immediately, the juices will escape and the steak will become dry.

While the steak is resting, you can use this time to prepare any desired toppings or warm up tortillas.

After the resting period, it’s time to slice the skirt steak. Look for the grain of the meat – the lines of muscle fibers running through the steak. This will determine the direction in which you should slice.

Using a sharp knife, slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. This will ensure that each bite is tender and easy to chew.

Note: If you have leftover cooked skirt steak, you can store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Simply reheat it in the oven or in a skillet before using in fajitas or any other dish.

Now that you know how to cook and slice skirt steak for fajitas, you can enjoy a delicious and flavorful meal right at home. Serve the steak strips on warm tortillas with your favorite toppings for an authentic and satisfying Mexican-inspired dish.

FAQ

What is skirt steak?

Skirt steak is a cut of beef that comes from the diaphragm muscle of the cow. It is a long, flat piece of meat with a coarse texture. Skirt steak is known for its rich, beefy flavor and is often used in Mexican and Tex-Mex cuisine.

Can I cook skirt steak in the oven?

Yes, you can cook skirt steak in the oven. Preheat the oven to a high temperature, around 450°F (232°C). Season the skirt steak with your choice of spices or marinade. Place the steak on a baking sheet and cook for about 10-15 minutes, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.

What are fajitas?

Fajitas are a Tex-Mex dish made with marinated and grilled meat, typically beef, chicken, or shrimp. The meat is usually cooked with bell peppers and onions, and then served in tortillas with various toppings such as salsa, guacamole, and cheese.

How do I marinate skirt steak for fajitas?

To marinate skirt steak for fajitas, combine ingredients like lime juice, soy sauce, olive oil, garlic, cumin, and chili powder in a bowl. Place the skirt steak in a large resealable bag and pour the marinade over it. Seal the bag and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to allow the flavors to develop.

Can I use a different cut of steak for fajitas?

Yes, you can use a different cut of steak for fajitas if you prefer. Flank steak or sirloin steak are good alternatives to skirt steak. Just make sure to adjust the cooking time accordingly, as different cuts of meat may require different cooking times.

What is skirt steak?

Skirt steak is a cut of beef known for its long, flat shape. It is flavorful and tender, making it perfect for fajitas.