Skirt steak, also known as fajita or Philadelphia steak, is a cut of beef taken from the diaphragm muscles of a cow. It has long fibrous grains that run through the meat, making it a flavorful and slightly chewy cut that is popular for grilling, broiling, or pan-searing.
Why Let Skirt Steak Sit Out Before Cooking?
There are a few reasons why it is recommended to let skirt steak sit out at room temperature before cooking:
- Lets the meat warm up – Taking the steak out of the fridge 30-60 minutes before cooking allows it to gradually come closer to room temperature. This helps it cook more evenly.
- Enhances flavor – The warmer temperature helps bring out the natural flavors of the meat.
- Makes it easier to sear – Meat absorbs heat and browns better when it is not ice cold.
- Prevents overcooking – Starting with chilled meat can lead to overcooking the exterior trying to get the inside up to temperature.
How Long Should Skirt Steak Sit Out?
Most experts recommend letting skirt steak rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes before hitting the grill or pan. Here are some more details on timing:
- 30 minutes – This is the minimum time recommended. It allows smaller cuts like skirt steak to take off the chill without warming too much in the center.
- 45-60 minutes – This window is ideal for giving an average 1-2 lb skirt steak time to warm up more thoroughly.
- No more than 2 hours – Meat should not sit out at room temp for longer than 2 hours, according to USDA food safety guidelines, to avoid potential bacterial growth.
Tips for Letting Skirt Steak Sit Out
- Pat the meat dry before letting it rest. This helps the exterior start warming up.
- Leave the steak uncovered as it sits out so air can circulate around it.
- Make sure your countertop is clean before setting the meat down.
- Do not let the steak sit in direct sunlight, which can lead to uneven cooking.
What Temperature Should Skirt Steak Reach Before Cooking?
You don’t want the steak to get fully to room temperature before cooking. The ideal is to have the meat approach room temp gradually. After sitting out for 30-60 minutes, the steak’s internal temperature might reach:
| Resting Time | Approximate Internal Temperature |
|---|---|
| 30 minutes | 50°F to 55°F |
| 45 minutes | 55°F to 60°F |
| 60 minutes | 60°F to 65°F |
This partial warming means the meat will cook more evenly and quickly compared to cooking straight from the fridge.
Is Letting Meat Sit Out Unsafe?
There are some food safety concerns to be aware of with letting meat rest at room temperature:
- Risk of bacterial growth – If meat sits out too long, bacteria can start multiplying quickly.
- Cook within 2 hours – Meat should never sit at room temp for longer than 2 hours before cooking, according to USDA guidelines.
- Avoid cross-contamination – Use clean utensils and surfaces when handling raw meat.
- Cook to proper temperatures – Use a meat thermometer to ensure the steak reaches safe internal temperatures.
Safe Room Temperatures
To avoid increased bacteria growth when letting meat rest, make sure your room temperature is not excessively warm:
- Total time at room temp under 2 hours – The room should not exceed 90°F during the resting time in order for meat to stay within USDA guidelines.
- Total time at room temp over 2 hours – If meat will be out for longer than 2 hours before cooking, the room temperature should not exceed 40°F.
Skirt Steak Cooking Times & Temperatures
Once you have let the skirt steak sit out to lose its chill, it is important to cook it thoroughly to destroy any potential harmful bacteria.
Here are some cooking guidelines to reach safe internal temperatures:
Pan Searing
- Cook for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare.
- Target internal temperature of 130-135°F.
Grilling
- Grill for a total of 8-12 minutes for medium doneness.
- Flip every 2-3 minutes to prevent burning.
- Remove from heat at 140-145°F internal temp.
Broiling
- Broil 3-4 inches from heat for 6-9 minutes total.
- Check for doneness around 150°F internal temperature.
Always let skirt steak rest 3-5 minutes after cooking to allow juices to redistribute through the meat before slicing and serving.
Marinating Times for Skirt Steak
In addition to letting it sit out, skirt steak also benefits greatly from marinating. The marinade helps tenderize the meat and infuse it with extra flavor. Here are recommended marinating times:
- 30 minutes to 1 hour: Adds light flavor to the steak.
- 2-4 hours: Allows the marinade to start tenderizing and penetrating the meat.
- Overnight or 24 hours: Gives time for the marinade to fully penetrate and tenderize.
Keep the following tips in mind when marinating skirt steak:
- Marinate in the fridge, not on the counter.
- Use a resealable plastic bag or covered dish.
- Turn the bag occasionally to distribute the marinade.
- Pat steak dry before cooking for better searing.
What’s the Best Way to Cook Marinated Skirt Steak?
Marinated skirt steak comes out very flavorful and tender when cooked on a grill. The hot grill helps caramelize and intensify the marinade flavors. Pan searing is also an excellent option for cooking marinated skirt steak.
Grilling Tips for Marinated Skirt Steak
- Use a two-zone fire – Sear over direct heat then move to indirect heat to finish.
- Grill over medium-high heat for about 4 minutes per side.
- Let it rest 5 minutes before slicing across the grain.
Pan Searing Tips for Marinated Skirt Steak
- Pat the meat very dry first for optimal browning.
- Use a cast iron or stainless steel skillet over medium-high heat.
- Sear for 2-3 minutes per side until browned.
- Slice thin across the grain to serve.
Conclusion
Letting skirt steak sit out before cooking is a simple step that can make a big difference in maximizing flavor and tenderness. Allow the meat to rest at room temperature for 30-60 minutes to gently warm up before hitting the grill or pan. Marinating the steak for at least 2-4 hours also helps boost moisture and flavor. Cook skirt steak over high heat for a nice char while reaching the ideal internal temperature. Following these guidelines will give you delicious, juicy results!