Imagine a dish that transforms an ordinary steak into a culinary masterpiece bursting with vibrant citrus notes and tender, juicy perfection. This Citrus Marinated Skirt Steak isn't just a recipe—it's a flavor journey that will transport your taste buds straight to the heart of Mexican cuisine. With a simple marinade that packs a punch of zesty orange and tangy lime, this dish promises to elevate your home cooking from mundane to magnificent in just 25 minutes.
Prep Time: 10 mins
Cook Time: 15 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Mexican
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb skirt steak
- 1/4 cup orange juice
- 1/4 cup lime juice
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, whisk together orange juice, lime juice, olive oil, minced garlic, cumin, salt, and pepper to create the marinade.
- Place the skirt steak in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is completely covered. Seal or cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours for deeper flavor infusion.
- Remove the steak from the refrigerator 15-20 minutes before cooking to allow it to come to room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.
- Preheat a grill or cast-iron skillet to high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and pat dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.
- Grill or pan-sear the skirt steak for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time to your preferred doneness. Avoid overcooking to prevent toughness.
- Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let rest for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips to maximize tenderness.
- Serve immediately, optionally garnishing with fresh cilantro or additional lime wedges.
Tips
- Marinating Magic: Don't rush the marinating process. While 30 minutes works, letting the steak sit for up to 4 hours allows deeper flavor penetration.
- Temperature is Key: Always let your steak come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and optimal tenderness.
- Searing Secrets: Pat the steak completely dry before grilling or searing to achieve that perfect, crispy exterior.
- Grain Matters: Always slice against the grain to guarantee the most tender, melt-in-your-mouth texture.
- Rest and Relax: Letting the steak rest after cooking is crucial—it allows juices to redistribute, ensuring each bite is succulent and flavorful.Pro tip: For an extra flavor boost, try garnishing with fresh cilantro or serving with additional lime wedges to enhance the citrusy profile.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 287kcal
Carbohydrates: g
Protein: 20g
Fat: 21g
Saturated Fat: 7g
Cholesterol: 60mg
