Looking for a new type of beef to cook on the grill? Thinking about trying flank steak for the first time?
If you are new to the food world, it can be tough to navigate the different cuts. If you’ve never tried the flank steak, you might wonder if it’s like skirt steak. Both are great options to throw on a grill or sauté when you’re looking to make a hearty and satisfying meal that’s sure to please your taste buds.
Keep reading to learn about the difference between skirt vs flank steak and what to look for at the meat counter.
What Is Skirt Steak?
Skirt steak is a very lean and tough cut of beef that comes from the cow’s diaphragm. This steak is not sold in supermarkets but can be found at most butcher shops. It is long, flat, and has a lot of connective tissue.
It makes it a tough cut of meat; it takes longer to cook and can be harder to chew. But, its bold flavor makes it a popular choice for grilling and steak dishes. It is best cooked using quick cooking at high temperatures, such as grilling or cast iron cooking.
What Is Flank Steak?
Flank steak is a cut of meat that comes from the abdominal area of a cow and is a lean meat. It can become tough and dry if not cooked properly. This steak is more readily available in supermarkets.
It’s also a bit more tender, making it a good choice for those who don’t want to spend a lot of time cooking their steak. When it comes to taste, flank steak is a bit milder than skirt steak.
The Differences Between Skirt vs Flank Steak
The most significant difference between skirt steak and flank steak is that skirt steak is more marbled with fat. Fat content is essential for steak because it adds flavor and juiciness.
About the price, skirt steak is usually cheaper than flank steak. This is because it’s not as popular of a cut, so there’s less demand for it. But, skirt and flank steak are inexpensive compared to other cuts of meat.
About flavor, both skirt steak and flank steak are pretty similar. The main difference is that skirt steak has a more gamey flavor due to the higher fat content.
How to Cook Skirt vs Flank Steak
When it comes to cooking, skirt steak benefits from a quick cook time over high heat. It ensures that the skirt steak stays juicy and flavorful.
Skirt steak is better for stir-frys or fajitas because it can withstand high heat. Cook skirt steak for 2-3 minutes per side or until it reaches the desired level of doneness.
When grilling flank steak, it’s important not to overcook it, as it can become tough. The best way to cook a flank steak is to grill it for about 6-8 minutes per side. Skirt steak is best served rare to medium rare, while flank steak is served medium to medium well.
Grab Your Steak Today
After reading this article, it should be clear that skirt vs flank steak are two very different types of meat. So, when it comes to choosing between the two, it depends on what you’re looking for in a steak.
If you want to read more helpful information and tips, check out some of our other blogs.
