If you’re craving a steak that bursts with bold, sweet, and savory flavors, this Honey-Garlic Grilled Skirt Steak Recipe is going to become your new go-to favorite. Skirt steak, with its wonderful texture and beefy richness, gets a fantastic makeover when marinated in a luscious mix of honey, garlic, and soy sauce, then grilled to caramelized perfection. Every bite offers that irresistible combination of tender juiciness and a slight char, making it perfect for weeknight meals or impressing guests with something special yet simple.
Ingredients You’ll Need
These ingredients are effortlessly straightforward but pack a punch to bring out the best in your skirt steak. Each element plays a vital role, whether it’s adding sweetness, umami, acidity, or a fresh herbal touch, making your marinade vibrant and balanced in flavor.
- 1.5 pounds skirt steak: This cut is flavorful and perfect for quick grilling due to its thinness and texture.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Natural sweetness that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Adds depth and an umami punch that complements the beef.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Provides a fragrant, savory element that wakes up your taste buds.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Helps the marinade coat the steak evenly and keeps it juicy.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: A splash of acidity that balances the sweetness and tenderizes the meat.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Adds a subtle kick and enhances overall flavor.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional): Fresh herb that adds a pop of color and a mild, bright finish.
How to Make Honey-Garlic Grilled Skirt Steak Recipe
Step 1: Whisk the Marinade
Begin by combining the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, rice vinegar, and black pepper in a medium bowl. Whisk everything thoroughly until the honey dissolves and the mixture becomes a smooth, fragrant marinade ready to infuse your steak with amazing flavor.
Step 2: Marinate the Skirt Steak
Place your skirt steak in a zip-top bag or a shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, making sure it’s evenly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, then refrigerate for at least 30 minutes and up to 2 hours. This step is essential because it tenderizes the steak while allowing those honey-garlic notes to soak in deeply.
Step 3: Prepare Your Grill
Preheat your grill to high heat and make sure your grates are clean and lightly oiled. Properly heated grates are key to achieving those beautiful sear marks and locking in the juicy flavors of the skirt steak.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Take the steak out of the marinade, letting the excess drip off (reserve a few tablespoons if you want to baste during grilling). Grill the steak for about 3 to 4 minutes on each side until it’s nicely seared and caramelized. If you reserved marinade, feel free to baste the steak for even more flavor and moisture.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
After grilling, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, keeping it tender and juicy when sliced. Slice thinly against the grain to maximize tenderness and serve garnished with fresh parsley if desired.
How to Serve Honey-Garlic Grilled Skirt Steak Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of freshly chopped parsley not only adds a vibrant green color but also brings a subtle freshness that balances the sweet and savory glaze on the steak. For an extra touch, a wedge of lemon or lime can brighten the flavors even more with a quick squeeze.
Side Dishes
This steak sings alongside simple, fresh sides. Think grilled vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers, a crisp arugula salad with shaved Parmesan, or even garlic mashed potatoes to soak up every bit of that glorious honey-garlic flavor. Rice or quinoa salads also make great companions if you want a lighter option.
Creative Ways to Present
Take this Honey-Garlic Grilled Skirt Steak Recipe beyond the usual plate by using the sliced steak to top creamy polenta, toss it in a tangy Asian-inspired salad, or stuff it into warm tortillas with a sprinkle of fresh veggies and your favorite sauce for unexpected steak tacos with a delightful twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After enjoying your steak, you can safely store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. Keeping the sliced steak separate from any sauces helps maintain texture and flavor. When ready to eat, simply reheat gently or enjoy cold in salads or sandwiches.
Freezing
If you want to save some for later, wrap the cooked steak tightly in plastic wrap and aluminum foil or place it in a freezer-safe container. Properly frozen, it will keep well for up to 2 months. Just be sure to thaw thoroughly in the fridge before reheating to preserve tenderness.
Reheating
To reheat your skirt steak without overcooking it, warm it gently in a skillet over medium-low heat with a splash of water or broth. Cover with a lid to keep moisture in, reheating just until warmed through to prevent toughening.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
While skirt steak is ideal due to its texture and flavor, you can substitute with flank steak or hanger steak, which also respond well to quick marinades and high-heat grilling. The cooking times might vary slightly.
How long can I marinate the steak for best results?
The steak benefits from marinating anywhere between 30 minutes and 2 hours. Marinating too long, especially with acidic ingredients, can start to break down the meat too much and alter its texture.
Is it necessary to baste the steak while grilling?
Basting is optional but recommended if you want to boost the sticky glaze and flavor on your steak. Just be sure to baste quickly to keep the grill heat steady and prevent flare-ups.
What is the best way to slice skirt steak?
Always slice skirt steak thinly against the grain. Cutting against the grain shortens the muscle fibers, making every bite more tender and enjoyable.
Can I make the marinade ahead of time?
Absolutely! The marinade can be made a day ahead and stored in the fridge. This also allows the flavors to meld even more, deepening the taste when you marinate the steak.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Honey-Garlic Grilled Skirt Steak Recipe enough if you want a simple yet show-stopping meal that feels like a special occasion staple. With just a handful of ingredients and minimal prep, you get maximum flavor and that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and smoky. Give it a try—you’ll find yourself coming back to this recipe time and time again, sharing it with friends and family who will surely be impressed.
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Honey-Garlic Grilled Skirt Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 48 minutes (includes minimum 30 minutes marinating)
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey-Garlic Grilled Skirt Steak recipe features tender skirt steak marinated in a sweet and savory blend of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection. It’s a quick and flavorful dish perfect for weeknight dinners or weekend cookouts, delivering a tasty balance of caramelized, garlicky goodness.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds skirt steak
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, rice vinegar, and black pepper to create a well-blended marinade.
- Marinate the Steak: Place the skirt steak in a zip-top bag or shallow dish, pour in the marinade, and ensure the steak is coated evenly. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to 2 hours to allow the flavors to infuse.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to high and clean and oil the grates to prevent sticking. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting excess drip off, and reserve some marinade for basting if desired.
- Grill the Steak: Grill the skirt steak for 3–4 minutes on each side until it develops a nice sear and caramelized crust. Optionally, baste with the reserved marinade during grilling to boost flavor and moisture.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes to redistribute juices. Slice thinly against the grain, garnish with chopped parsley if using, and serve.
Notes
- Marinating longer (up to 2 hours) enhances the flavor and tenderness.
- Make sure to slice against the grain to maximize tenderness.
- Reserved marinade used for basting should be boiled if intended to be served as a sauce.
- Skirt steak cooks quickly; watch closely to avoid overcooking.
- Parsley garnish is optional but adds a fresh color and slight herbal note.
