“Lime-Garlic Marinated Skirt Steak”

Your 4th of July holiday is over but that does not mean summer grilling is done. Tasty, quick meals are still in store to entice your taste buds. Nothing is better than tender grilled steak so fire your grill and prepare my Lime-Grilled Marinated Skirt Steak. Tender and juicy, flavors making your palate just sing. This is one of my husband’s favorite steaks and I’ll explain why.

First, purchase the best skirt steak you can find, as both inner or outer skirt steak works just the same. Ensure the meat is trimmed yet remains marbled with fat but not too much. Thicker steaks work better than thinner ones as a result cooking times may vary. Whichever you buy, do not overcook because you’ll be eating shoe leather. Believe me, this will be such a disappointment. Skirt steak should not be cooked more than medium.

 Lime-Garlic Marinated Skirt Steak

This recipe is brought to you by my love of steak, of course but also my love of Latin cooking. Meats tend to be marinated in citrus juices such as lime and orange juices in Latin cuisine. I cannot tell you what flavors citrus juice infuses in skirt steak not to mention how tender the meat becomes. We use citrus to marinate poultry and seafood so why not meat, right?

The marinade is filled with fresh squeezed lime juice, garlic, red pepper flakes for a little subtle heat, cumin, and dark brown sugar for a slightly sweet edge. The brown sugar allows the steak to get a nice beautiful sear. Marinate your skirt steak at least 4 hours for maximum flavor. Don’t try to rush the process because you’ll miss out on what this flavor-packed marinade can do. And now you have the makings of Lime-Garlic Marinated Skirt Steak. Did I mention this is a low carb recipe as you will have no reason to worry you are killing your healthy eating habits.

Lime-Garlic Marinated Skirt Steak

Get your local market, purchase beautiful skirt steak, and the makings for the lime-garlic marinade. May I suggest serving your Lime-Garlic Marinated Skirt Steak with flour tortillas, lime cilantro rice, and ranchero or refried beans. I will say it’s a fabulous combination. This steak recipe will become a fast family favorite for any weeknight. Most relevant, this recipe is also great to serve when entertaining, too. Enjoy and happy grilling!!!

Lime-Garlic Marinated Skirt Steak

Lime-Garlic Marinated Skirt Steak

2 pounds skirt steak, trimmed

3 T. fresh lime juice

3 T. Olive oil

3 T. chopped garlic

1/2 – 1 t. crushed red pepper flakes

½ t. ground cumin

3 T. dark brown sugar

In a small bowl, mix together all ingredients and pour mixture into a gallon Ziploc bag.

Add skirt steak to bag, seal and massage meat to coat all pieces in marinade.

Place bag in refrigerator for at least 4 hours to overnight.

Let sit at room temperature for 30 minutes before cooking.

Heat grill according to manufacturer’s instructions, keeping grill temperature at 400 degrees. Oil grill grates to prevent sticking.

Place steak on grill and cook about 4 minutes on each side to sear. Flip and cook another 4 minutes or until desired doneness is achieved. Best if cooked no more than medium.

Remove steak from grill, letting rest for 10 minutes before serving. Slice diagonally against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness.

Note: Cooking time may be less if steak is thin.

Makes 4 servings. Carbs, 12 g.