Grilling skirt steak can be a bit tricky, but it’s a rewarding challenge for any grilling enthusiast. One question many cooks face is whether to grill skirt steak with the lid open or closed. The right method can make all the difference in flavor, texture, and doneness. In this article, we’ll explore the pros and cons of both techniques, and guide you to grilling a mouth-watering skirt steak every time.
1. Introduction: Understanding Skirt Steak Grilling Techniques
Skirt steak is a favorite cut for grilling due to its rich flavor and texture. However, because it’s a thin cut, how you grill it—whether with the lid open or closed—can affect the final result. We’ll break down each method so you can choose the best one for your next cookout.
2. Skirt Steak: A Quick Overview
Before we dive into the grilling methods, it’s essential to understand what makes skirt steak unique. This long, flat cut comes from the diaphragm muscle of the cow and is known for its intense beefy flavor and coarse texture. Skirt steak is thinner than other cuts like ribeye or strip steak, which means it cooks much faster.
2.1 Skirt Steak’s Popularity in Grilling Culture
Skirt steak is a popular choice for backyard barbecues and professional kitchens alike. Its ability to absorb marinades quickly and deliver a rich, savory taste in a short amount of time makes it a go-to option for grill masters.
3. Grilling Skirt Steak Open vs. Closed: What Does It Mean?
Grilling with the lid open or closed might seem like a minor detail, but it has a significant impact on how your steak cooks. When the lid is open, you’re using direct heat, similar to pan-searing. With the lid closed, the grill acts more like an oven, circulating heat around the meat, which cooks it more evenly.
4. Pros of Grilling Skirt Steak with the Grill Open
4.1 Better Control Over the Searing Process
Grilling with the lid open allows you to keep a close eye on the steak, which is crucial for achieving the perfect sear. Since skirt steak is thin, it benefits from fast, high-heat cooking that forms a delicious crust while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
4.2 Enhanced Flavor from Open Flames
One of the big advantages of grilling skirt steak with the lid open is that the flames can interact directly with the meat. This leads to more flavor development from the charring of the exterior and the occasional flare-up caused by fat drippings.
5. Pros of Grilling Skirt Steak with the Grill Closed
5.1 More Even Cooking Throughout the Meat
When the lid is closed, the heat surrounds the steak more evenly, which helps the meat cook consistently throughout. This is particularly useful if you’re aiming for a more uniform doneness, especially if your skirt steak is slightly thicker.
5.2 Retaining Moisture and Tenderness
Closing the lid helps trap heat and moisture inside the grill, which can keep the steak juicy. This method reduces the chance of the steak drying out during cooking, especially if you want to go beyond rare or medium-rare.
6. When to Grill Skirt Steak Open: Best Situations
6.1 Quick Cooking for Thin Skirt Steaks
If you have a very thin skirt steak, grilling with the lid open is your best bet. Thin cuts benefit from the fast, direct heat, allowing you to achieve a crispy outer layer without overcooking the inside.
6.2 Achieving a Charred Exterior and Rare Interior
For those who prefer a rare or medium-rare steak with a crispy, charred exterior, grilling with the lid open is ideal. This method allows for a quick sear, creating the coveted Maillard reaction (browning), while keeping the interior nice and pink.
7. When to Grill Skirt Steak Closed: Best Situations
7.1 Thicker Skirt Steaks and Longer Cooking Times
For thicker skirt steaks, grilling with the lid closed ensures the inside cooks properly without over-charring the outside. The closed lid circulates heat around the steak, helping it cook evenly from edge to edge.
7.2 Cooking in Cooler Weather or Windy Conditions
If you’re grilling in less-than-ideal weather, closing the lid helps maintain a steady cooking temperature. Wind and cold can lower the temperature inside your grill, so closing the lid is crucial for maintaining heat and ensuring your steak cooks correctly.
8. The Science Behind Grilling Skirt Steak Open vs. Closed
8.1 The Role of Direct vs. Indirect Heat
Grilling with the lid open relies primarily on direct heat, where the flames or coals are the primary source of cooking. When the lid is closed, you’re using a combination of direct and indirect heat, where the air inside the grill also plays a significant role in cooking the steak.
8.2 How the Maillard Reaction Works
The Maillard reaction is responsible for the delicious crust on grilled steak. This process happens when the steak is exposed to high heat, causing proteins and sugars to break down and form that sought-after brown crust. The method you choose—open or closed—will influence how well this reaction occurs.
9. Key Tips for Perfectly Grilled Skirt Steak (Open or Closed)
9.1 Using Marinades for Extra Flavor
Skirt steak is a fantastic cut for marinating, as its loose muscle fibers absorb flavors quickly. Whether you’re grilling open or closed, a good marinade can elevate the taste of the steak. Just be careful not to over-marinate, as the acidic components in marinades can start to break down the meat too much.
9.2 Timing and Temperature Guidelines
For the best results, aim to cook skirt steak quickly over high heat. If you’re grilling with the lid open, sear each side for 2-3 minutes. If using the closed method, give it about 5-7 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
9.3 Resting the Steak After Grilling
No matter how you grill your skirt steak, always let it rest for a few minutes before slicing. This helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicier steak. Slice the steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
10. Common Mistakes to Avoid When Grilling Skirt Steak
10.1 Overcooking Thin Skirt Steaks with Closed Lids
Because skirt steak is thin, it can easily overcook if left on a closed grill for too long. If you want a good sear but a rare interior, open grilling is a safer bet for thin cuts.
10.2 Ignoring the Importance of Grill Temperature Control
One of the biggest mistakes when grilling skirt steak is not properly controlling the grill’s temperature. Whether you choose to grill open or closed, keeping the grill hot is key for a good sear and quick cooking times. Too low of a temperature, and you’ll lose that rich, caramelized crust.
11. Expert Opinions: What Do Top Chefs Recommend?
11.1 Chef A: Prefers Open-Grill for Quick, Searing Perfection
Some chefs recommend always grilling skirt steak with the lid open because it allows for fast, precise cooking. The key is to watch the steak closely and flip it frequently to prevent burning.
11.2 Chef B: Closed-Grill for Even, Moist Cooking
Other chefs prefer the closed-lid method for thicker skirt steaks, particularly when aiming for more doneness throughout. The consistent heat allows for a more controlled cook, reducing the risk of burning.
11.3 The Hybrid Approach: Combining Open and Closed Techniques
Some experts advocate for a hybrid approach: start with the lid open to get a good sear, then close it for a couple of minutes to finish the cooking evenly. This method gives you the best of both worlds—seared crust with a tender, juicy interior.
12. How Different Grills Impact Your Choice (Gas vs. Charcoal)
12.1 Grilling Skirt Steak on a Gas Grill
Gas grills provide consistent heat and are great for open grilling since you have more precise control over the temperature. If you prefer grilling open, gas grills make it easy to keep the flames high without worry.
12.2 Grilling Skirt Steak on a Charcoal Grill
Charcoal grills, with their rich, smoky flavor, are ideal for closed-lid grilling. The indirect heat from the coals creates an oven-like environment that surrounds the steak and infuses it with deep, smoky notes.
12.3 Pellet Grills: The Slow-and-Steady Option
Pellet grills offer a combination of both methods. You can start with the lid open to get a sear, then close it to finish cooking at a steady, lower temperature, similar to smoking meat.
13. Skirt Steak vs. Flank Steak: Does Grilling Style Change?
13.1 Why Skirt Steak Benefits from Quick Grilling
Because skirt steak is thinner and has looser muscle fibers than flank steak, it benefits from fast, high-heat grilling. The open vs. closed debate is more crucial with skirt steak due to its quick cook time.
13.2 How Flank Steak Requires Different Grilling Methods
Flank steak, which is thicker and leaner, can handle a slower cook, often benefiting more from the closed-lid method. The extra thickness requires more time to cook through without over-charring the exterior.
14. Final Thoughts: Which Method Is Right for You?
Whether you choose to grill skirt steak with the lid open or closed depends on several factors, including the thickness of the steak, the weather conditions, and your preferred doneness level. Both methods have their pros and cons, but ultimately, the best approach is to experiment and find what works for you. Whichever method you choose, remember that skirt steak is best enjoyed hot off the grill, perfectly seared, and sliced against the grain.
15. FAQs
FAQ 1: Should I flip skirt steak multiple times while grilling?
Yes, flipping the steak frequently helps achieve an even sear without overcooking the inside, especially with the lid open.
FAQ 2: How long should I grill skirt steak with the lid open?
Typically, 2-3 minutes per side for a rare to medium-rare steak, depending on the thickness.
FAQ 3: Does the thickness of skirt steak affect whether I should grill open or closed?
Yes, thinner steaks do well with open grilling, while thicker cuts benefit from the closed method.
FAQ 4: Can I finish skirt steak in the oven after grilling?
Yes, searing the steak on the grill and finishing in the oven is a common technique, especially for thicker cuts.
FAQ 5: What’s the best internal temperature for skirt steak?
For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F to 135°F. Always use a meat thermometer for accuracy.