Mention the word steak, and for sure, many of you would be drooling in an instant. You will already be imagining a juicy meat oozing with flavors!
For some, on the other hand, steaks can be intimidating. Aside from the price, many people do not understand basic steak terms.
If you are confused about steaks, this article is for you. Here, we’ll talk about skirt vs flank steak. These are two common meat cuts that most people do not know, especially those who do not eat steak regularly. Read on to know more!
Where Is It From?
To differentiate the two, one of the first things that we should be talking about would be where they came from. This will have an impact on how tough the meat is. If it is from a part that is often used for moving, it will be tougher.
Flank steak is derived from the bottom abdominal area of a cow. It is a from a muscle group often used when the cow walks or twists. There are lots of tough fibers. This is from a part where the hard-working muscles are present.
On the other hand, skirt steak is from the muscles on the diaphragm of the cow. This is a thick and fibrous muscle separating the chest from the abdomen. It also contains a lot of tough fibers.
Which is a Fatter Cut?
Do you want your steak lean or fatty? This is will dictate which among the two cuts is more suitable for your taste.
Flank steaks are known for being long and almost fat-free. This is as against skirt steak, which is known to have more fat.
So, if you are trying to go for a high-fat diet, a better option for you would be skirt steak. On the other hand, if you are eating lean meats, go for flank steak.
What About Their Grain Structure?
Grain structure is an important consideration in steaks because more than affecting the way the meat looks, this will also have an effect on the way it is prepared.
One of the main characteristics of flank steak is that it comes with clearly defined fibers. The fibers are also closer. This is one of the main differences with skirt steak. In the case of the latter, the fibers are not as tight as what you would see in flank steak.
Which is More Flavorful?
A lot of people love steaks because of their meaty flavor. The taste, however, will differ depending on several factors. Aside from the way the meat is cooked, flavors can also be different depending on where the meat is from, which is why you need to understand skirt vs flank steak.
If you are looking for a cut of meat that comes with a more pronounced beefy flavor, then skirt steak is a good choice. Although, be warned that this can be quite tough, so consider this when choosing the best way to cook the meat.
Which One is Better for Marinades?
Cooking steaks will vary from one person to another depending on personal preferences. One thing that most people do is to marinade the meat, which will make it more flavorful.
When it comes to skirt vs flank steak, if you need one that is better for marinades, you should go for skirt steak. This is related to what we talked about regarding the grains and fibers. As mentioned, in the case of flank steak, the muscle fibers are tight. This is not good for marinating. The muscles will make it difficult for the flavors to penetrate. So, if you want a steak that you can marinate, skirt is a better cut.
How to Cook Skirt Steak
Skirt steaks are good for marinades. However, take note that this is fibrous, so you will need a stronger marinade. Choose flavors with high acidity, including lime juice and vinegar. To make the steak more flavorful, make sure that you marinate the meat for six to 12 hours.
By default, skirt steak also has a strong flavor. With this, you can make things simple and add only salt and pepper before you grill the steak. This is good for purists.
When grilling skirt steak, take note that it is often thinner compared to flank steak. With this, you will need only three minutes to grill each side.
Use high heat when cooking skirt steak, which will quickly sear the meat. Get it off the flame once it is medium-rare.
Fajitas, sandwiches, tacos, and stir fry are some of the best ways to enjoy your skirt steak.
How to Cook Flank Steak
Flank steaks are also good at absorbing marinades, although, because of the fibers, it isn’t as good as skirt steak. The key here is to marinate the meat longer for the meat to absorb the flavor. Doing this is a two-edged sword because this will also tenderize your steak.
Because flank steaks are thicker, you will need at least five minutes to grill each side of the meat. The internal temperature should be at least 130 degrees Fahrenheit, which should also be the same for skirt steaks.
Grill the meat in high heat and remove it off the grill quickly. When the heat is high, it won’t take a long time before your meat is finally cooked. Some of the best ways to use flank steak in delicious recipes include burrito bowls, curry, and salads.
Conclusion
By now, we hope that you were able to learn a thing or two from the things mentioned above about skirt vs flank steak. To sum it up, they are both from muscles that are often used by a cow. However, flank steak has tighter fibers, which makes it not ideal for marinades, unlike skirt steak. Skirt steak also has more fat content while flank steak is more ideal if you have a lean diet.
So, which one is a better option? Both are great, so we’ll leave the choice to you!
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