x

The Best BBQ Delivered to You!

Sign up here for Steven’ Raichlen’s weekly Up in Smoke e-newsletter (and get a free ‘Best Burgers’ e-book!).


Menu

Steaks

Derrick Riches’ Cumin Marinated Skirt Steak


Print

Derrick Riches’ Cumin Marinated Skirt Steak

Ingredients

For the marinade and steak:

  • 1/4 cup fresh lime juice (2 to 3 limes)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 1 tablespoon ground cumin
  • 1 tablespoon pure chile powder, such as ancho
  • 2 teaspoons dried oregano, preferably Mexican
  • 2 teaspoons Worcestershire sauce
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons chipotle chile powder
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons coarse salt (kosher or sea)
  • 1-1/2 teaspoons onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
  • 1/3 cup vegetable oil
  • 1-1/2 pounds skirt steak, trimmed

For the garnish:

  • 10 red or yellow cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, roughly chopped
  • 1 to 2 scallions, trimmed, white and green parts thinly sliced
  • 1 jalapeño, stemmed, seeded, and thinly sliced

Recipe Steps

Step 1: Make the marinade: In a mixing bowl, combine the lime juice, water, garlic, cumin, ancho chile powder, oregano, Worcestershire sauce, chipotle chile powder, salt, onion powder, and black pepper. Whisk to combine. Add the vegetable oil in a thin stream, whisking constantly to emulsify.

Step 2: Score a crosshatch pattern on the top and bottom of each steak. The cuts should be 1/8 inch deep and 1/4 inch apart. (This aids with the absorption of the marinade and helps prevent the steaks from curling.) Place steak in a nonreactive baking dish or large resealable plastic bag. Pour the marinade over the skirt steak, turning the meat to make sure it’s thoroughly coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for 2 to 4 hours.

Step 3: Set up the grill for direct grilling and preheat to medium-high. When ready to cook, drain the steaks and pat dry with paper towels. Discard the marinade. Brush and oil the grill grate. Arrange the steaks on the hot grate and grill for 3 to 5 minutes per side for medium-rare, turning with tongs. Transfer to a cutting board and let rest for 2 minutes. Thinly slice the meat on a diagonal and transfer to a platter or plates. Garnish with the tomatoes, cilantro, scallions, and jalapeño. Serve at once.