Sous Vide Skirt Steak (Recipe)

Looking for the best sous vide skirt steak recipe? Want to know how to cook skirt steak sous vide to perfection? Look no further! In this guide, we’ll show you the secrets to creating a juicy and flavorful sous vide skirt steak that will impress your family and friends.

Skirt steak is a popular choice for dishes like fajitas and steak salads. Its rich, beefy flavor and tender texture make it a favorite among meat lovers.

However, cooking skirt steak can be tricky as it tends to dry out quickly. That’s where the sous vide method comes in.

With sous vide cooking, the meat is sealed in a vacuum-sealed bag and cooked in a precisely controlled water bath. This method ensures that the steak is cooked evenly and retains its juiciness.

Pair sous vide cooking with the right temperature and seasonings, and you’ll have the perfect sous vide skirt steak every time!

Key Takeaways:

• Create a juicy and flavorful sous vide skirt steak
• Cook skirt steak sous vide for perfect doneness
• Use precise temperature control for even cooking
• Choose the right seasonings or marinade for added flavor
• Enjoy a tender and delicious steak that will impress your guests

Preparation for Sous Vide Skirt Steak

To prepare a delicious sous vide skirt steak, you’ll need to gather a few essential items. Here’s what you’ll need:

Equipment:

• Precision cooker or pot with water
• Thermometer
• Sous vide bags

Ingredients:

• Your choice of skirt steak
• Spices or marinade for seasoning

If you prefer a marinated skirt steak, it’s best to let the steak marinate for at least two hours or overnight in the refrigerator.

You can use your favorite marinade to add flavor and tenderness to the meat. Alternatively, you can season the steak with salt, pepper, and other desired seasonings.

Once the steak is seasoned or marinated, it’s time to seal it in sous vide bags. This will help lock in the flavors and ensure even cooking. Make sure to remove any excess air from the bags before sealing them.

Now that your steak is ready, it’s time to prepare the water bath. Fill a pot or container with water and attach your precision cooker. Set the temperature according to your desired doneness level.

For a medium-rare skirt steak, a temperature of 130°F-135°F is recommended. Once the water reaches the desired temperature, you’re ready to start cooking!

Place the sealed sous vide bags in the water bath and let it cook for about two hours. This cooking method ensures that the steak is perfectly cooked from edge to edge, resulting in a tender and flavorful piece of meat.

You can cook the steak for up to four hours if desired, but two hours usually suffices.

After the cooking time is complete, remove the bags from the water bath and carefully open them. Now, the skirt steak is ready for the final step – searing.

Searing the steak in a hot skillet or with a blowtorch will give it a beautiful crust and enhance the flavors.

Heat a skillet with a drizzle of oil over high heat and sear the steak for 1-2 minutes on each side until a golden-brown crust forms. Once the searing is complete, allow the steak to rest for a few minutes before slicing and serving.

Cooking Time

When it comes to cooking sous vide skirt steak, the cooking time plays a crucial role in achieving the perfect results. Generally, a sous vide skirt steak cooks to your desired doneness level in about two hours.

However, don’t worry if you need a little extra time; the steak can be left in the water bath for up to four hours without sacrificing tenderness or flavor.

After the cooking process, the steak requires an additional step to enhance its texture and taste. Searing the steak in a preheated skillet is essential to create a flavorful crust and add a beautiful caramelized finish.

To achieve this, heat a skillet with a drizzle of oil over high heat. Carefully place the sous vide skirt steak in the skillet and sear it for 1-2 minutes on each side.

Once the steak is seared to perfection, it’s crucial to allow it to rest for a few minutes before serving or slicing. Place the seared steak on a foil-tented plate and let it rest for 2-3 minutes.

This resting period helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a juicy and tender final dish.

Final Temperature

When cooking sous vide skirt steak, achieving the perfect final temperature is crucial for achieving the desired level of doneness.

The final temperature can be easily determined by using a digital thermometer to check the internal temperature of the steak after cooking.

For a medium-rare sous vide skirt steak, the recommended final temperature range is 130°F-135°F. This temperature range allows for a tender and juicy steak with a slight pink center.

If you prefer your steak to be cooked to a medium doneness level, the final temperature should be 140°F-145°F. This will result in a slightly more cooked steak with a larger pink center.

For those who prefer a medium-well sous vide skirt steak, the final temperature should be 150°F-155°F. This will yield a more cooked steak with a smaller pink center.

Lastly, for a well-done sous vide skirt steak, the final temperature should be 160°F-165°F. This will result in a steak that is fully cooked throughout with no pink center.

It’s important to note that cooking temperatures can vary based on personal preferences, so feel free to adjust the final temperature range to suit your taste.

To help you visualize the differences in doneness levels, here is a table outlining the various steak doneness levels and their corresponding final temperatures:

By monitoring the final temperature of your sous vide skirt steak, you can ensure that it is cooked to your desired level of doneness, resulting in a delicious and perfectly cooked steak every time.

Skirt Steak Sous Vide Tips

When it comes to cooking skirt steak sous vide, here are some valuable tips to help you achieve the best results:

1. Use a delicious marinade: To add flavor and tenderness to your skirt steak, marinate it in your favorite blend of spices and seasonings. Skirt steak is particularly versatile and pairs well with a variety of marinades. Get creative and experiment with different flavors to find your perfect combination.
2. Check the internal temperature: To ensure your skirt steak is cooked to perfection, use a digital thermometer to monitor the internal temperature. This will help you achieve your desired level of doneness. For medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130°F-135°F.
3. Choose the right cut: Selecting a high-quality cut of skirt steak can make a significant difference in the flavor and tenderness of your final dish. Look for premium options like Premium Angus or USDA Prime for the best results.

By following these tips, you’ll be well-equipped to create a mouthwatering skirt steak sous vide that will impress your family and friends.

Here’s an example of a tasty skirt steak marinade:

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and whisk until well blended. Place your skirt steak in a resealable bag and pour the marinade over the meat.

Seal the bag, ensuring all the air is removed, and refrigerate for at least two hours, or overnight for a more intense flavor.

Once your skirt steak is marinated, you’re ready to start the sous vide cooking process. Remember to check the internal temperature with a digital thermometer for perfectly cooked steak!