If you’re craving a steak recipe that bursts with flavor yet remains incredibly simple to prepare, this Honey-Garlic Grilled Skirt Steak Recipe is about to become your new go-to. The perfect balance of sweet honey, savory soy sauce, and punchy garlic gives the skirt steak a luscious caramelized crust and a juicy, tender inside. It’s the kind of dish that makes backyard grilling feel like a special occasion and weeknight dinners feel like a celebration. If you love bold, mouthwatering flavors with minimal fuss, this recipe will quickly steal your heart.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of this Honey-Garlic Grilled Skirt Steak Recipe lies in its few but essential ingredients. Each one plays a key role, whether it’s tenderizing the meat, adding a rich depth of flavor, or giving that irresistible glaze that makes your taste buds sing.
- 1.5 pounds skirt steak: Choose a well-marbled cut for the best tender and flavorful results.
- 3 tablespoons honey: Provides natural sweetness and helps caramelize the steak perfectly.
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce: Delivers savory umami that complements the honey beautifully.
- 4 cloves garlic, minced: Packs a delicious punch and infuses the marinade with aromatic depth.
- 2 tablespoons olive oil: Keeps the steak moist and prevents sticking on the grill.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a subtle tang to balance the sweet and savory flavors.
- 1 teaspoon black pepper: Brings just the right amount of gentle heat to awaken your palate.
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional): A fresh, herby finish that brightens the dish when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Honey-Garlic Grilled Skirt Steak Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Marinade
Start by whisking together the honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, rice vinegar, and black pepper in a medium bowl. This marinade is where the magic begins: the sweet honey and salty soy sauce mingle with the pungent garlic, creating a flavor-packed bath that tenderizes and infuses the steak.
Step 2: Marinate the Steak
Place your skirt steak into a zip-top bag or a shallow dish, then pour the marinade over it. Make sure every inch of the meat is coated—this ensures maximum flavor absorption. Refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, but no longer than 2 hours, to keep the steak tender and juicy without overpowering it.
Step 3: Preheat and Prep the Grill
While the steak is soaking up all those delicious flavors, preheat your grill to high heat. Clean and oil the grates well to prevent the skirt steak from sticking and to get a perfect sear. Removing the steak from the marinade and letting the excess drip off helps create that coveted caramelized crust.
Step 4: Grill to Perfection
Place the skirt steak on the hot grill and cook for about 3 to 4 minutes per side. This quick, high-heat grilling locks in juices while caramelizing the marinade’s sugars beautifully. Feel free to baste the steak with a few tablespoons of reserved marinade during grilling to boost flavor and keep it moist.
Step 5: Rest and Slice
Once grilled, transfer the steak to a plate and let it rest for 5 minutes. Resting is crucial because it allows the juices to redistribute, keeping every bite juicy. Slice thinly against the grain to ensure tenderness, garnish with parsley if you like, and get ready to enjoy!
How to Serve Honey-Garlic Grilled Skirt Steak Recipe
Garnishes
A sprinkle of finely chopped parsley adds a pop of color and a fresh herbal note that brightens the smoky, sweet flavors of the steak. For a little zing, try a squeeze of fresh lemon juice on top just before serving to cut through the richness.
Side Dishes
This Honey-Garlic Grilled Skirt Steak Recipe pairs wonderfully with simple sides like grilled vegetables, a crisp green salad, or creamy mashed potatoes. For a fun twist, try serving it alongside garlic butter rice or roasted sweet potatoes to complement the caramelized honey glaze.
Creative Ways to Present
Turn this dish into a vibrant steak salad by tossing the sliced steak with mixed greens, avocado, cherry tomatoes, and a tangy vinaigrette. Or try wrapping the steak slices in warm tortillas with fresh slaw and a drizzle of chipotle mayo for easy steak tacos that will wow everyone at the table.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep any leftover grilled skirt steak in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 3 days. The flavors actually deepen after a day, making it perfect for next-day meals like sandwiches or salads.
Freezing
To freeze, slice the steak and store it with any reserved marinade or a drizzle of olive oil in a freezer-safe container or bag. It will keep well for up to 2 months. Just thaw overnight in the fridge before reheating to retain moisture.
Reheating
For the best results, reheat sliced steak gently in a skillet over medium-low heat or briefly in the oven, covered with foil. This prevents drying out while warming the meat through—an easy way to enjoy this Honey-Garlic Grilled Skirt Steak Recipe anytime.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of beef for this recipe?
Absolutely! While skirt steak is ideal for its rich flavor and quick cook time, flank steak or hanger steak are great alternatives. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on thickness.
How long should I marinate the skirt steak?
The steak benefits from at least 30 minutes in the marinade, but no more than 2 hours. Longer marinating can cause the texture to become mushy due to the acidity in the vinegar.
Is it necessary to baste the steak while grilling?
Basting is optional but highly recommended. It enhances the caramelization and keeps the steak juicy and flavorful throughout the grilling process.
Can I make this recipe indoors without a grill?
Yes! You can use a grill pan or a cast-iron skillet over high heat. Just make sure the pan is well-oiled and hot for a nice sear on both sides.
How do I know when the skirt steak is done?
Skirt steak cooks quickly. Aim for medium-rare to medium—about 3 to 4 minutes per side—and look for a nicely caramelized crust. Using a meat thermometer, 130-135°F (54-57°C) is ideal for medium-rare.
Final Thoughts
This Honey-Garlic Grilled Skirt Steak Recipe is one of those rare finds that feel like a treat but come together with ease. Its vibrant, balanced flavors and simple prep make it perfect for any occasion, from casual dinners to weekend cookouts. Give it a try, and you just might find this recipe becoming your new favorite way to enjoy steak with a deliciously sweet and savory twist.
Print
Honey-Garlic Grilled Skirt Steak Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 8 minutes
- Total Time: 2 hours 18 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: American
Description
This Honey-Garlic Grilled Skirt Steak recipe features tender skirt steak marinated in a sweet and savory blend of honey, soy sauce, garlic, and spices, then grilled to perfection. The marinade imparts a beautiful caramelized glaze while the quick grill ensures a juicy, flavorful steak that’s perfect for a weeknight dinner or weekend cookout.
Ingredients
For the Marinade and Steak
- 1.5 pounds skirt steak
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 3 tablespoons soy sauce
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a medium bowl, whisk together honey, soy sauce, minced garlic, olive oil, rice vinegar, and black pepper until well combined to form a flavorful marinade.
- Marinate the Steak: Place the skirt steak in a zip-top bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over it. Ensure the steak is thoroughly coated. Seal the bag or cover the dish, and refrigerate for 30 minutes up to 2 hours to infuse the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat. Clean and lightly oil the grates to prevent sticking. Remove the steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Reserve a few tablespoons of marinade for basting if desired.
- Grill the Steak: Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for 3 to 4 minutes on each side until it is nicely seared and caramelized. Optionally, baste the steak with the reserved marinade during grilling to enhance flavor and moisture.
- Rest and Serve: Remove the steak from the grill and allow it to rest for 5 minutes to let the juices redistribute. Slice thinly against the grain, garnish with chopped parsley if using, and serve immediately for the best taste and texture.
Notes
- Marinating longer (up to 2 hours) intensifies flavor but avoid over-marinating to prevent the steak from becoming mushy.
- Make sure to slice against the grain for tender bites.
- Reserved marinade used for basting should be boiled if not fully cooked to ensure food safety.
- Can be served with grilled vegetables, rice, or salad for a complete meal.
