The flank steak and the skirt steak look very similar to each other. That is why buyers are often confused about what type of steak that they're buying.
Both of these steaks are very delicious when cooked properly. But because the steaks are so similar in thickness and build, which one should you choose if you're given the option between the two?
Well, today we're going to discuss the differences between flank steak vs. skirt steak. Find out which one will be right for your next barbecue!
Flank Steak
A flank steak is extracted from the lower abdominal part of a cow. Because the position of the steak is based in the abdominal region, the steak Has a very high muscle content.
The tough muscle fibers in the steak remain quite tough even after cooking. The meat is very lean.
Some Good Things About Flank Steak
Let's take a look at some of the good things or benefits that you can get from a flank steak.
Flavor
There is no doubt that the flavor of A food is its most important feature.
A flank steak contains very rich and intense flavor pallet.
Good When Seared
You're planning on throwing a barbecue, you can consider getting yourself a flank steak for sure. This steak is amazing when cooked at high heat very fast.
If you want, you can also reverse sear this steak. It goes very well with marinades as well.
Some Bad Things About Flank Steak
While flank steaks pack a lot of flavors, They have one small drawback that you need to know about.
Tough
Flank steaks can be very tough if not cooked properly. Therefore you need to be careful when slicing the meat.
Make sure you make very thin slices against the grain of the meat. Otherwise, After the meat has been cooked, it will be very hard to chew on.
What Is Skirt Steak
This steak is extracted from the diaphragm region of the cow. So, both the flank and skirt steaks come from very similar regions.
These steaks are also very long and a bit thinner. That is why A lot of people get confused between a flank and skirt steak.
When it comes to skirt steaks, there are two more options. The inside skirt and the outside skirt
The inside skirt is the lower end part of the ribs. This steak is extracted by cutting the meat from the inside of the cow.
The outside skirt steak is comparatively thicker than the inside skirt steak. Unlike the inside skirt steak, This meat is a bit thicker and has a more regular or consistent steak-like shape. Outside skirt steaks will also not shrink when they are cooked.
You will find outside skirt steaks mostly in restaurants.
Some Good Things About Skirt Steak
If you find an outside skirt steak in restaurants, there must be something good about this kind of cut. Let's see some of the reasons why you would consider buying a skirt steak.
Flavor
Skirt steaks have a lot more muscle fiber in them. This gives them a lot much more intense and rich meat-like flavor.
Doneness
Because a skirt steak has a lot more muscle fiber in it, it's better if it's going very fast. This kind of steak is better enjoyed at rare or medium-rare doneness. If you're on the grill, this level of darkness is very easy to achieve.
Some Bad Things About Skirt Steak
Here is just one disadvantage about the skirt steak that You should know before buying this cut:
Tough
Skirt steaks have a lot of muscle fiber in them. This changes the texture of the meat. If you overcook or even cook the skirt steak to a well-done level of doneness, this steak will be inedible.
If you have to be quite careful when cooking the meat, never leave it on the Pan or grill for too long.
What's The Difference Between Skirt Steak And Flank Steak
So we've looked at some of the good and bad things about both of these steak types. Now, which one should you choose or can you substitute skirt steak for flank steak? The choice can be a bit confusing, we know.
But here's a small comparison between the two steak cuts so that you can get a clear idea about which one is the better option.
Dishes That Can Be Prepared with the Steaks
A flank steak is great served on its own. You can use the meat for reverse-seared steaks. Because the fibers are better defined, you can cut the meat more easily against its grain. Therefore the steak will not become too dry and overcooked.
Flank steaks go very well with any sort of marinade. Marinating the steak will even make the meat juicier and tender.
A skirt steak is better used for dishes that are going to be cooked quickly. So people often recommend using a skirt steak when they're making a stir fry. Because the grains are less defined, it's harder to cut them against the grain. So it's better if you only cook this meat to a rare or medium-rare level of doneness.
Thickness
Flank steaks are a bit wider and thicker than skirt steaks. Now, this might be an advantage for people who like bigger cuts of meat.
On the other hand, skirt steaks are white thin. This means that they have to be cooked very carefully, or else they will overcook.
So, when it comes to the sickness of the meat, we would choose flank steak over skirt steak.
Toughness
Skirt steaks are extracted from the diaphragm region, while flank steaks are taken from the abdominal region.
This means that skirt steaks have a lot more muscle fiber in them. The increase in muscle fiber makes this steak very tough. It has to be got very thinly for you to be able to cook it properly.
But, while Flank steaks are also tough, they are not as tough as skirt steaks. So, the meat is comparatively easier to cook and tastes a bit more tender.
Ease of Cooking
Both of these states can be cooked very fast on high heat.
If you're talking about how fast the steak can be cooked, skirt steaks will be the winner. Because the skirt steak is so tough, it is usually cut into very thin slices. That is why you will find skirt steaks being used in stir-fries.
It only requires a few minutes on the pan to go properly.
Flank steaks, on the other hand, need a little bit more time on the grill or pan. You can use flank steaks for reverse-seared steaks as well. So the steak is surely more versatile when it comes to the dishes you can prepare with it. Keep in mind, flank steaks are great when paired with a good marinade!
In conclusion, skirt steaks will cook faster than flank steaks.
Final Verdict
Because a skirt steak and a flank steak look so similar, people often get confused when making the purchase.
But there is a very small difference between the two. While the skirt steak is extracted from the diaphragm region, the flank steak comes from the abdominal region. This gives the skirt steak A lot more muscle fiber than flank steaks.
Skirt steaks are tougher than flank steaks. They also cook a lot faster on the grill or pan. But, some types of skirt steaks can shrink after they cook. These steaks also become inedible if they're cooked for a very long time. Because the steak is so tough, it can be very hard to chew on, if it's not cooked properly
You don't have to worry about that with flank steaks. You can use a flank steak for reverse searing and even for cooking with a good marinade. It's very versatile and Does not become completely inedible if not cooked properly.
Therefore, when it comes to choosing between a skirt steak vs flank steak, we would suggest that you go with the latter option.
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