Sous vide skirt steak is an excellent choice for achieving a tender and flavorful result. Skirt steak is known for its rich flavor but can be tough if not cooked properly. Using the sous vide method allows for precise temperature control, resulting in perfectly cooked meat every time. Here’s a detailed recipe for sous vide skirt steak:

Sous Vide Skirt Steak Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1-2 skirt steaks (about 1-1.5 pounds total)
• Salt and pepper (to taste)
• Optional: garlic powder, onion powder, or your favorite steak rub
• Fresh herbs (like thyme or rosemary), optional
• 2 tablespoons olive oil or butter (for searing)

Equipment:

• Sous vide immersion circulator
• Large pot or container for water
• Vacuum sealer or resealable plastic bag
• Cast iron skillet or grill for searing

Instructions:

1. Prepare the Sous Vide Setup:

   • Fill a large pot or container with water and attach your sous vide immersion circulator. Set the temperature based on your desired doneness:
     • Rare: 125°F (52°C)
     • Medium Rare: 130°F (54°C)
     • Medium: 140°F (60°C)
     • Medium Well: 150°F (65°C)
     • Well Done: 160°F (71°C)

2. Season the Steak:

   • Season the skirt steak generously with salt, pepper, and any additional spices you prefer. If using fresh herbs, place them in the bag with the steak.

3. Seal the Steak:

   • Use a vacuum sealer to seal the steak in a vacuum bag. If you don’t have a vacuum sealer, you can use a resealable plastic bag and the water displacement method: slowly lower the bag into a pot of water, allowing the pressure to push air out, and then seal just above the water line.

4. Sous Vide the Steak:

   • Once the water has reached the desired temperature, submerge the bagged skirt steak in the water. Cook for at least 1.5 to 3 hours. The longer cooking time will help break down the connective tissue, making the meat more tender.

5. Sear the Steak:

   • After the sous vide cooking time is complete, remove the skirt steak from the bag and pat it dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear.

Continuing with Sous Vide Skirt Steak Recipe

6. Sear the Steak:

   • Preheat the Skillet: Heat a cast iron skillet or grill over high heat. Add 2 tablespoons of olive oil or butter to the skillet.
   • Sear the Steak: Once the skillet is hot, carefully place the skirt steak in the pan. Sear for about 1-2 minutes on each side, until a nice brown crust forms. You can add additional herbs or a clove of crushed garlic to the pan for extra flavor during the searing process.

7. Rest and Slice:

   • Resting: After searing, remove the steak from the skillet and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
   • Slicing: Slice the skirt steak against the grain into thin strips. This is essential for maximizing tenderness since skirt steak has long muscle fibers.

8. Serve:

   • Presentation: Arrange the sliced steak on a serving platter. Drizzle with any juices from the resting plate or a sauce of your choice, such as chimichurri, salsa, or a balsamic reduction.
   • Accompaniments: Serve with your favorite sides such as grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Skirt steak also works well in tacos or fajitas.

Tips for Perfect Sous Vide Skirt Steak:

• Marinating: For additional flavor, consider marinating the skirt steak for several hours or overnight before sealing it for sous vide cooking. A simple marinade of lime juice, garlic, and soy sauce works particularly well.
• Avoid Overcooking: While skirt steak can handle longer cooking times due to the sous vide method, be mindful not to exceed three hours for optimal texture.
• Finishing Touches: If desired, finish the seared steak with a sprinkle of flaky sea salt or a drizzle of olive oil for added flavor.
• Storage: Leftover skirt steak can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days or frozen for longer storage.

Conclusion:

Sous vide skirt steak is not only easy to prepare but also delivers a restaurant-quality meal at home. The combination of precise temperature control and quick searing ensures a flavorful and tender steak that can be enjoyed in various dishes. Enjoy your culinary creation!