Flank vs Skirt Steak: Difference and Comparison

Steak is a food item used in almost all countries. It is very famous because of its tenderness and juiciness. It allows you to cook in different types of methods, and you can choose the method which is desired for your heart.

Flank Steak and Skirt Steak are both available in markets and use different techniques and methods for cooking. 

Key Takeaways

  1. Flank steak is leaner and thicker than skirt steak. It is best suited for grilling, broiling, or roasting, while skirt steak is thinner and more tender, making it suitable for quick-cooking methods like pan-searing or grilling.
  2. Flank steak has a beefier flavor and firmer texture than skirt steak, which is more buttery and tender. As a result, flank steak requires more seasoning and marinating to tenderize it, while skirt steak can be enjoyed with minimal seasoning.
  3. Flank steak and skirt steak are economical cuts of beef that can be used in various dishes like fajitas, tacos, stir-fries, and salads. However, due to their different textures and flavors, they are not interchangeable in recipes. It is important to select the right cut of steak for the recipe to achieve the desired taste and texture.

Flank Steak vs Skirt Steak

Flank steak is a beef cut from the abdominal muscles or lower chest of the cow, known for its rich, full flavour and fibrous texture. Skirt steak, cut from the diaphragm muscles of the cow, is long, flat, and prized for its flavour rather than tenderness, used in fajitas and stir-fry recipes.

Flank Steak vs Skirt Steak

Flank is a steak variety that is taken from the animal. It is known for its taste and is very famous in many countries.

If you like to chew the steak more than eating it normally, you can overcook it so that it will become rough, and you can chew it for a long time.

Their price will be higher when you compare it with other steaks in the market because they are very thin and the taste will be good. 

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Skirt steak is a beef variety, and it is cut from the muscle of the animal. It can be exported and imported to other countries as well.

There are some guidelines to be followed while cooking skirt steak so that the tenderness will remain even after you finish cooking.

It is mostly grilled and served, and the food will be served after 5 minutes of cooking.

Comparison Table

Parameters of ComparisonFlank SteakSkirt Steak
Cutting areaFlank part of the animalThe muscle part of the animal
SizeBroaderNot broader
RateHigherLower
CookingA high amount of heat is required.It will be good only if you do a slow cooking process.
FlavorBeefBeef
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What is Flank Steak?

A Flank is a type of beef taken from a cow’s muscles. It is very thin and should not cook for more than the correct amount of time given for the meat to cook. If it gets overcooked, then it will become very rough to eat.

It is a very famous steak used in many countries. In Australian countries, people used to eat flank steak from the lion’s muscles. It comes under non-vegetarian food.

This type of steak will be somewhat broader when compared with other steaks in the market. It can be grilled, fried, roasted, and can be cooked according to your convenience.

Overcooked flank steak tastes will be very different. If you follow all the guidelines and measures and cook it according to the mentioned method, then it will become juicy, and the taste will be good.

In simple words to describe flank steak is the type of steak that is cut from the flank of the animal. Most people prefer to grill it in a pan so that the flavours will be good once the food gets cooked.

To get the taste better, you have to properly marinate them before cooking so that all the flavours will get inside the steak.

flank steak

What is Skirt Steak?

Skirt steak is a type of beef that is available in the market and is famous for its tenderness which many steaks lack nowadays. The cooking method of Skirt Steak is very different.

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You have to use the slow cooking process so that the meat will be cooked properly and you will get a proper taste of the meat. It is long, and the skin will be thick when you compare it with other steaks.

Skirt steak can sometimes be expensive, especially if you buy exported skirt steaks. It is mostly cut in the muscle part of the animals where the skin will be adequate, and once you cook it, you will be able to get a proper taste of the meat.

This type of steak is very famous in the United States of America. Sometimes skirt steak will be called with some other names outside the United States. 

If you prefer to grill skirt steak, then the cooking process can range from 4 to 6 minutes depending upon the length of the steak you use. You are even allowed to cook it in different types. It can even be roasted.

But remember this before you serve this skirt steak, don’t forget to rest it for some time so that all the flavours will get deep into the steak. Serve it after 5 minutes. 

skirt steak

Main Differences Between Flank Steak and Skirt Steak

  1. Flank steak is taken from the flank part of the animal. On the other hand, skirt steak is taken from the muscle of the animal.
  2. The size of the flank steak will be very broader and thin. The size of the skirt steak is not broader when compared with flank steak.
  3. Flank Steak’s rate will always be higher in the market because of its thin structure. But Skirt Steak’s rate is not higher than flank steak and is available everywhere.
  4. A flank steak will taste better when you cook it with a high flame. Skirt steak will taste better when you follow the slow cooking process.
  5. Flank steak is rough, and you should not cook more than the suggested time. Skirt steak is not rough like flank steak because it is slow-cooked. 
Difference Between Flank Steak and Skirt Steak
References
  1. https://academic.oup.com/jas/article-abstract/87/4/1394/4731156
  2. https://www.sciencedirect.com/science/article/pii/S0309174002003078

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Sandeep Bhandari
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Sandeep Bhandari holds a Bachelor of Engineering in Computers from Thapar University (2006). He has 20 years of experience in the technology field. He has a keen interest in various technical fields, including database systems, computer networks, and programming. You can read more about him on his bio page.

22 Comments

  1. I’ve gained a deeper appreciation for the distinct qualities of Flank Steak and Skirt Steak, thanks to the comprehensive explanations and comparisons.

  2. I appreciate the detailed explanation of the differences in flavor and texture between flank steak and skirt steak. It’s important to choose the right cut of steak for the desired taste and texture in a recipe.

    • Absolutely, the flavor profile and texture differences play a crucial role in selecting the appropriate cut of steak for various dishes.

    • The cooking methods for both flank steak and skirt steak are essential factors to consider to achieve the best results in recipes.

  3. The explanation of the cutting area, size, rate, cooking requirements, and flavor comparison between flank steak and skirt steak is enlightening.

  4. The detailed description of both flank steak and skirt steak has been instrumental in understanding the unique characteristics of each and their culinary applications.

    • The in-depth analysis of the characteristics and culinary uses of flank steak and skirt steak is beneficial for enhancing cooking skills.

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  5. This in-depth analysis of Flank Steak and Skirt Steak has been enlightening, expanding my knowledge of different beef cuts and their culinary characteristics.

  6. The clarifications on the characteristics, cooking methods, and culinary uses of flank steak and skirt steak are valuable for culinary enthusiasts and aspiring chefs.

    • The informative content is particularly useful for those seeking to expand their knowledge of different steak varieties and their applications in cooking.

    • The detailed descriptions offer an insightful perspective on the nuances of flavor, texture, and cooking techniques associated with flank steak and skirt steak.

  7. I found the comparison between Flank Steak and Skirt Steak in terms of cutting area, size, rate, cooking, and flavor very informative and useful for selecting the right cut of steak.

    • The comparison table enables an easy comparison between flank steak and skirt steak based on multiple parameters, allowing for informed decision-making in cooking.

    • The details provided in the comparison table have given a comprehensive picture of the differences that define these two steak varieties.

  8. I had no idea that flank steak is leaner and thicker than skirt steak and requires a different cooking method. The comparison table is very helpful.

    • Indeed, the comparison table provides a concise overview of the differences between flank steak and skirt steak.

  9. The comprehensive insights into flank steak and skirt steak have improved my understanding of the nuances that differentiate these beef cuts.

    • Indeed, the detailed descriptions of flank steak and skirt steak provide a valuable foundation for refining cooking techniques and recipe selection.

  10. The detailed information on the cooking methods, flavors, and uses of flank steak and skirt steak has provided a valuable reference for culinary experimentation and menu planning.

    • The comparisons have broadened the understanding of using flank steak and skirt steak in diverse dishes, enriching the culinary repertoire.

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