Cuban-Grilled Skirt Steak with Adobo Marinade
Experience the vibrant flavors of Cuba with this succulent skirt steak, marinated in a zesty adobo-inspired mix that infuses every bite with smoky, tangy notes. This dish pairs beautifully with fresh avocado slices, crunchy lettuce, grilled scallions or onions, and roasted peppers, all wrapped in warm tortillas. The marinade features a delightful blend of spices and the unique taste of sour orange juice, adding depth to the tender steak. Perfect for summer barbecues or a hearty weeknight dinner, this Cuban-Grilled Skirt Steak is sure to impress your family and friends.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
19
Ingredients
Ingredients
Garlic, minced
3 cloves (minced)
Kosher salt
1 teaspoon (n/a)
Smoked paprika
1 1/2 teaspoons (n/a)
Fresh oregano, chopped
1 tablespoon (chopped)
Ground cumin
1 1/2 teaspoons (n/a)
Ground coriander
1 1/2 teaspoons (n/a)
Black pepper
1 teaspoon (n/a)
Chipotle chiles in adobo, minced
2 chiles (minced)
Sour orange juice (or lime and OJ mixture)
1 cup (n/a)
Onion, diced
1 small (diced)
Olive oil
1 tablespoon (n/a)
Skirt steaks
2 1/4 lbs (each halved crosswise)
Grilled scallions
to taste (grilled)
Grilled bell pepper
to taste (grilled)
Lettuce
to taste (washed and chopped)
Cheese
to taste (sliced or shredded)
Tortilla
to taste (warmed)
Salsa
to taste (n/a)
Avocado
to taste (sliced)
Instructions
1
In a medium bowl, combine minced garlic, kosher salt, smoked paprika, fresh oregano, ground cumin, ground coriander, black pepper, and minced chipotle chiles to create the marinade.
2
Slowly incorporate the sour orange juice (or your lime and OJ mixture) and diced onion, mixing well.
3
Pour the marinade into a large zip-lock bag, add the skirt steaks, seal the bag, and massage the marinade into the meat. Refrigerate for at least 6 hours or overnight for better flavor.
4
Remove the steak from the fridge and allow it to come to room temperature, approximately 30 minutes before grilling.
5
Prepare your grill by preheating to a medium-high temperature. If using charcoal, light the charcoal and let it burn until hot. If using a gas grill, preheat the burners on high for about 10 minutes before adjusting to a moderately high setting.
6
Oil the grill rack lightly to prevent sticking. Grill the skirt steaks uncovered, turning once, for about 6-8 minutes total, or until they reach medium-rare doneness.
7
Remove the meat from the grill and allow it to rest for a few minutes. Slice the steak diagonally against the grain into 1/4-inch-thick strips.
8
Serve the grilled steak in warm tortillas with grilled scallions, roasted bell peppers, fresh avocado slices, cheese, lettuce, and your choice of salsa.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Cuban-Grilled Skirt Steak with Adobo Marinade?
It is a succulent steak dish featuring a zesty adobo-inspired marinade with smoky and tangy flavors, grilled and served in warm tortillas.
How long should I marinate the skirt steak?
The steak should be refrigerated in the marinade for at least 6 hours, though overnight is recommended for the best flavor.
What can I use if I do not have sour orange juice?
You can substitute sour orange juice with a mixture of lime juice and orange juice.
What spices are used in the adobo marinade?
The marinade includes smoked paprika, ground cumin, ground coriander, black pepper, and fresh oregano.
Is the steak spicy?
The marinade contains minced chipotle chiles in adobo, which provide a smoky heat, but the spice level is generally balanced.
How much garlic is needed for the recipe?
The recipe calls for 3 cloves of minced garlic.
What is the best way to cook the skirt steak?
Grill the steak uncovered over medium-high heat for approximately 6 to 8 minutes total, turning once.
Should the steak be at room temperature before grilling?
Yes, remove the steak from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before grilling to allow it to come to room temperature.
What level of doneness is recommended?
The recipe recommends grilling the steak until it reaches a medium-rare doneness.
How should I slice the skirt steak?
Slice the steak diagonally against the grain into 1/4-inch-thick strips for maximum tenderness.
Why should the meat rest after grilling?
Allowing the meat to rest for a few minutes helps the juices redistribute, ensuring the steak remains moist.
Can I use a gas grill?
Yes, preheat the gas grill on high for 10 minutes and then adjust to a moderately high setting for cooking.
Do I need to oil the grill rack?
Yes, lightly oil the grill rack to prevent the skirt steaks from sticking during cooking.
What toppings are suggested for this dish?
Suggested toppings include grilled scallions, roasted bell peppers, fresh avocado slices, cheese, lettuce, and salsa.
How much skirt steak does this recipe require?
The recipe uses 2 1/4 lbs of skirt steaks, which should be halved crosswise.
What type of salt is used in the marinade?
The recipe specifies using 1 teaspoon of kosher salt.
Is fresh oregano required?
The recipe calls for 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped oregano for the marinade.
What kind of onion should I use?
The marinade uses one small diced onion.
How do I prepare the chipotle chiles?
The chipotle chiles in adobo should be minced before being added to the marinade.
What type of oil is included in the ingredients?
One tablespoon of olive oil is included in the ingredient list.
How are the tortillas served?
The tortillas should be warmed before serving with the grilled steak.
What are the characteristics of the adobo marinade?
The marinade is described as zesty, smoky, and tangy due to the blend of spices and citrus juice.
Is this recipe good for barbecues?
Yes, it is described as perfect for summer barbecues.
Can I use a charcoal grill?
Yes, if using charcoal, light it and let it burn until hot before grilling.
What vegetables are traditionally served with this steak?
Grilled scallions and roasted bell peppers are excellent choices for this dish.
How do I massage the marinade into the meat?
Place the steak and marinade in a zip-lock bag, seal it, and massage the liquid into the meat from the outside.
What kind of cheese goes well with these tacos?
You can use your choice of sliced or shredded cheese to taste.
Is ground coriander necessary?
Yes, the recipe uses 1 1/2 teaspoons of ground coriander in the spice blend.
What is the first step in making the marinade?
The first step is to combine minced garlic, salt, and the various spices in a medium bowl.
How many people does this recipe serve?
While the exact serving count isn't specified, 2 1/4 lbs of steak typically serves 4 to 6 people.