Sous Vide Inside Skirt Steak
Decided to try sous vide after hearing about it from a co-worker.
The idea that you can have a perfectly cooked steak at whatever temp you want, every time, was just too alluring for me to pass up.
Just kosher salt and pepper on both sides. Used a ziplock bag and used the water on the outside to displace the air.
Probably one of the best steaks I have ever made. So wonderfully scrumptious
Inside Skirt Steak — Sous Vide (Salt & Pepper Only)
Cut: Inside skirt steak (beef) Method: Sous vide → hot sear → slice against the grain Best doneness: Medium-rare
Time & Temperature
Doneness | Temp | Time | Notes |
---|---|---|---|
Medium-rare | 129°F / 54°C | 2–3 hrs | Juicy, tender, steak-like (recommended) |
Medium | 135°F / 57°C | 2–3 hrs | Slightly firmer |
Shred style *(optional)* | 155°F / 68°C | 8–10 hrs | For taco/meat shredding texture |
Tip: Skirt is thin—avoid going past ~4 hrs at steak temps or it can get too soft.
Ingredients
- 1–2 lb inside skirt steak
- Kosher salt (about ½ tsp per lb)
- Coarse black pepper (to taste)
- Neutral high-smoke oil (avocado/peanut) for searing
- Optional: 1–2 Tbsp butter for finishing
Equipment
- Anova Precision Cooker 3.0 + container & lid
- Heavy-duty freezer bag(s) or vacuum bag
- Cast-iron or heavy stainless skillet, tongs, paper towels
Prep
- Trim any silver skin. Pat steak dry thoroughly.
- Season both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper.
- Bag the steak (single layer). Use water-displacement if not vacuum-sealing. Remove as much air as possible.
Cook
- Preheat bath to your target temp (*129°F / 54°C recommended*).
- Submerge bag; clip so it stays fully under.
- Cook 2–3 hours. (Skirt cooks through quickly due to thickness.)
Optional: Chill for Later (Ice Bath)
- Keep sealed; chill in 50/50 ice + water for 20–30 min.
- Refrigerate 3–4 days or freeze up to a few months.
- Reheat sealed in sous vide at cooking temp (~45–60 min from fridge; 1.5–2.5 hrs from frozen), then proceed to finish.
Finish (Sear)
- Remove from bag; pat very dry (crust needs dry surface).
- Preheat skillet until ripping hot. Add thin film of oil.
- Sear 30–45 sec per side (and quick kisses on edges) to form a deep brown crust.
- Optional: Add butter at the end; baste 15–20 sec.
- Rest 5 minutes.
Slice & Serve
- Identify the long muscle fibers and slice *across* the grain into thin strips (bias cut works great).
- Serve as steak, fajitas, tacos, bowls, or salads. Season to taste with finishing salt.
Notes & Tips
- Skirt varies in thickness—thicker pieces lean toward 3 hrs, thinner toward 2 hrs.
- If the bag floats, add a weight or re-bag; floating = trapped air.
- Save bag juices; reduce in a pan for a quick sauce if desired.
- Food safety: Chill hot meat quickly (ice bath) before storing; avoid leaving in the 40–130°F / 4–54°C range for long.
sous_vide beef steak inside_skirt salt_pepper anova