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

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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

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.

  • 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
  • Anova Precision Cooker 3.0 + container & lid
  • Heavy-duty freezer bag(s) or vacuum bag
  • Cast-iron or heavy stainless skillet, tongs, paper towels
  • 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.
  • 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.)
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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.
  • 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

  • blogpages/sous_vide_experiment.txt
  • Last modified: 2025/08/26 03:15
  • by jcorona