Are Flank Steak And Skirt Steak The Same

Are flank steak and skirt steak the same? No, they’re pretty different. Flank steaks are cut from the underside of a cow’s belly, near the abdominal muscles. Skirt steaks are cut between muscle groups in an animal’s diaphragm region.

When cooked, flank steak is much more tender than skirt steak. However, both can be grilled or pan-seared to create delicious dishes!

Jump To

Are flank steak and skirt steak the same
FAQ About flank steak and skirt steak

Are flank steak and skirt steak the same

What Is a Flank Steak?

A flank steak is a cut of beef from the lower part of a cow’s abdomen. It is a relatively thin steak and is usually grilled or pan-seared. Flank steak is a good choice for those looking for a leaner cut of meat, as it contains less fat than other cuts. Flank steaks are cut from the skirt or flank of a cow. Some of the most famous names for these cuts:

Underbelly steak
Belly steak
Diaphragm steak
Paunch steak
Pizzaiola steak

What Is a Skirt Steak?

It’s a piece of meat from the animal’s diaphragm region. It is a relatively thin, long steak usually grilled or pan-seared. Skirt steak is a good choice for those looking for a more affordable cut of meat, as it is less expensive than other cuts.

These steaks are also known as skirt steaks, although they are most frequently known as skirt steaks.

The tenderloin is a steak found in many countries, including Romania.

Philadelphia steak
Arrachera (in Mexico)
Fajita (in the United States)
Bavette, or bistro steak (in France).

What’s The Difference Flank Steak vs Skirt Steak

Shape

Flank steak is an extended, flat cut of beef. Skirt steak is a narrow strip of meat and has a much different shape. This means that flank steaks have fewer opportunities to fall apart when being cooked, so they are better at cooking evenly. Flank steaks can be as large as 1-2 inches wide and 12-14 inches long.

Skirt steak is a narrow cut, usually around 1 inch wide and 6-8 inches long. Because it is narrower, it can be more easily overcooked and become rigid.

Tenderness

Flank steak is a more tender cut of meat than skirt steak. This is because flank steak is cut from muscle groups, while skirt steak is cut from the animal’s diaphragm region. Cutting meat from a more tender area means that flavor and nutrients will not be lost when cooked.

The skirt steak is a bit harder to cut than the flank steak as it is cut from the diaphragm area of the cow. While this doesn’t affect its flavor, it does mean that it is less tender and can be more difficult to cook evenly.

Price

Flank steak is more expensive than skirt steak. This is because flank steak comes from a more desirable cut of meat than skirt steak. The price difference between the two steaks can be significant, so if you are looking for an affordable cut of meat, skirt steak is a better choice.

Skirt steak is less expensive than flank steak. Because it is cheaper, it may be more frequently available, but this also means that you can sacrifice flavor depending on how you cook the steak.

Taste

There isn’t a significant difference in taste between flank steak and skirt steak in some cases. Both steaks have a similar texture and flavor, but they are cut from very different cow areas.

Flank steaks have a more robust flavor than skirt steaks. This means that people who prefer a milder flavor will likely prefer skirt steak, while those who like a more pronounced flavor will prefer flank steak.

You can see many differences between flank steak and skirt steak. The most crucial difference is the tenderness of the meat: flank steak is more tender than skirt steak. The shape of the meat and the price are also important factors to consider when choosing between the two steaks.

A flank steak is a beef steak cut from the abdominal muscles or thigh. And the skirt steak is cut from the diaphragm area of the animal. A more affordable option than its competitor, you can cook it in several ways to produce different flavors.

If you are looking for a more affordable cut of meat, skirt steak is the better choice. It offers many health benefits as flank steak. Flank steak offers a more robust flavor and is easier to cook evenly due to its larger size. Skirt steak can be a perfect choice if you want to spend less money without sacrificing taste.

Best Cooking Practices for Each Steak

Skirt steak can be extremely tough if not cooked correctly. To avoid this, you should always slice skirt steak against the grain to help tenderize the meat. If you are cooking a thicker cut of steak, try slicing it on an angle so that you have some small and some large pieces.

Flank steak is much less likely to be tough so that you can cook it in a variety of ways. However, it is essential to avoid overcooking the steak, as it will become tough and chewy.

An excellent way to prevent this from happening is to cook the steak for a short amount of time at a high temperature and then let it rest afterward.

How to Cut the Meat

When slicing a flank steak, it is essential to cut against the grain, which helps to assure that the meat is tender and easy to chew. To do this, look at the muscle fibers in the meat and slice perpendicular to them.

Skirt steak does not need to be cut against the grain, as it is a more tender steak. You can choose to slice it against the grain if you want, but this is unnecessary.

FAQ About flank steak and skirt steak

Which cut of meat is better for you, flank steak or skirt steak?

The answer largely depends on your tastes. And both steaks are healthy and flavorful, but flank steak is a little tender than skirt steak. Sk skirt steak is a good option if you are looking for an affordable cut of meat that doesn’t sacrifice flavor. Flank steak is the better choice if you want a more tender piece of meat with a more robust flavor.

What is the difference between flank steak and skirt steak?

The flank steak is part of the abdominal muscle or thigh, and the skirt steak is cut from the diaphragm region. Skirt steak is less expensive and can be more challenging to cook than flank steak. Flank steak has a more robust flavor and is more tender.

Are flank steak and skirt steak good for you?

Yes! Both steaks offer iron, vitamin B12, and zinc. Additionally, they are both low in fat and calories. However, specific cuts of meat can vary in their nutritional values.

What is the difference between skirt steak and hanger steak?

Hanger steak comes from the same area as skirt steak, but it is not as tender. It can also be more accessible to overcook than skirt steak. The two may look similar, but they offer different flavors and textures that make them both popular in their own right.

How is a skirt steak cooked?

Skirt steak can be cooked in various ways, including pan-frying, grilling, and baking. It is important to cut the meat against the grain before cooking it to remain tender. Flank steak can also be pan-fried, grilled, or baked, but it is less demanding than skirt steak.

What should I do if my flank steak is tough?

If your flank steak is tough, you can try slicing it on an angle so that you have some small pieces and some large pieces. This will help to cook each piece evenly. Skirt steak should not be tricky if it is cooked correctly. If it is, you can try slicing it against the grain.

How do I cut against the grain?

To cut against the grain, look at the muscle fibers in the meat and slice perpendicular to them. This helps you ensure that the meat is tender and easy to chew. Skirt steak does not need to be cut against the grain, as it is a more tender steak. You can choose to slice it against the grain if you want, but this is unnecessary.

Which is better, flank steak or hanger steak?

It largely depends on your tastes. Both steaks are healthy and flavorful, but flank steak is slightly more tender than hanger steak. Sk skirt steak is a good option if you are looking for an affordable cut of meat that doesn’t sacrifice flavor.

Final Verdict

In a nutshell, the skirt steak is from the underside of the cow and is flank steak and skirt steak the same comes from the side. The two cuts are similar in flavor profile but have slight differences in tenderness.

If you’re going to cook one or both types, be sure to ask your butcher which cut they recommend for a particular cooking method!