Flank Steak vs Skirt Steak
Steak is the favorite food for a vast majority of Americans. It is actually a thick slice of beef obtained from the hindquarters of the cow that is eaten after cooking it through broiling or grilling. A piece of juicy steak is the staple food for millions of people across the country. Despite the love and appreciation of steak, connoisseurs make difference between skirt and flank steak, two of the most prominent beef steaks. These slices of beef come from more or less the same part of the animal thereby confusing admirers. This article takes a close look at these two steak types to highlight their differences.
Flank Steak
Flank is the area of the body of the animal that lies between the hip and the ribs. It is a long and thin slice of beef that is full of connective tissues. It is juicy and full of flavors though it is not considered particularly tender. As it is tough, thin slices are made so as to make the steak chewable and flavorful. Mostly chefs marinate this slice of beef before grilling or broiling it. This meat is bright red in color and belongs to a part of the animal that is regularly exercised during motion. Flank steak is pan seared to lock its juices inside.
Skirt Steak
This is a long and thin cut obtained from the part of the cow between the chest and the abdomen. It is a slice that is very chewy as it comes from the diaphragm muscle of the cow. Skirt steak is a flat piece of meat that is known for its great flavor. You can easily grill it or fry it to have a wonderful, juicy steak. Texas is one state where skirt is the only slice that is used for making Fajitas and some other Mexican recipes. Skirt steak is loved by people as it contains a decent amount of fat and is very flavorful. You do not find this steak often in display, in stores as restaurant owners selling Mexican dishes buy it up quickly.
What is the difference between Skirt and Flank Steak?
• Both flank and skirt steak come from the same part of the body of the animal that is between the hip and the ribs, but they differ in flavor and tenderness.
• Flank steak contains many connective tissues.
• Skirt steak is the preferred choice for making Mexican Fajitas.
• Skirt steak has more fat than flank steak.
• Skirt steak is tender and comes from the belly of the animal.
• Skirt steak is also referred to as diaphragm of the animal.
• Flank steak is commonly used to make London Broil.
• Skirt steak comes from the plate whereas flank steak comes from the adjacent flank in the body of the animal.