Grilled Beef Skirt Steak with Smoky Chipotle Salsa

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Juicy grilled skirt steak paired with a smoky chipotle salsa that balances heat and tang for a bold Tex-Mex flavor. This mexican-inspired beef ready in about 35 minutes blends pounds beef skirt steak, olive oil, peppers chipotle peppers in adobo into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 350 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 25 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Mexican cuisine 350 cal/serving
Plan a meal with the AI → Shop this recipe on Instacart → Shop equipment ↓

Ingredients

Equipment for this recipe

Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.

More Knives & cutting boards → Shop all kitchen tools →

Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat dry 1.5 pounds beef skirt steak and rub with 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, 1/2 tsp black pepper, and 1/2 tsp ground cumin. Let marinate at room temperature for 20 minutes.
  2. Step 2: While steak marinates, blend 2 chipotle peppers in adobo, 2 tbsp fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup chopped cilantro, 1/4 cup finely diced red onion, and 2 minced garlic cloves in a food processor until chunky but well combined; season with a pinch of salt.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to high heat (about 500°F). Grill the steak for 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, until charred edges form and internal temperature reaches 130°F.
  4. Step 4: Remove steak and let rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain. Serve topped with 1/2 cup smoky chipotle salsa.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Beef Skirt Steak with Smoky Chipotle Salsa take to make?

Total time is about 35 minutes (25 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Beef Skirt Steak with Smoky Chipotle Salsa?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Beef Skirt Steak with Smoky Chipotle Salsa?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Grilled Beef Skirt Steak with Smoky Chipotle Salsa for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Grilled Beef Skirt Steak with Smoky Chipotle Salsa?

Mexican beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

Related recipes