Do you fancy a nice cheesesteak? Or some spicy fajitas? Loins, an inexpensive cut of beef also called skirt steak, are perfect for these dishes. The skirt steak is at its best when grilled or passed quickly in a pan with hot oil. Read on to learn how to cook this succulent cut of meat.
Steps
Method 1 of 3: Part One: Prepare the Loins for Cooking
Step 1. Cut the meat into easy-to-work pieces
If your grill or pan is roomy enough to accommodate the whole piece, you can leave it that way. Otherwise, cut it into smaller pieces.
Step 2. Beat the meat to increase its tenderness
The loins can be a bit woody, and some cooks work them with a tool on purpose to make them more tender.
- Cover the meat with a sheet of cling film or parchment paper.
- Use a meat mallet, skillet, or something heavy to flatten the loins by at least half an inch.
Step 3. Decide how to flavor the meat
Loins are often marinated or massaged with spices to improve their flavor and make them more tender. Choose a marinade or massage it with spices chosen according to the dish you are preparing. If you don't want to use a marinade or spices, even the classic salt and pepper will do just fine.
- Marinades are usually made with lemon, mustard or olive oil. Any beef marinade will be delicious.
- The spices that are usually used range from common salt and pepper to more pungent ones such as cayenne pepper, cumin, lemon or garlic.
Step 4. Cover the meat once it has been dipped in the marinade or seasoned with spices
Place it on a plate and cover it with plastic wrap or a plastic bag. Leave it in the fridge to rest for an hour or even 24 hours to allow it to flavor well.
Method 2 of 3: Part Two: Cook the Loins
Step 1. Place the meat on the grill
This is the most common way to cook this cut of meat, and the result will be perfect-tasting meat every time. Here's how to do it:
- Heat the grill to full power.
- Put the loins on the grill.
- Cook the meat for 3 minutes on one side, then flip and cook for another 3 minutes for medium doneness. If you prefer it rare, cook it for 2 minutes on the side. If you want it well done, leave it on the side for 4 minutes.
- Remove the meat from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving. This will allow the cooking juices to impregnate the meat, making it more tender.
Step 2. Sear the loins in a pan
If you don't have time to turn on the grill, this is a convenient way to get a flavorful steak:
- Heat 2 tablespoons of oil in a non-stick or iron skillet.
- Put the loins in the pan.
- Cook the meat for 3 to 4 minutes on each side.
- Brush the meat with the marinade or oil in the pan while cooking.
- Remove the meat from the pan and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Step 3. Roast the loins
For a grilled flavor without turning on the grill, this is an excellent alternative:
- Move the oven rack so that the meat is about ten cm from the heat source.
- Set the oven on the grill and heat it up.
- Place the meat on a lightly greased baking sheet.
- Grill the loins for 3 or 4 minutes, then turn it over and grill it on the other side.
- Remove the meat from the oven and let it rest for 5 minutes before serving.
Method 3 of 3: Part Three: Serve the Loins
Step 1. Slice the loin
This cut is usually served in strips, since it is quite woody. Place the meat on a cutting board and use a sharp knife to cut it in the opposite direction of the fibers into bite-sized pieces.
- Look closely at the steak to identify the direction of the fibers.
- Cut the meat in the opposite direction of the fibers.
Step 2. Serve the meat
You can dress it with butter, cheese, peppers, onions or chimichurri sauce to enhance the flavor. You could serve the loin in one of these ways:
- How to Make Cheesesteak
- How to Make Fajitas
