How Long to Cook Skirt Steak (Outside Skirt, Whole Piece) in the grill
Specification: ~1.5 lb outside skirt, ~3/4-inch thick, seasoned aggressively 20 minutes ahead
3-Step Execution Protocol
Preheat grill to Ripping-hot direct, 600°F+ grate (full chimney of charcoal or all burners wide open). Clean and oil grates. Prepare skirt steak (outside skirt, whole piece) (~1.5 lb outside skirt, ~3/4-inch thick, seasoned aggressively 20 minutes ahead).
Cook for 4–6 mins total (2–3 min per side, single flip). Flip at the 3-minute mark for even browning.
Hard mahogany crust on both sides, and the meat feels like the fleshy pad below your thumb when you touch thumb to middle finger. Confirm internal temperature reaches 125°F pull → 130°F medium-rare after a 5-minute rest (whole beef; USDA safe minimum 145°F applies if you prefer well-done). Rest for 5 minutes before serving.
USDA FSIS 145°F is the safe minimum for whole beef cuts; 125–130°F is the widely-published medium-rare pull temperature for high-heat steaks per Serious Eats' Food Lab and Meathead Goldwyn's temperature guide on AmazingRibs.com.