A tip for Grilled Carne Asada Skirt Steak

 Add it to this list of go-to pleasers:  
skirt steak taco prep allows tons of creativity on the kitchen side, and a world of enjoyment for the eater. Marinades, spice mixes and cooking styles can change with each iteration of this classic, and service lends itself to any number of presentations, from finger-food right off the cutting board to plated steak with mint dressing. You'll have a hard time messing up this thin steak, as long as you keep in mind it won't take long to be overdone. Play around with different woods and fire methods to find your personal mix. 

We're having fun showing off the temperature range of the Traeger Wood Pellet Grills, from low-temperature smoke projects like the pork belly, to the midrange beer can chicken, and now to a high-temperature, thin steak favorite in the carne asada-style skirt steak right from the Traeger recipe collection. At our Grill-Off, we utilized the grills on all fronts for a number of delicious applications, and this marinated skirt steak recipe produces a killer, zesty steak perfect for sandwiches, tacos, salads and more.

Prep Time: 60 mins

Cook Time: 50 mins

Serves: 8-12

Hardwood: Cherry


2 lbs skirt steak

6 oz Traeger Prime Rib Rub (optional)

3 oranges, juiced

2 lemons, juiced

4 limes, juiced

3 cloves garlic, minced

1/2 cup cilantro, chopped

1 jalapeño, minced

1/2 tbsp cumin

1/4 cup olive oil

1 tsp salt

1/2 tsp pepper


  1. Combine all ingredients for the marinade in a medium bowl and stir well to combine and dissolve the salt.

  2. Trim any excess fat from the skirt steak and place in a large storage bag.

  3. Pour the marinade over steak and transfer to the refrigerator. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours.

  4. Remove from marinade and season both sides of the skirt steak with Traeger Prime Rib Rub. Let rest for 30 minutes.

  5. When ready to cook, build a healthy fire, then allow the fire to die into a manageable coal bed. With a thin steak like the skirt, you may desire to keep your coal bed hot enough to produce active flame, but you'll want to take care to keep a portion of the fire cool enough to allow the steak to cook through without burning. If using a Traeger, start the grill according to instructions. Set the temperature to the Smoke setting and preheat, lid closed 10 minutes.

  6. Smoke skirt steak for 45 minutes. Remove steak from grill and increase the grill temperature to 450 degrees F and preheat, lid closed 10-15 minutes.

  7. When grill reaches temperature, sear each side of the steak for 2 minutes or until meat reaches an internal temperature of 135 degrees F for medium-rare.

  8. Let rest 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. Enjoy!

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