Skirt steak substitutes
Skirt steak substitutes — 6 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Flank steak
Same amount as the skirt steak
Similar cut from the abdominal area with intense beefy flavor and coarse grain.
The best substitutes for skirt steak are flank steak, hanger steak, flat iron steak, or sirloin depending on availability and cooking method.
- The tweak —
- Marinate and cook quickly over high heat.
- Best for —
- grilling
Updated 19 Aug 2026 · no sponsored swaps
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of skirt steak |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Flank steakgrilling | Same amount |
| 2 | Hanger steakgrilling | Same amount |
| 3 | Flat iron steakgrilling | Same amount |
| 4 | Sirloin steakgrilling | Same amount |
| 5 | Chuck steakbraising | Same amount |
| 6 | Ribeye steakgrilling | Same amount |
Flank steak
intense beefy, similar
Similar cut from the abdominal area with intense beefy flavor and coarse grain.
- Best for
- grilling, marinating, stir-fries, fajitas, carne asada
- Texture
- coarse grain, similar
- Prep
- Marinate and cook quickly over high heat.
Very similar to skirt steak in flavor and texture. Slightly thicker cut.
Hanger steak
intense beefy, similar
Cut from the diaphragm with intense beefy flavor and tender texture.
- Best for
- grilling, pan-searing, marinating, when you want tender texture
- Texture
- tender, fine grain
- Prep
- Cook quickly over high heat.
More tender than skirt steak but similar flavor. May be more expensive.
Flat iron steak
beefy, well-marbled
Cut from the shoulder with good marbling and tender texture.
- Best for
- grilling, pan-searing, marinating, when you want marbling
- Texture
- tender, fine grain
- Prep
- Cook quickly over high heat.
More tender and marbled than skirt steak. Good for grilling and pan-searing.
Sirloin steak
beefy, lean
Cut from the hip area with good flavor and moderate tenderness.
- Best for
- grilling, pan-searing, marinating, when you want leaner option
- Texture
- moderate tenderness
- Prep
- Marinate for best results.
Leaner than skirt steak but still flavorful. Good for grilling and marinating.
Chuck steak
beefy, rich
Cut from the shoulder with good flavor but requires longer cooking.
- Best for
- braising, slow cooking, when you want budget option, stews
- Texture
- tough, requires slow cooking
- Prep
- Braise or slow cook for tenderness.
Less tender than skirt steak but very flavorful. Requires longer cooking time.
Ribeye steak
rich, well-marbled
Cut from the rib section with excellent marbling and tenderness.
- Best for
- grilling, pan-searing, when you want premium option, when you want marbling
- Texture
- tender, fine grain
- Prep
- Cook quickly over high heat.
More expensive than skirt steak but very tender and flavorful. Good marbling.
Questions
4 questionsWhat's the difference between skirt steak and flank steak?
Skirt steak is from the diaphragm and is thinner, while flank steak is from the abdominal area and is slightly thicker. Both have intense beefy flavor and coarse grain.
Can I use sirloin instead of skirt steak?
Yes, sirloin can work as a substitute, but it's leaner and may not have the same intense flavor as skirt steak. It's good for grilling and marinating.
Why is skirt steak so flavorful?
Skirt steak comes from the diaphragm muscle, which works hard and develops intense flavor. It also has a coarse grain that holds marinades well.
How should I cook skirt steak?
Skirt steak should be cooked quickly over high heat (grilling or pan-searing) and sliced against the grain for tenderness. Marinating helps tenderize the meat.
Tips for substituting skirt steak
10 tips- Choose your substitute based on cooking method and budget
- For grilling: flank steak, hanger steak, or flat iron steak work best
- For marinating: any substitute works well, but flank steak is most similar
- For stir-fries: flank steak or sirloin work well
- For fajitas: flank steak is the traditional choice
- For budget option: chuck steak works but requires longer cooking
- For premium option: ribeye steak works but is more expensive
- For tenderness: hanger steak or flat iron steak work best
- For flavor: flank steak or hanger steak are most similar to skirt steak
- Always slice against the grain for tenderness