Juicy grilled skirt steak paired with a light and refreshing lemon herb couscous salad — a perfect balance of savory and fresh flavors!
📝 Recipe Description
This Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad is the ultimate combination of bold and fresh flavors. The skirt steak is marinated in a flavorful blend of spices, grilled to perfection, and served alongside a light couscous salad tossed with vibrant lemon, herbs, and vegetables.
The juicy, tender steak complements the freshness of the couscous salad, making this dish a fantastic choice for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue. The couscous salad adds a refreshing contrast to the rich steak, with zesty lemon and fresh herbs bringing everything together.
🧾 Ingredients
For the Grilled Skirt Steak:
- 1.5 lbs skirt steak
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon balsamic vinegar
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
For the Lemon Herb Couscous Salad:
- 1 cup couscous
- 2 cups water or vegetable broth
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon lemon zest
- 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, chopped
- ¼ cup fresh mint, chopped
- ½ cucumber, diced
- ½ red onion, finely chopped
- ½ cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and pepper to taste
👨🍳 Instructions
Step 1: Marinate the Skirt Steak
- In a small bowl, whisk together olive oil, garlic, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, Dijon mustard, oregano, paprika, salt, pepper, and lemon juice.
- Place the skirt steak in a large resealable bag or shallow dish and pour the marinade over the steak. Seal and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, preferably 2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Cook the Couscous
- In a medium saucepan, bring water or vegetable broth to a boil.
- Stir in the couscous, cover, and remove from heat. Let it sit for 5 minutes.
- Fluff the couscous with a fork and stir in olive oil, lemon zest, lemon juice, parsley, and mint.
- Add cucumber, red onion, and cherry tomatoes, then season with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
Step 3: Grill the Skirt Steak
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
- Remove the steak from the marinade and season with a little more salt and pepper.
- Grill the skirt steak for 2–3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if desired. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
Step 4: Serve
- Slice the skirt steak thinly and arrange it over a bed of the lemon herb couscous salad.
- Garnish with additional fresh herbs, if desired.
- Serve immediately and enjoy!
🍽️ Nutrition Facts (per serving, makes 4 servings)
- Calories: 470 kcal
- Protein: 36g
- Fat: 24g
- Carbohydrates: 30g
- Fiber: 3g
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 850mg
💡 Tips & Tricks
- Skirt Steak Alternative: If you can’t find skirt steak, flank steak or hanger steak will work as good substitutes.
- Let it Rest: Allowing the steak to rest for a few minutes after grilling helps the juices redistribute, making the meat more tender and juicy.
- Customize the Salad: Feel free to add other veggies like bell peppers, olives, or feta cheese for extra flavor and texture.
- Make-Ahead: The couscous salad can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 days, making it a great meal prep option.
- Grill Marks: For the perfect grill marks, don’t move the steak around too much while grilling. Let it sit on each side for a couple of minutes before flipping.
🌟 From the Chef – A Personal Note
This Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad is one of my favorite meals to prepare for a gathering or a quick dinner. The rich, smoky flavor of the skirt steak pairs so wonderfully with the fresh, zesty couscous salad. I love how the herbs and lemon add a light, refreshing contrast to the juicy steak. It’s a simple yet impressive dish that never fails to impress!
Leave a Reply