Flat Iron Steak vs Skirt Steak: Which is the Best Choice for You?

When it comes to steak, people have their preferences. There are some who love their meat well done, and others who like it medium-rare. But for most people, a good steak is one that’s medium to well-done—not bloody, not blue, and not dry. So, what’s the difference between a flat iron steak and a skirt steak?

Well, the former is a cut of beef that comes from the underside of the cow, while the latter comes from the section closest to the hip. Either way, they’re both cuts of beef that are great for grilling, pan-frying, or broiling. In fact, these two steaks are very similar, with the main difference being where the cut comes from.

So, if you’re on the hunt for the perfect steak, read on to learn more about these two cuts and which one is best for you. Read on to find out more about the flat iron steak vs. skirt steak, and which one you should choose.

What is the Flat Iron Steak?

The flat iron steak is a cut of beef that is identified by its large, flat shape. The name comes from the fact that it is taken from the underside of the cow, or “flat iron”. The reason that the steak is so large and flat is that this part of the cow is used to toss the cut into an oven to keep it warm while the butcher cuts it.

What is the Skirt Steak?

The skirt steak is a very similar cut of beef to the flat iron steak, with the only difference being that it comes from the front half of the cow. It is a more tender cut of beef and is therefore more suitable for grilling or pan-frying.

Flat Iron Steak vs. Skirt Steak: Which One is More flavorful?

While both the flat iron steak and the skirt steak are great for grilling, the flat iron has a thicker, more flavorful strip from which it is cut. The reason for this is that the flat iron steak is strip-billed, which means that it has thicker muscles and a higher fat layer, both of which give the steak more flavor.

Flat Iron Steak vs. Skirt Steak: Which One is More tender?

Despite both steaks being similar in terms of how they are cut and their flavor, the flat iron steak is more tender because it comes from a more tender section of the cow. The reason for this is that this part of the cow is meant to be eaten younger, and is therefore closer to being a steak.

Flat Iron Steak or Skirt Steak: Which one is healthier for you?

While the two steaks are very similar, the health benefits of each one vary. The flat iron steak is fattier than the skirt steak, and therefore it contains more calories, fats, and cholesterol per serving. On the other hand, the calcium in the skirt steak is useful for strong teeth and bones. So, which one is healthier for you? The skril steak, of course!

Conclusion

In reality, the difference between a flat iron steak and a skil is simply down to where it comes from. Both steaks are great for grilling, but the flat iron steak has a thicker, more flavorful cut.

As with all types of beef, you should aim for the skil to be higher in protein and lower in fat, while the flat iron steak should be medium-rare or well-done with a crispy, buttery crust.

So there you have it—the difference between a flat iron steak and a skil, as well as the similarities between the two. Now you know, you can enjoy your steak without having to choose between the two cuts!