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Grilled Beef Skirt Steak With Onion Marinade

This grilled skirt steak with onion marinade is a masterclass in coaxing maximum flavour from a lean, affordable cut of beef. The savoury marinade, blitzed into a smooth paste, acts as a natural tenderiser, infusing the meat with deep aromatics while the high-heat grilling creates a beautiful charred crust. It is a sophisticated yet simple way to enjoy a steak dinner that feels celebratory without being heavy.

As a diabetes-friendly option, this recipe focuses on high-quality protein and heart-healthy olive oil, making it a nutritious choice for a midweek meal or a weekend barbecue. Serving the steak thinly sliced against the grain ensures every bite is meltingly tender. Pair it with a vibrant, home-made chimichurri and a crisp green salad for a balanced, low-carbohydrate lunch that does not compromise on satisfaction.

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Ingredients for Grilled Beef Skirt Steak With Onion Marinade

  • 1/2 medium yellow onion, coarsely chopped

  • 1 small garlic clove, peeled

  • 60ml plus 1 tablespoon extra-virgin olive oil

  • 1 tablespoon water

  • 900g skirt steak, silver skin trimmed away

  • 1 teaspoon kosher salt

  • 1/4 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

  • Smoked sea salt, for finishing

  • Ox’s Chimichurri, for serving (optional)

How to make Grilled Beef Skirt Steak With Onion Marinade

Combine the onion, garlic, 60ml the oil, and water in a blender; blend until smooth. Put the skirt steak in a large resealable plastic bag or baking dish and pour in the onion mixture, coating both sides. Cover or wrap the meat well so the onion scent does not permeate your refrigerator; chill for at least 4 hours and up to 24 hours.

Prepare a grill to medium-high heat.

Remove the steak from the marinade and season both sides with the kosher salt and pepper. Transfer the meat to the grill and let cook until one side is well seared, 3 minutes. Flip and cook for 2 minutes more, for rare to medium-rare. At this point, remove the steak from the grill and let rest for 2 minutes to allow the carryover heat to give it a more even doneness. Finally, return the steak to the grill and cook for 1 minute more per side (this guarantees this thin cut of steak will be served hot). (Add another minute of cooking on the second side for medium doneness.) Remove the skirt steak from the grill and let rest 1 to 2 minutes before slicing and serving.

Cut each steak with the grain into three sections. Turn each piece to slice against the grain at a 45-degree angle. Slice into 1/4-inch pieces on a slight bias against the grain. You should get about 5 slices per cut piece, about 15 slices total. Transfer the meat to a warmed plate. Garnish with the remaining 1 tablespoon oil and smoked sea salt and serve with the chimichurri.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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