Red Wine Marinated Grilled Skirt Steak: for the Backyard BBQ
Backyard BBQs in Portugal
Few things capture the joy of living in Portugal quite like grilling outdoors with friends and family. I came across a delightful looking Skirt steak, which is known as an the ideal canvas for a marinade that packs a serious punch, at the butcher. Prepared in the garden of our Sintra home, this dish combines the rustic charm of local cooking with the big, bold flavors of international cuisine. The red wine marinated grilled skirt steak brings together Portuguese ingredients with global inspiration.
Marinated Grilled Skirt Steak with Red Wine
Our marinade is a fusion of old and new world ingredients. Robust Portuguese red wine forms the base—something like a Dão or Alentejo red works beautifully (we used a red wine from Alentejo). Soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and Japanese shoyu infuse deep umami notes. The wine helps tenderize the meat while the sauces layer in savory complexity. After a good soak in the fridge, ideally overnight, the steak is grilled quickly over high heat.
Serving up Red Wine Marinated Grilled Skirt Steak
We often serve this dish alongside seasonal sides that highlight the fresh produce. Grilled peppers, crispy potatoes, or a tomato and cucumber salad complement the rich meat without overpowering it. A slice of crusty pão and a drizzle of local olive oil make it feel complete. It’s a dish meant for sharing at long, leisurely meals, and great for hosting.
Paring Wine with Marinated Skirt Steak
For wine pairings, Portugal offers no shortage of excellent options. A bold Douro red or a structured Bairrada pairs beautifully with the smoky, savory steak. If you’re in the mood for something different, a jaen red from the Dão region brings elegance and a nuance of black pepper. For a modern touch, try a chilled red from the Lisboa region. These wines are typically lighter-bodied vinho tinto that pairs well with grilled meats on warm evenings.
Final Thoughts
Whether you’re cooking for a Sunday lunch or an impromptu weekday dinner, this red wine marinated grilled skirt steak is a flavorful crowd-pleaser that feels both familiar and exciting. Rooted in the traditions of Portuguese outdoor grilling and inspired by global flavors, it’s a dish that tastes like home—wherever that may be. So Savour the Trip with this simple red wine marinated grilled skirt steak.
Red Wine Marinated Grilled Skirt Steak
Ingredients
- 2 lb skirt steak
- 1/2 cup red wine, preferably from alentejo, but douro, dao or other portuguese red wine will work well too
- 2 tbsp soy sauce
- 1/2 tbsp worcheshire sauce
- 1 tsp shoyu sauce, optional, this is very similar to soy sauce and we had it on hand
- 1/2 tbsp garlic powder
- 1/2 tbsp thyme leaves
Equipment
- 1 Large shallow dish or Zip loc bag large enough to hold the steak and marinade
- 1 grill
- 1 Meat themometer optional
Instructions
Marinating the Skirt Steak
- Mix all of the ingredients together in a shallow baking dish or bowl if using a zip loc bag. Pour the marinade in the zip loc bag if using.
- Place the steak in the marinade and turn to coat all sides.
- Cover and let sit for 8 hours in the fridge. If you are short on time you can marinade for an hour prior to grilling and keep on the counter top so that the steak comes to room temp.
- If you marinaded the steak in the fridge, remove from the fridge 1 hour prior to grilling.
Grilling the Skirt Steak
- Start a grill and heat on high heat. Once a temperature of 200C/400F is achieved place the steak on the grill.
Medium Rare
- Cook the steak for 7-8 minutes with the lid open.
- Turn the steak over and grill for another 7-8 minutes.
- After 14-16 minutes of grilling the steak the steak is ready to eat.
Medium Well
- Once the steak is on the grill close the cover and cook the steak for 7-8 minutes.
- Turn the steak over and grill for another 7-8 minutes with the cover closed.
- After 14-16 minutes of grilling the steak the steak is ready to eat.
Notes
- RARE. Cool red center. 125° F | 52° C.
- MEDIUM RARE. Warm red center. 135° F | 57° C.
- MEDIUM. Warm pink center. 145° F | 63° C.
- MEDIUM WELL. Slightly pink center. 150° F | 66° C.
- WELL DONE. Little or no pink. 160° F | 71° C.
