Caveman Skirt Steak
A caveman steak is cooked directly on the coals. This adds a unique flavor to the meat, it is dark and rich, but I don't find it to be bitter. Because charcoal briquettes use binders to make them a uniform shape you won't want to use them. You'll need either wood, or lump charcoal. You also won't want to use lighter fluid so a charcoal chimney is highly recommended. The last thing you'll need is a something to fan the coals with, I've seen people use a hair dryer, but I've got a rigid plastic plate that works well.
A skirt steak is ideal for this since it's thin and very flavorful, there are other cuts of meat that work well too, but they take longer, which isn't a problem unless you want them cooked farther than medium rare.
In terms of how to serve a caveman steak there are lots of options. About half the time I make a steak this way we just eat it off the cutting board and it never makes it to a plate, it's that good. If we can restrain ourselves, they make excellent tacos with some combination of grilled veggies, pico, queso fresco, cilantro and a squeeze of lime.
Ingredients:
- 1 or 2 skirt steaks
- Dirty Apron Beef Rub
Directions:
- Get your lump charcoal (or wood) fire started
- Once it's very hot and you have a coating of grey over the coals fan the coal with a piece of cardboard or similar. Then lay the steak directly on the coals and again fan the coals while the steak is cooking. Cook for 1-3 minutes a side.
- Once both sides have a good sear on them you can brush off any big pieces of charcoal that stuck to the steak, sprinkle both sides with some Dirty Apron Beef Rub and wrap them in foil. Let them sit for 10-15 minutes.
- While the steak is resting you can use the coals to grill some peppers and onions or whatever takes your fancy, this can be done either on the coals or on a grate depending on your preferences.
- Once the steak is rested carefully unwrap the meat, there will be some extremely tasty juices in the foil, you'll want to keep that. Skirt steak needs to be cut across the grain and with a bit of a bias. Once it's cut pour the reserved juices over the meat and serve as tacos or with your grilled vegetables. Or just eat it with your fingers off the board. It is a caveman steak after all.