Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad – 5 Easy Tips

Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad is the ideal dish for a flavorful, refreshing summer dinner. With juicy, marinated skirt steak cooked to perfection and served alongside a vibrant couscous salad, this recipe combines savory and fresh elements for an irresistible meal. Whether you’re hosting a gathering or enjoying a family dinner, this recipe is easy to prepare and packed with flavor, making it a crowd-pleaser that’s perfect for any occasion.

Why Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad is a Must-Try

This dish is a true winner for several reasons. Not only does it offer a satisfying balance of protein and vegetables, but it’s also incredibly quick to prepare, with minimal cooking time needed. The grilled skirt steak is tender, juicy, and infused with a zesty lemon marinade, making it the star of the meal. Meanwhile, the lemon herb couscous salad complements the steak with its light, fresh, and herbaceous flavors. Perfect for a family-friendly dinner or a weekend barbecue, this meal brings both flavor and nutrition to the table.

Ingredients for Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad

Grilled Skirt Steak:

• Olive oil: Adds richness and helps marinate the steak.
• Fresh lemon juice: Provides a tangy, citrusy base for the marinade.
• Honey: A touch of sweetness to balance the acidity of the lemon.
• Garlic: Offers a savory kick and depth of flavor.
• Dijon mustard: Adds a subtle sharpness to the marinade.
• Dried oregano: Brings an earthy, aromatic flavor.
• Kosher salt: Enhances the seasoning for the steak.
• Black pepper: For a mild heat and seasoning.
• Skirt steak: The key ingredient, tender and flavorful when grilled correctly.
• Flaky sea salt: For sprinkling over the steak for extra crunch and flavor.

Lemon Herb Couscous Salad:

• Israeli couscous: A slightly larger, chewy variety of couscous that serves as the base of the salad.
• Cucumber: Adds a cool, crisp texture to balance the richness of the steak.
• Scallions: Bring a mild onion flavor and a touch of crunch.
• Fresh dill: Delivers a bright, herby note that complements the lemony flavors.
• Fresh parsley: A fresh herb that adds color and flavor.
• Crumbled feta: A creamy, tangy addition that enriches the salad’s texture and taste.
• Lemon olive oil vinaigrette: The remaining marinade from the steak adds depth to the salad’s flavor.

Alternative Ingredient Suggestions

• Couscous alternatives: If you can’t find Israeli couscous, try orzo pasta for a similar texture and bite.
• Non-dairy feta: For a dairy-free version, use a plant-based feta or skip it entirely and add extra herbs or olives for a flavorful punch.
• Additional vegetables: If you prefer more crunch, consider adding bell peppers or tomatoes to the couscous salad.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad

1. Prepare the marinade: In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, lemon juice, honey, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
2. Marinate the steak: Place the skirt steak in a shallow dish, pour half of the marinade over it, and coat the steak well. Cover with plastic wrap and let it marinate for 30 to 45 minutes at room temperature or up to 2 hours in the fridge.
3. Cook the couscous: While the steak marinates, bring a pot of salted water to a boil and cook the Israeli couscous according to the package instructions. Drain, rinse under cold water, and let it cool.
4. Prepare the couscous salad: Once the couscous has cooled, transfer it to a large bowl and toss it with the remaining marinade, chopped cucumber, scallions, dill, parsley, and crumbled feta. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then refrigerate until ready to serve.
5. Grill the skirt steak: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (450°F–500°F). Grill the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.
6. Rest the steak: After grilling, let the steak rest for about 10 minutes before slicing against the grain. This ensures the steak stays tender and juicy.
7. Assemble and serve: Plate the couscous salad, top with sliced grilled skirt steak, and finish with a squeeze of fresh lemon juice and a sprinkle of flaky sea salt.

Tips & Tricks for Perfect Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad

• Don’t skip the resting time: After grilling the skirt steak, let it rest for 10 minutes before slicing. This helps redistribute the juices and ensures the steak is tender and juicy.
• Marinate longer for more flavor: While 30-45 minutes is sufficient, marinating the steak for up to 2 hours allows the flavors to penetrate deeply into the meat.
• Chill the couscous salad: For the best flavor and texture, refrigerate the couscous salad for at least 30 minutes before serving. This allows the vinaigrette to soak into the couscous and enhances the overall taste.

Pairing Ideas and Variations

• Side dish pairings: Serve the Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad alongside a fresh green salad or grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
• Sauce options: A creamy tzatziki or a tangy chimichurri would pair beautifully with the grilled steak and couscous salad.
• Gluten-free version: For a gluten-free alternative to couscous, consider using quinoa or rice. These options provide a similar texture without the gluten.

Make-Ahead Notes

If you’re planning to make this meal in advance, both the skirt steak and couscous salad can be prepared ahead of time. Marinate the steak and refrigerate it for up to 2 hours. The couscous salad can also be prepared a day in advance and kept in the fridge. Just slice the steak and serve the salad fresh before eating.

This Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad makes for excellent leftovers, especially when served chilled. Simply store the components in an airtight container in the fridge and enjoy it the next day!

Conclusion

Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad is a vibrant, satisfying dish that brings together the savory richness of marinated steak with the light, refreshing flavors of a herb-packed couscous salad. Whether you’re preparing this meal for a family dinner, a barbecue, or a special occasion, it’s sure to impress. The combination of juicy, tender skirt steak and the zesty, herby couscous salad makes this recipe a standout choice for any summer meal. With its easy preparation and bold flavors, this dish will quickly become a favorite in your culinary repertoire.

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