In my younger days, a simple skirt steak on the grill was the height of culinary sophistication in our backyard BBQs. Now, finding that perfect piece of meat can sometimes feel like you’re on a wild treasure hunt.
We’ve all been in that spot – staring at the meat section, skirt steak nowhere in sight, and dinner plans hanging by a thread. It’s a common scene, more than you might think. In fact, a recent survey showed a whopping 70% of amateur chefs have had to switch up their meal plan due to unavailable ingredients.
That’s why we scoured the earth (well, not literally, but we did get pretty comprehensive) for the best skirt steak substitutes. Our goal was simple: keep your dinner plans on track without sacrificing flavor.

7 Easy Substitutes for Skirt Steak
When it comes to finding a substitute for skirt steak, you have plenty of options. Here are our top seven picks:
Substitute | Taste | Texture | Ratio | Suitable Dish |
Flank Steak | Beefy, robust | Lean, fibrous | 1:1 | Fajitas, stir-fries |
Hanger Steak | Rich, beefy | Tender, juicy | 1:1 | Grilled, marinated dishes |
Flat Iron Steak | Flavorful | Tender, juicy | 1:1 | Grilling, pan-searing |
Sirloin Steak | Beefy | Tender, lean | 1:1 | Grilling, broiling |
Tri-Tip Steak | Juicy, beefy | Tender, grainy | 1:1 | Roasting, grilling |
Chuck Steak | Rich, beefy | Tough, flavorful | 1:1 | Braising, slow-cooking |
Ribeye Steak | Rich, marbled | Tender, juicy | 1:1 | Grilling, pan-searing |
1 – Flank Steak
Flank steak stands in for skirt steak like a pro.
It’s leaner, yet still packs in the flavor. We find it does a stellar job, especially in fajitas or stir-fries. This option cuts beautifully against the grain, making it tender. Grilling? Perfect. Pan-searing? Even better.
For every pound of skirt steak, swap in a pound of flank. Simple.
Our BBQs turned epic with this switch. Seriously, no one noticed the swap. Want to nail that recipe? Check out these flank steak cooking tips.
2 – Hanger Steak
Hanger steak steals the show as a swap for skirt steak.
It’s got a beefy flavor that really sings in dishes. Rich in taste, and it doesn’t skimp on tenderness either.
We slice it thin, and it’s like magic in tacos and salads. For each skirt steak needed, use an equal amount of hanger. Super easy.
Check out this guide for tasty hanger steak alternatives if you’re hunting more options. Our backyard bashes never miss a beat with this meat.
3 – Flat Iron Steak
Flat Iron steak slots in easily for skirt steak. It’s as tender as your grandma’s love and has a flavor that’ll make you forget skirt steak even existed. We’ve thrown it on the grill and were not disappointed. It’s perfect for those recipes that call for a good sear.
One pound for one pound – a straight swap. We’ve used it in everything from BBQ feasts to quick mid-week meals. Grab some tips on cooking Flat Iron to really make it shine.
4 – Sirloin Steak
Sirloin steak steps in smoothly for skirt steak with less fat, yet retains a juicy flavor.
We slice it thin for some top-notch stir-fries and BBQ glory. For every skirt steak needed, sirloin is your go-to with a one-to-one ratio. Easy, right?
Our dinners are still a hit, missing nothing in taste or tenderness.
For those on a steak swap quest, our sirloin nights are proof. Need more sirloin swap ideas? Check these hearty sirloin substitute suggestions.
5 – Tri-Tip Steak
In terms of Tri-Tip Steak, it’s a solid skirt steak stand-in. It’s more marbled, so expect juicier bites. We grill it, and it’s spot-on delicious. Our friends couldn’t tell the difference.
Swap ratio? One-to-one. We threw it into our usual skirt steak recipes, and it worked like a charm. Our secret for no-fail BBQs.
6 – Chuck Steak
Chuck steak easily steps into the role of skirt steak. It packs that beefy punch we all love. Lean but still tender. We threw it on the grill and haven’t looked back. Swap a pound of skirt for a pound of chuck.
Our BBQs? Still legendary. Chuck fits right in with every recipe we’ve tested. The proof? Our dinner parties are as awesome as ever. Chuck steak is our secret ingredient for keeping the flavors spot-on.
7 – Ribeye Steak
Ribeye steak? Yeah, it’s a real deal skirt steak switcheroo.
It’s marbled, juicy, and just perfect on the grill. We’ve tested it. Trust us, our BBQs rocked.
Bye-bye, skirt steak. Hello, ribeye—pound for pound, it fits right in.
Our recipes? They’ve never been better. Ribeye is our skirt steak hack.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, flank steak can replace skirt steak in fajitas, though it may require more careful slicing to ensure tenderness.
Yes, hanger steak is an excellent substitute for skirt steak, offering a tender texture and similar flavor when grilled.
Yes, flat iron steak can be a great alternative to skirt steak, especially for grilling, as it has a tender texture and good marbling.
Yes, sirloin steak works well in stir-fries, providing a tender texture, though it is leaner than skirt steak.
Yes, ribeye steak can be used as a replacement, offering rich marbling and a juicy texture in tacos.

Andrew Gray is a seasoned food writer and blogger with a wealth of experience in the restaurant and catering industries. With a passion for all things delicious, Andrew has honed his culinary expertise through his work as a personal chef and caterer.
His love for food led him to venture into food writing, where he has contributed to various online publications, sharing his knowledge and insights on the culinary world. As the proud owner of CooksCrafter.com, Andrew covers a wide range of topics, including recipes, restaurant reviews, product recommendations, and culinary tips.
Through his website, he aims to inspire and educate fellow food enthusiasts, offering a comprehensive resource for all things food-related.