Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad Recipe

Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad pairs juicy, marinated skirt steak sliced against the grain with chilled pearl couscous tossed in fresh herbs, cucumber, and feta. Ready in 45 minutes including marinate, it’s a bright summer dinner.

Why This Recipe Works

  • Lemon-olive oil marinade tenderizes affordable skirt steak with garlic brightness.
  • Pearl couscous holds vinaigrette without sogginess.
  • Fresh dill, parsley, and mint deliver herbaceous lift.
  • Quick grill or pan-sear suits indoor/outdoor cooking.
  • Resting ensures juicy slices when cut against grain.

Ingredients & Prep

Steak Marinade (makes enough for both):

  • ½ cup olive oil
  • ¼ cup fresh lemon juice
  • 1½ tsp honey
  • 4 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1½ tsp Dijon mustard
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1¾ tsp kosher salt
  • Black pepper

Steak & Salad:

  • 1½ lbs skirt steak
  • 1 cup dry pearl/Israeli couscous
  • 1 cucumber, chopped
  • 2 scallions, chopped
  • ¼ cup each chopped dill, parsley, mint
  • ¼ cup crumbled feta (optional)
  • Flaky sea salt, lemon wedges

Step-by-Step Instructions

Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad Recipe
  1. Whisk marinade ingredients; reserve half for salad. Marinate steak 30–45 minutes room temp or 2 hours fridge.
  2. Cook couscous per package; rinse cold, drain, pat dry. Toss with reserved marinade, cucumber, scallions, herbs, feta. Chill.
  3. Preheat grill or cast iron to medium-high (450–500°F); grill steak 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Rest 10 minutes.
  4. Slice thinly against grain; squeeze lemon over steak and flaky salt. Serve over couscous salad.

Flavor Variations

VariationKey Add/SwapResulting Twist
Dairy-FreeSkip fetaLighter freshness
Protein SwapTofu or chickenVegetarian option
SpicyChili flakes in marinadeWarm kick
NuttyToasted pine nutsCrunchy texture

Storage Tips

Refrigerate separately up to 3 days; serve steak cold or reheated gently.

FAQs

Steak tough?
Slice against grain and don’t over-marinate.

Couscous sticky?
Rinse cold immediately after cooking.

No grill?
Hot cast iron pan works perfectly.

Conclusion

Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad balances charred meat with herby chill effortless grill-season star.

Print

Grilled Skirt Steak with Lemon Herb Couscous Salad Recipe

Juicy grilled skirt steak served over a bright lemon herb couscous salad with fresh herbs and crisp vegetables. A flavorful, protein-packed meal that’s perfect for summer grilling or an easy weeknight dinner.

  • Author: ssam
  • Prep Time: 20 mins
  • Cook Time: 10 mins
  • Total Time: 30 mins
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Mediterranean

Ingredients

Scale
  • Skirt Steak:
  • 1 1/2 lb skirt steak
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp kosher salt
  • 1/2 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
  • Zest of 1 lemon
  • Lemon Herb Couscous Salad:
  • 1 cup couscous
  • 1 cup boiling water or broth
  • 2 tbsp olive oil
  • Juice of 1 lemon
  • 1/2 tsp salt
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper
  • 1/2 cup cucumber, diced
  • 1/2 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
  • 1/4 cup red onion, finely diced
  • 1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
  • 2 tbsp fresh mint, chopped (optional)

Instructions

  • 1. Pat skirt steak dry and rub with olive oil, garlic, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, and lemon zest. Let rest at room temperature for 15 minutes.
  • 2. Prepare couscous by placing it in a bowl and pouring boiling water or broth over it. Cover and let steam for 5 minutes.
  • 3. Fluff couscous with a fork and stir in olive oil, lemon juice, salt, and pepper.
  • 4. Add cucumber, tomatoes, red onion, parsley, and mint. Toss gently and set aside.
  • 5. Preheat grill or grill pan to high heat.
  • 6. Grill skirt steak for 3–4 minutes per side for medium-rare (adjust to preference).
  • 7. Remove steak and rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain.
  • 8. Serve sliced steak over the lemon herb couscous salad.

Notes

  • Always slice skirt steak against the grain for tenderness.
  • Add feta cheese or olives to the couscous for extra Mediterranean flavor.
  • Leftover steak works great in wraps or salads.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 plate
  • Calories: 460
  • Sugar: 3g
  • Sodium: 520mg
  • Fat: 22g
  • Saturated Fat: 6g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 14g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 32g
  • Fiber: 3g
  • Protein: 36g
  • Cholesterol: 85mg

Keywords: grilled skirt steak, lemon herb couscous, steak couscous salad

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