Skirt vs Hanger Steak: Which One is Better?

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There are many different types of steak that you can cook up in your kitchen, but which one is the best? This blog post will compare skirt steak vs. hanger steak to help you decide which one is right for you!

What is a Skirt Steak?

The skirt steak is a piece of meat from the cow’s plate region, which hangs below the animal. This steak comprises the diaphragm muscle connected to the ribs 6-12. Because this muscular works tirelessly, it can be tough and chewy if not cooked correctly.

Skirt steak may be delicious and flavorful when prepared carefully. When grilling or pan-frying, overcooking it will only make it tougher to chew. Cook it for no more than a few minutes on each side or until it reaches the desired degree of doneness.

Skirt steak is a wonderful choice whether you’re in a rush or want to impress your guests with a spectacular meal.

Related: Flank Steak vs Skirt Steak: What’s the Difference?

How Much Does Skirt Steak Cost?

Skirt steak can cost anywhere from $8 to $20 per pound, depending on the supplier.

What is a Hanger Steak?

The hanger steak comes from the cow’s plate region. This area is located between the rib cage and the loin and is recognized as a particularly delicate cut of meat. The term “hanging steak” refers to the “hangs” between the ribs and tenderloin, making it a more flavorful replacement for skirt steak.

Hanger steak is a rare and ancient cut of meat from the cow’s forequarter that has been slow-roasted over an open flame. It was previously reserved for butchers, who would keep it for themselves rather than sell it to clients.

Hanger steak can be very soft and juicy when cooked correctly, making it an excellent choice for steaks, fajitas, and other dishes.

How Much Does Hanger Steak Cost?

Depending on the supplier, hanger steak costs about $12 to $14 per pound.

What Are the Differences Between Skirt Steak and Hanger Steak?

The key distinctions between skirt steaks and hanger steaks are as follows:

Size

The biggest difference between hanger steak and skirt steak is size. Hanger steak is somewhat thicker and shorter than the skirt steak. It has a length of roughly 6 to 7 inches, whereas the skirt steak can reach 20 to 24 inches in length and three to four inches in width.

Texture

Hanger steak is much more tender than skirt steak. It also has a finer grain, making it easier to chew. Skirt steak, on the other hand, has a tough texture and a coarse grain.

Flavor

Skirt steak is known for its bold flavor, while hanger steak is famous for being juicy and tender.

Cooking Time

The general guideline is that the thicker the steak, the longer it takes to cook. Because hanger steak is a thicker cut than skirt steak, it will take a few more minutes to achieve the desired doneness.

Cut

Regarding skirt steak, both hanger and skirt steaks come from the plate region. Skirt steak is cut into two distinct sections: inside and outside skirts. Hanger steak is the only type of hanger steak.

Related: Inside vs Outside Skirt Steak: What’s the Difference?

Price

Hanger steak is generally more expensive than skirt steak because it is a rare and difficult-to-find cut of meat.

Skirt vs. Hanger Steak: Which One is Better?

Hanger steak, in our opinion, is the superior option. It has a deeper flavor and is more delicate than skirt steak. Furthermore, it’s less costly than skirt steak. Hanger steak is the way to go if you’re searching for a delectable and inexpensive steak!

Where to Buy Hanger Steak?

Hanger steak is a delicious and relatively inexpensive cut of beef. Often described as tasting like a cross between flank steak and skirt steak, hanger steak is well-suited for marinating and grilling.

While it was once a little-known secret among home cooks, hanger steak has become increasingly popular in recent years. As a result, it can be tricky to find at the supermarket.

However, most craft butchers stock hanger steak, also available online. So if you’re looking for a delicious and budget-friendly steak, hanger steak is a great option.

How to Cook Hanger Steak?

There are a few key things to remember when cooking a hanger steak. First, since the meat already has a rich flavor, it doesn’t need to be cooked for very long. You should aim for a medium-rare or medium steak.

Secondly, the hanger steak has a fairly coarse texture, so if it’s cooked beyond medium, it will become too tough and chewy. Finally, grilling or cooking the steak on very high heat is essential to give it a nice crust before it overcooks.

By following these simple tips, you’ll be able to enjoy a delicious and perfectly cooked hanger steak.

Is Hanger Steak High Quality?

Hanger steak is a cut of beef that is often overlooked. However, those in the know realize that a hanger steak is a great option for a delicious and affordable steak dinner. When cooked properly, hanger steak has excellent flavor and tenderness. Moreover, the price per pound is hard to beat.

For all these reasons, a hanger steak is a great option for those looking for a high-quality cut of beef.

Conclusion

Have you ever tried skirt steak or hanger steak? What did you think? Let us know in the comments below!

Bobby Johnson

When he's not writing about barbecue, you can find Bobby smoking meat for friends and family. He's been a backyard pitmaster for roughly half his life, and has worked with nearly every cut of meat. Not everyone has a hands-on guide to teach them BBQ, but that's what Bobby hopes to do with Electric Smoker HQ. He wants to help people create amazing food that they can be proud of.