Difference between Inside & outside skirt steak AND is it worth the higher sticker price?

[smabrito]

Fajitas with grilled vegetables & jalapeno poppers are in the plans for the weekend! Can anyone tell me the difference between inside skirt steak and outside skirt steak as far as flavor and/or tenderness is concerned. I've always bought skirt steak without noticing if it stated on the label if it's an inside or outside cut. Right now our closest HEB store in San Antonio carries several choices of inside but only one choice of outside. The H‑E‑B Grass Fed Outside Skirt Steak is $20.79 a pound & The H‑E‑B Grass Fed Inside Skirt Steak is $12.47 a pound. Is it worth the difference?
Full disclosure: 90% of the time we pick up their H‑E‑B Seasoned Beef Skirt Steak for Fajitas that has never disappointed & is always great but you gotta do your own seasoning or marinading sometimes.

[Angryfish]

I am no expert on different meat cuts however have you ever tried the cut called flap steak?
very much like skirts in texture and flavor, but much h less expensive.

[acorgihouse]

I love flap steak, never buy skirt anymore.

[Draznnl]

Outside skirt is much more tender than inside. But, if you are cutting it up for fajitas, you can probably get away with inside. That is what the grocery probably uses in the pre seasoned you usually buy.

I agree that flap steak, also called bavette, is very similar to skirt and generally less expensive.

[Panhead John]

I did some flap steak for fajitas a few months ago, found it at Costco..it was good!

[STEbbq]

I had the same question a while back and the posters here educated me. I ordered some outside skirt steak from Porter Road. It is much more flavorful, juicier, and tender than inside. I think if you are using skirt steak on a regular basis, you need to try outside once and make your own call as to if it is worth the premium. I think it is worth it.

[Troutman]

You want to try and source OUSIDE skirt if you can find it. Most places around here (HEB for instance) sell INSIDE skirt. Basically you have to marinate the inside version a bit more. I always tell folks to use lots of citrus (orange juice, lemon juice and/or lime juice). Be sure to squeeze your own. I also use a product called Dale's marinade but if you can't find it use a healthy dose of light soy sauce instead. Good luck !!

[smabrito]

thanks!

[Panhead John]

Ahumadora That’s pretty cool! If you get a chance, could you share some video of her and your smokers with us?

[Ahumadora]

Panhead John I arrived to collect the trailers last night just as they were leaving and was getting dark, so no pics sorry. Was a couple of reverse flow 500 gallons they used for the tv shoot.

[smabrito]

Thanks for the input everyone. Also thanks for the flap steak reco