Why Is Arrachera So Expensive?

Arrachera is more commonly known as skirt steak and is one of the most sought after cuts of beef on the market.

But being so delicious means that it has become an expensive cut.

So why is it so expensive?

Up until recently, it was considered a “scrap,” but it is now one of the most popular cuts you can get. Why is this?

In this article, we’ll explore the price of arrachera, what the cut is, and what makes this cut of meat so special.

Why Is It Expensive?

The fact that more people are aware of how delicious skirt steak genuinely is one of the main factors contributing to its price increase.

The supply must meet the demand for this particular cut of beef, which will inevitably drive up the price.

Only two arrachera steaks are produced by each cow, so many cows are required to meet demand.

Due to its rising popularity, it might be harder to find at your local grocery shop.

Your local butcher shop might be your best bet, but that will come with a hefty price tag of its own.

The Cost

Prices for beef products vary based on where you buy them.

Skirt steak is readily available at the majority of grocers and butchers.

Skirt steak typically costs $8 a pound, but you can find it for as little as $9.99 or as much as $65.42 per package.

The volume and overall quality of the product will affect the price variation.

Because the beef they sell is of a higher grade, smaller, upscale butcher shops may charge more for it.

Agricultural production will continue to affect the price of beef, causing it to climb and fall.

These changes will impact even smaller cuts, including skirt steak.

What Makes It Special?

Arrachera has a distinct, accordion-like structure of coarse muscle fibers that increases its surface area.

This means that the steak is good on its own and that more flavor can organically emerge.

It has a robust flavor thanks to its high fat content and reasonably meaty texture.

It is a long, thin piece of flesh that comes from the cow’s diaphragm, immediately below the rib cage.

The outside skirt and the inside skirt are the two different cuts of skirt steak, and understanding their distinctions is important.

For those who want a steak that cooks quickly and is flavorful, the outside skirt is ideal.

Although it is just half as thick, the inside skirt is significantly wider than the outside skirt.

To make it more appetizing, it is frequently tenderized before cooking because of its chewy texture.

How Does It Taste?

Skirt steak is a tougher cut of beef but has an incredible amount of strong, rich, meaty flavor.

When prepared properly, you can obtain a perfectly tender, tasty piece of beef that cooks quickly.

The ideal option for you may be skirt steak if you’re looking for a steak that easily shows its natural flavors.

What’s The Best Way To Enjoy It?

To avoid overcooking, medium-rare to medium is the ideal temperature for skirt steak.

Although many claim that salt and pepper are the only seasonings it should have, there are more ways to enjoy this cut.

The most popular recipes using arrachera include fajitas, tacos, and stir-fries.

It can also be grilled or cooked on high heat in a cast iron skillet.

Even better, you can make it the centerpiece of a meal and serve it with roasted vegetables and potatoes.

The size and fat content of skirt steak make it exceptionally quick to absorb marinades.

The majority of recipes only call for marinating for about 30 minutes before cooking, making it a simple weeknight meal.

You’ll discover that a brief touch on a heated pan produces the best texture for skirt steak.

A steak that has been cooked past medium-rare or medium will be excessively dry and chewy.

It’s preferable to cut your steak against the grain into thin pieces once you’ve cooked it to the ideal level of medium-rareness.

A bias cut will be produced by cutting the steak at a 45-degree angle, resulting in increased tenderness and juice retention.

Best Arrachera Recipes

Here are some incredible ways you can try arrachera steak and make the most out of the premium cut of beef.

Tex-Mex Arrachera Fajitas

The classic arracheras recipe is used to make these Tex Mex fajitas, which have a superb American BBQ-inspired twist.

If the classic arrachera recipe isn’t quite what you’re looking for, try this recipe instead.

Arrachera Tacos

This recipe is certain to be a hit for your upcoming taco night. Tacos are a tasty meal that is adored all around the world.

To suit your tastes, you can combine the toppings on your tacos and even the arrachera’s flavorings.

Carne Asada Nachos

This is a delicious recipe for a social snack.

These are ideal for a movie night snack or something to enjoy with a few beers while watching the big game.

To give it a more meaty texture and an even more delectable flavor, arrachera steak is used in place of the standard ground beef.

Five Alternatives

It’s wise to consider all of your alternatives when choosing a beef cut.

There are other cuts of beef that are comparable to arrachera steak and provide results that are identical.

Below you’ll find some of the most popular cuts of beef available today that are comparatively cheaper to high quality skirt steak.

Flat Iron Steak

The shoulder of the animal is where flat iron steak is sourced.

It has a meatier flavor since it is thicker and more marbled than skirt steak.

The ideal cooking method is to quickly sear it and then cook it at a lower temperature.

Eye Of Round Steak

Although much thicker than the other beef cuts on our list, eye of round is a lean cut of beef.

Most commonly, it is slow-cooked and used for beef stew, stir-fries, or even tacos or sandwiches when thinly sliced.

Flank Steak

Right adjacent to the short plate in the abdomen is where the flank steak is found.

When compared to skirt steak, it is substantially thicker and has a milder beef flavor.

Hanger Steak

Similar to skirt steak, hanger steak is another flat beef cut with excellent flavor.

It contains some marbling, which means the fat will give the steak a deep flavor and make it succulent.

Although it produces much more tender meat than skirt steak, overcooking can make it tough.

Flap Steak

Flap steak is a significantly thinner cut of beef and is typically cheaper than skirt steak.

Although it tends to be on the chewier side, it is one of the best alternatives to skirt steak that you can find because of its texture.

Final Verdict – Is It Worth The Price?

Though it was originally thought of as a scrap of beef, arrachera steak has gained popularity as people have discovered how delicious it is.

It is definitely worth including in your meal planning if you learn how to cook it to perfection.

Skirt steak is a fantastic choice for whatever dish you’re cooking for a variety of reasons.

It’s definitely worth it to occasionally splurge on a skirt steak if your budget allows it.

However, if not, you can find cheaper alternatives that can yield similar results if they’re cooked correctly.