Grilled Skirt Steak with Garlic Bacon Swiss Chard

Simple and rustic, and on the table in under thirty minutes.

Some nights, we need a meal that feels indulgent but also comes together effortlessly. This grilled skirt steak with garlic bacon Swiss chard is exactly that kind of meal. It’s rustic, deeply flavorful, and ready in under thirty minutes. A true weeknight win, straight from the Fig Hollow Farm kitchen.

A Nod to Nonna, With My Own Twist

When I was growing up, my Nonna made garlic Swiss chard weekly. My Nonno grew it in the backyard garden, and it was pretty much on the table several times a week. The scent of garlic sizzling in olive oil would fill the whole house, and she’d serve it simply, no fuss, just earthy greens with a touch of salt. I’ve carried that memory with me, but over time I’ve given it my own spin. I add chopped bacon for richness and a splash of white wine to brighten the flavor. The bacon smooths out the natural bitterness of Swiss chard, turning a humble garden green into something downright irresistible...and maybe a bit naughty.

Quick and Easy Weeknight Cooking

This meal comes together fast. While your skirt steak is sizzling on the grill, cook five pieces of chopped bacon in a skillet until lightly browned but not crispy. Add 6-8 cloves of rustic chopped garlic, don’t be shy here; this dish celebrates bold flavor. Sauté for about 5-10 minutes, letting the garlic soften and perfume the kitchen. Deglaze with a splash of white wine, scraping up all those golden bits, and cook for 2-3 minutes more.

Next, toss in one bunch of chopped Swiss chard, stems and leaves included. Sauté until tender but still a vibrant green. Season generously with sea salt and pepper.

When the skirt steak is done, let it rest for several minutes and then slice it into strips and arrange them on a platter. Spoon the garlic bacon Swiss chard right over the center of the steak. The smoky bacon mingles with the garlicky greens, and the juices from the steak soak into everything, it’s a perfect marriage of hearty and wholesome.

Grilled Skirt Steak with Garlic Bacon Swiss Chard

Ingredients

• 1 lb. skirt steak

• 5 slices bacon, chopped

• 6-8 cloves garlic, roughly chopped

• 1 bunch Swiss chard, chopped (stems included)

• Splash of white wine

• Sea salt and freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

• Olive oil, for grilling

Instructions

1. Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high or use a heavy skillet on the stove. I prefer to use a cast iron skillet to cook inside if I am unable to use my grill, but you may use whatever you have available. Brush the skirt steak lightly with olive oil and season both sides with sea salt and pepper.

2. Cook the Bacon: While the grill heats, cook the chopped bacon in a large skillet over medium heat until it begins to lightly brown but isn’t crispy.

3. Add the Garlic: Add the rustic, chopped garlic to the bacon and sauté for 5-10 minutes, stirring often. The goal is soft, fragrant garlic, not browned or bitter.

4. Deglaze with Wine: Add a splash of white wine and sauté for 2-3 more minutes, scraping up all those delicious, browned bits from the bottom of the pan.

5. Add the Swiss Chard: Add the chopped Swiss chard directly to the skillet. Toss and sauté until the greens are wilted but still a rich green color. Season with sea salt and pepper.

6. Grill the Skirt Steak: While the chard is cooking, grill the skirt steak for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness. Let it rest for a couple of minutes, then slice into strips against the grain.

7. Assemble and Serve: Arrange the steak strips on a platter and spoon the garlic bacon Swiss chard over the top. Serve immediately for best flavor.

   

Why It Works

This meal looks like something from a countryside bistro but fits right into a busy weeknight dinner. You get protein, greens, and comfort all in one pan. It’s high in nutrients, low in prep time, and big on flavor, the kind of meal that makes you feel like you’ve done something good for yourself without spending hours in the kitchen.

At Fig Hollow Farm, a name inspired by my Nonno, we love dishes that remind us of where we came from but also celebrate how we cook today; creative, bold in flavor but with simple ingredients, and just a little rustic around the edges.

Serve it with a piece of crusty bread, a glass of something chilled, and call it dinner perfection.

As always, happy grilling!

Jennifer