Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

Sizzling Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe for Dinner

Juicy and tender skirt steak pairs perfectly with zesty chimichurri sauce for an explosion of Argentine-inspired flavors.

Grilling enthusiasts know this cut delivers maximum taste with minimal effort.

Bold marinades and fresh herbs characterize the classic recipe.

Marinating meat before cooking ensures deep, rich flavor profiles emerge beautifully.

Simple ingredients like parsley, garlic, and olive oil create the vibrant green sauce that complements the steak’s robust character.

Quick preparation makes this dish ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings.

Let’s unlock the secrets of this mouthwatering culinary experience that will impress everyone at your table.

What Makes Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Irresistible

  • Quick and Easy Protein Powerhouse: This skirt steak recipe delivers maximum flavor with minimal kitchen effort, perfect for busy home cooks seeking a delicious protein-packed meal.
  • Versatile Culinary Adventure: The bold chimichurri sauce transforms a simple steak into an exciting dining experience, bringing authentic Argentine-inspired flavors to your table with just a few fresh ingredients.
  • Crowd-Pleasing Grilling Delight: Ideal for backyard gatherings, weekend cookouts, or a special family dinner, this recipe offers restaurant-quality results that will impress guests and satisfy meat lovers with its juicy, well-seasoned steak and vibrant herb sauce.

Ingredients for Juicy Skirt Steak and Zesty Sauce

Main Protein:
  • Skirt Steak: A flavorful and tender cut of beef perfect for grilling and serving with bold sauces.
Seasoning and Oil:
  • Salt, Black Pepper: Essential seasonings that enhance the natural flavor of the meat.
  • Olive Oil: Helps create a golden crust and adds moisture to the steak.
Chimichurri Sauce Ingredients:
  • Parsley, Cilantro: Fresh herbs that provide a bright and herbal base for the sauce.
  • Garlic: Adds a pungent and aromatic flavor to the chimichurri.
  • Red Pepper Flakes: Introduces a subtle heat and spiciness to the sauce.
  • Red Wine Vinegar: Provides acidity and tanginess to balance the herbs.
  • Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Creates a smooth and rich texture for the chimichurri sauce.

How to Sear Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

Step 1: Fire Up the Cooking Surface

Heat a grill or skillet on high heat until it’s smoking hot and ready for the steak.

Step 2: Season the Steak

Generously sprinkle salt and pepper over both sides of the skirt steak, creating a flavorful crust.

Step 3: Oil the Meat

Drizzle olive oil over the steak and massage it into the meat to enhance flavor and prevent sticking.

Step 4: Grill to Perfection

Cook the steak for 2-3 minutes on each side, aiming for a beautiful medium-rare doneness.

Adjust cooking time based on your preferred level of doneness.

Step 5: Let the Steak Rest

Remove the steak from heat and let it sit for 5 minutes.

This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a juicy and tender result.

Step 6: Create Chimichurri Sauce

Combine the following ingredients in a bowl:
  • Fresh parsley
  • Fresh cilantro
  • Minced garlic
  • Red pepper flakes
  • Red wine vinegar
  • Extra virgin olive oil

Step 7: Season the Sauce

Add salt and pepper to the chimichurri, tasting and adjusting until the flavors pop.

Step 8: Slice and Serve

Cut the skirt steak against the grain into thin slices. Top generously with the bright, zesty chimichurri sauce.

Tips for Perfect Steak and Chimichurri Every Time

  • Slice skirt steak against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and easier chewing.
  • Let the steak rest after grilling to allow juices to redistribute, creating a more flavorful and moist result.
  • Adjust chimichurri sauce heat level by increasing or decreasing red pepper flakes to suit personal spice preferences.
  • Marinate steak in chimichurri sauce for 30 minutes before cooking to enhance flavor penetration and tenderize the meat.
  • For a gluten-free option, ensure all ingredients are certified gluten-free and use alternative seasoning if needed.

Ways to Mix Up Your Chimichurri Steak Game

  • Herb-Crusted Variation: Coat the skirt steak with a blend of dried herbs like thyme, rosemary, and oregano before grilling for an extra aromatic flavor profile.
  • Spicy Southwest Spin: Add ground cumin and chili powder to the steak seasoning, then top with a jalapeño-infused chimichurri sauce for a bold kick.
  • Asian-Inspired Marinade: Replace red wine vinegar with rice vinegar, add soy sauce and ginger to the chimichurri, and garnish with toasted sesame seeds for an eastern flair.
  • Mediterranean Fusion: Mix feta cheese into the chimichurri, sprinkle with za'atar seasoning, and serve alongside grilled lemon wedges for a Greek-inspired version.

What to Serve with Chimichurri Skirt Steak

  • Pair with Robust Red Wine: Select a bold Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon from Argentina to complement the rich, grilled flavors of the skirt steak and match the zesty chimichurri sauce.
  • Serve with Roasted Vegetables: Grill colorful bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus alongside the steak to create a balanced plate with smoky, charred vegetable sides that enhance the meat's flavor profile.
  • Create a Fresh Salad Companion: Toss a light arugula salad with shaved Parmesan, lemon vinaigrette, and toasted pine nuts to provide a crisp, tangy contrast to the hearty steak and herbaceous chimichurri.

Skirt Steak Storage Tips You Should Know

  • Refrigerate: Store leftover skirt steak in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days. Wrap the meat tightly in plastic wrap or aluminum foil to prevent drying out.
  • Freeze: Place cooled steak in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag, removing as much air as possible. Freeze for up to 2-3 months. Label the container with the date.
  • Reheat Oven: Preheat oven to 250°F. Wrap steak in foil to retain moisture. Heat for 10-15 minutes until warmed through. Add a splash of beef broth to keep meat juicy.
  • Microwave Quick: Place steak on a microwave-safe plate. Cover with a damp paper towel. Heat in 30-second intervals, checking to prevent overcooking.

Chimichurri Steak FAQs Answered Clearly

  • What is skirt steak and why is it special?

Skirt steak is a flavorful, long and thin cut from the beef’s diaphragm muscle. It’s known for its rich taste and tender texture when cooked properly, making it perfect for grilling and marinades.

  • Why should I slice the steak against the grain?

Cutting against the grain breaks up muscle fibers, making the meat more tender and easier to chew. This technique helps prevent the steak from being tough and chewy.

  • What makes chimichurri sauce unique?

Chimichurri is a traditional Argentine sauce with bright, herbal flavors from fresh parsley and cilantro. It adds a zesty, tangy kick that complements the rich beef and cuts through the meat’s richness.

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Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe


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4.7 from 28 reviews

  • Total Time: 18-20 minutes
  • Yield: 4 1x

Description

Sizzling Argentinian skirt steak with chimichurri sauce brings bold Mediterranean flavors to your dinner table. Herbal green sauce and perfectly grilled meat create a mouthwatering combination you won’t forget.


Ingredients

Scale

Main Ingredients:

  • 1.5 pounds (680 grams) skirt steak

Herbs:

  • 1/2 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped

Seasonings and Dressing:

  • 2 tablespoons olive oil
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 3 garlic cloves, minced
  • 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
  • Salt, to taste
  • Black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Preheat grill or cast-iron skillet to high heat (approximately 450-500°F) for optimal searing.
  2. Pat skirt steak dry with paper towels to ensure proper seasoning adherence and caramelization.
  3. Massage olive oil across entire surface of steak, creating an even coating.
  4. Generously sprinkle kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper on both sides of the meat.
  5. Place steak on hot cooking surface, allowing intense heat to create a robust crust.
  6. Cook for 2-3 minutes per side, developing a deep golden-brown exterior while maintaining medium-rare internal temperature.
  7. Transfer steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5-7 minutes, allowing juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
  8. While steak rests, combine finely chopped parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil in a mixing bowl.
  9. Whisk chimichurri ingredients until well integrated, adjusting seasoning with salt and pepper.
  10. Slice steak diagonally against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness and optimal texture.
  11. Plate sliced steak and generously spoon fresh chimichurri sauce over the top, serving immediately.

Notes

  • Let the steak come to room temperature before grilling to ensure even cooking and maximum tenderness.
  • Choose a well-marbled skirt steak for more flavor and juiciness, trimming excess fat if needed.
  • For a gluten-free option, verify all ingredients like vinegar are certified gluten-free and avoid cross-contamination.
  • Vegans can substitute the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu, using the same chimichurri sauce technique.
  • Prep Time: 10 minutes
  • Cook Time: 8-10 minutes
  • Category: Dinner, Appetizer
  • Method: Grilling
  • Cuisine: Argentinian

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 4
  • Calories: 490
  • Sugar: 0 g
  • Sodium: 150 mg
  • Fat: 40 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 30 g
  • Trans Fat: 0 g
  • Carbohydrates: 2 g
  • Fiber: 0 g
  • Protein: 34 g
  • Cholesterol: 100 mg
Truc Tran (Kris)

Truc Tran (Kris)

Senior Food Editor

Expertise

Home Cooking, Meal Planning, Recipe Development, Baking and Pastry, Food Editor, Cooking-video Maker, Vietnamese Food Evaluation Expert

Education

  • Hospitality (Commercial Cookery) at TasTAFE
  • Culinary Arts at Kendall College (Australia Branch in Sydney)
  • Vietnamese Cuisine Head Chef at HNAAu School (Vietnam, International Joint Training Program)

Truc Tran (Kris), an experienced food writer and editor, is great at exploring and describing global cuisines, from simple street food to fancy dining. In her writing, she skillfully mixes different flavors, cooking methods, and culinary traditions, showing the unique character of various cultures through their food and drinks. On azcuisines.com, Kris highlights her knowledge, especially in Asian cuisine and worldwide traditional dishes.

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