If you are craving something vibrant, fresh, and packed with bold flavors, this Grilled Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe is here to delight your taste buds. Juicy, perfectly seared steak pairs wonderfully with the bright and herbaceous chimichurri sauce, creating a harmonious balance that’s both satisfying and refreshing. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a special weekend feast, this dish brings a touch of South American flair that’s simple to prepare yet deeply impressive.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Getting the flavor just right starts with fresh, quality ingredients. Each element of this recipe plays an essential role, from the tender steak that offers a hearty base to the chimichurri’s vibrant herbs and spices that lift and brighten every bite.
- 2 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak (or your preferred cut): Choose a well-marbled cut for the best flavor and tenderness on the grill.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: Helps to coat the steak for a beautiful sear and adds richness.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Simple seasoning enhances the natural beef flavors without overpowering.
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped: Adds a fresh, grassy note fundamental to authentic chimichurri.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped: Brings a bright, citrusy depth that complements the parsley beautifully.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Provides bold, pungent flavor critical to the sauce’s signature kick.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes: Offers just enough heat to keep things exciting without overwhelming.
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar: Balances the richness with a sharp, tangy acidity.
- 1/2 cup olive oil: Creates a silky, rich consistency for the sauce that coats each steak slice perfectly.
How to Make Grilled Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce
Start by combining the finely chopped parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. This fresh mix forms the vibrant base of your sauce. Next, stir in the red wine vinegar and olive oil, which marry all the flavors together into a luscious dressing. Season with salt and pepper, then set the sauce aside to allow those flavors to meld beautifully while you tend to the steak.
Step 2: Get the Grill Ready
Preheat your grill to high heat to ensure a quick, flavorful sear on your steak. A hot grill is key to locking in the juices and creating that irresistible charred crust.
Step 3: Season and Grill the Steak
Rub your steak with olive oil on both sides to help prevent sticking and promote even cooking. Generously season each side with salt and pepper to enhance the natural beef taste. Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for about 4 to 5 minutes per side if you like it medium-rare; feel free to adjust the time for your preferred doneness. The sizzling sound and aroma will tell you the steak is well on its way to perfection.
Step 4: Rest and Slice
Once grilled, remove the steak and let it rest for at least 5 to 10 minutes. This step is crucial as it allows the juices to redistribute back into the meat, ensuring every bite is tender and juicy. After resting, slice the steak against the grain into strips—this technique keeps the meat tender and easy to chew.
Step 5: Serve with Chimichurri Sauce
Generously drizzle the prepared chimichurri sauce over your sliced steak. This sauce adds a fresh, zesty contrast to the smoky meat that will have your guests coming back for more. Don’t forget to provide extra chimichurri on the side for dipping to keep the flavors vibrant and exciting.
How to Serve Grilled Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Fresh garnishes like additional chopped parsley or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes elevate the dish visually and flavor-wise, offering bursts of color and extra spice for those who crave it. A wedge of lemon on the side can also add a nice citrus lift when squeezed over the steak.
Side Dishes
Pair this dish with roasted vegetables, grilled corn, or a simple green salad dressed in lemon vinaigrette to keep the meal light and balanced. Creamy mashed potatoes or a warm crusty bread also make wonderful companions, perfect for soaking up every last drop of chimichurri sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the steak sliced on a large wooden board surrounded by bowls of chimichurri and vibrant sides. Or, turn it into a shareable taco or sandwich spread with fresh onion slices and avocado for a casual yet irresistible meal that guests will adore.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover steak and chimichurri are excellent the next day. Store the steak separately from the sauce in airtight containers in the refrigerator to keep the meat tender and the sauce fresh.
Freezing
The steak can be frozen if wrapped tightly, but it’s best to freeze it without the chimichurri since the sauce’s fresh herbs and vinegar can change texture when thawed. Freeze steak portions for up to 3 months.
Reheating
Reheat steak gently in a low oven or on the stovetop with a splash of water or broth to keep it moist. Add chimichurri sauce fresh after reheating to recapture its vibrancy and brightness.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this Grilled Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe?
Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye are favorites for their balance of tenderness and flavor, tri-tip, flank, or skirt steak all work wonderfully. Just adjust grilling times based on thickness and preferred doneness.
How spicy is the chimichurri sauce?
The sauce has a mild to moderate heat level thanks to the red pepper flakes. You can easily adjust the spice by adding more for extra kick or omitting it altogether if you prefer milder flavors.
Can I make the chimichurri sauce ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce actually tastes better after sitting for a few hours as the flavors meld together. You can make it up to a day in advance and keep it refrigerated until serving.
Do I need a charcoal grill, or can I use a gas grill?
Either type of grill works beautifully for this recipe. Charcoal imparts a nice smoky flavor, but a hot gas grill offers excellent control and convenience without compromising taste.
What else can I serve with this dish for a complete meal?
Think fresh salads, grilled vegetables, tangy slaws, or hearty sides like roasted potatoes. A crisp white wine or a bold red also pairs nicely with the rich steak and zesty sauce.
Final Thoughts
This Grilled Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe is a stunning way to bring fresh, vibrant flavors and perfectly cooked meat to your table with minimal fuss. It’s one of those dishes that feels special yet is easy enough to enjoy any day of the week. I really hope you give it a try and see just how effortlessly it can become a new favorite in your cooking repertoire!
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Grilled Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Argentinian
Description
A flavorful and simple Grilled Steak recipe paired with a vibrant and zesty chimichurri sauce. Perfectly seasoned sirloin or ribeye steak grilled to perfection and served with a fresh herbaceous sauce that enhances every bite.
Ingredients
For the Steak
- 2 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak (or your preferred cut)
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
For the Chimichurri Sauce
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce: In a bowl, combine the finely chopped parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes. Stir in the red wine vinegar and olive oil. Season with salt and pepper to taste, then set aside to let the flavors meld while preparing the steak.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to high heat to ensure a good sear on the steak.
- Season the Steak: Rub the steak with olive oil and generously season both sides with salt and pepper for maximum flavor.
- Grill the Steak: Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness, or adjust the time according to your preferred level.
- Rest the Steak: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a juicy steak.
- Slice the Steak: Slice the steak against the grain into strips to ensure tenderness.
- Serve with Chimichurri: Drizzle the chimichurri sauce generously over the sliced steak and offer extra sauce on the side for dipping. Enjoy your flavorful grilled steak with vibrant chimichurri!
Notes
- Resting the steak is essential to retain its juices and improve flavor.
- You can adjust the red pepper flakes in the chimichurri to control the heat level.
- Use fresh herbs for the best flavor in the chimichurri sauce.
- Allowing the chimichurri sauce to sit for at least 15 minutes improves the taste as the flavors meld.
- Grilling times may vary based on steak thickness and grill heat; use a meat thermometer if necessary (Medium-rare: 130-135°F).
