If you are craving a meal that truly sings with vibrant flavors and melts in your mouth, this Grilled Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe is a must-try. It combines perfectly seared, juicy steak with a zesty, herb-packed chimichurri sauce that brings fresh brightness and a little kick to every bite. The beauty of this dish lies not only in its incredible taste but also in how effortlessly it comes together, making it perfect for an impressive weeknight dinner or a relaxing weekend cookout with friends and family.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering simple, fresh ingredients is key in this Grilled Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe. Each component brings something special—from the juicy, tender steak to the vibrant herbs and tangy vinegar in the sauce, ensuring every mouthful bursts with flavor.
- 2 lbs sirloin or ribeye steak (or your preferred cut): Choose a cut with good marbling for the best flavor and tenderness when grilled.
- 2 tbsp olive oil: This helps the steak sear beautifully and keeps it juicy while grilling.
- Salt and pepper, to taste: Essential for seasoning both the steak and chimichurri sauce to enhance all the natural flavors.
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped: Provides a fresh, vibrant base for the chimichurri and adds a bright green color.
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped: Adds a wonderful citrusy note that complements the parsley and steak perfectly.
- 4 garlic cloves, minced: Garlic infuses the chimichurri with a pungent, savory kick.
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes: Lends just the right amount of heat without overpowering the sauce.
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar: Brings acidity to balance the richness of the steak and oils.
- 1/2 cup olive oil: The oil helps emulsify the chimichurri and carry its flavors beautifully.
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 herb mixture is going to be the flavor powerhouse for your sauce.
Step 2: Add the Vinegar and Olive Oil
Stir in the red wine vinegar and the olive oil, making sure the herbs and garlic are well coated. This tangy and rich base binds all the elements together into that classic chimichurri consistency.
Step 3: Season and Adjust
Now, season with salt and pepper to taste. Don’t be shy with the seasoning as it really highlights the freshness and balances the acidity and heat. Set the sauce aside while you prepare the steak—this resting time lets the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 4: Prep the Grill and Steak
Preheat your grill to high heat for that perfect sear. Rub the steak with olive oil, then generously season both sides with salt and pepper to lock in those juicy flavors and develop a mouthwatering crust.
Step 5: Grill to Perfection
Grill the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust timing based on your preference. The high heat caramelizes the outside while keeping the inside tender and delicious.
Step 6: Rest and Slice
Once off the grill, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes. Resting is crucial because it allows the natural juices to redistribute, making each bite juicy and flavorful. Slice against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Step 7: Serve with Chimichurri Sauce
Generously drizzle the chimichurri sauce over the sliced steak and serve extra on the side for dipping. This fresh, aromatic sauce takes the grilled steak to the next level every time!
How to Serve Grilled Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Sprinkle some additional fresh chopped parsley or cilantro over the dish for an inviting pop of color and herbaceous aroma. A wedge of lemon on the side can add a little citrus zing that pairs wonderfully with the chimichurri.
Side Dishes
Classic sides like grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or a crisp mixed green salad complement this dish beautifully. You can also try rice or warm crusty bread to soak up the extra chimichurri sauce and juices.
Creative Ways to Present
For an eye-catching presentation, serve the sliced steak fanned out on a wooden board or platter with chimichurri drizzled across and small bowls of extra sauce for guests. Layer grilled vegetable skewers alongside for a colorful and inviting spread.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Place any leftover steak and chimichurri sauce in airtight containers and refrigerate. The steak is best enjoyed within 2-3 days, and the sauce keeps well for up to a week, allowing the flavors to deepen over time.
Freezing
While the steak can be frozen, the chimichurri sauce is best fresh. If you must freeze steak leftovers, wrap tightly in freezer-safe packaging and consume within 2 months for optimal taste and texture.
Reheating
Reheat steak gently either in a warm oven or in a skillet over low heat to avoid drying it out. Reheat sauce separately and add fresh herbs if needed to revive its brightness before serving.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! Ribeye and sirloin are popular choices, but tenderloin, flank, or skirt steak work wonderfully as well. Just adjust your grilling time based on thickness and personal doneness preferences.
Is chimichurri sauce spicy?
Chimichurri has a mild heat from the red pepper flakes balanced by fresh herbs and acidity, so it is a gentle kick rather than overwhelming spiciness. You can always adjust the amount of pepper flakes to suit your taste.
Can I make the chimichurri sauce ahead of time?
Yes! In fact, making chimichurri a few hours or even a day ahead helps the flavors to develop and intensify, making your Grilled Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe even more delicious.
What if I don’t have a grill?
No grill? No worries! You can sear the steak in a heavy skillet or cast iron pan over high heat to get a beautiful crust and then finish in the oven if needed.
How do I know when the steak is done?
Using a meat thermometer is a foolproof method: 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, and so on. Otherwise, timing and feel also help develop your confidence in grilling perfectly cooked steak.
Final Thoughts
There is something truly satisfying about a juicy grilled steak paired with the fresh vibrancy of chimichurri sauce, and I can’t recommend this Grilled Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe enough. Whether you’re making it for a relaxed dinner or a special occasion, it’s guaranteed to bring smiles and requests for seconds. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite way to enjoy steak!
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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
This Grilled Steak with Chimichurri Sauce recipe features tender, juicy sirloin or ribeye steak grilled to perfection and served with a vibrant, zesty chimichurri sauce made from fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, and red wine vinegar. Ideal for a flavorful and delicious meal that comes together quickly, this dish makes a perfect centerpiece for any gathering or weekend dinner.
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 to form the base of the sauce.
- Mix in Liquids: Stir in the red wine vinegar and olive oil until the ingredients are fully incorporated, creating a vibrant and tangy sauce.
- Season the Sauce: Add salt and pepper to taste, adjusting the seasoning according to your preference for a balanced flavor.
- Let Sauce Meld: Set the chimichurri aside to allow the flavors to meld while you prepare the steak, enhancing the depth of taste.
- Preheat the Grill: Heat your grill to high heat to ensure a perfect sear and optimal cooking temperature for the steak.
- Prepare the Steak: Rub the steak evenly with olive oil and generously season both sides with salt and pepper to enhance its natural flavors.
- Grill the Steak: Place the steak on the hot grill and cook for 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, adjusting time if desired doneness is different.
- Rest the Steak: Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes, allowing the juices to redistribute for maximum tenderness.
- Slice the Steak: Cut the steak against the grain into strips to ensure each piece is tender and easy to eat.
- Serve with Chimichurri: Drizzle the prepared chimichurri sauce generously over the sliced steak to add fresh, zesty flavor.
- Optional Serving Suggestion: Serve additional chimichurri sauce on the side for dipping to accommodate everyone’s taste preferences.
Notes
- Letting the steak rest after grilling is crucial for juicy, tender meat.
- Adjust the amount of red pepper flakes in the chimichurri sauce to control the heat level.
- Use fresh herbs for the chimichurri sauce to maximize freshness and flavor.
- The steak can be cooked to any preferred doneness; adjust grilling time accordingly.
- Chimichurri sauce can be prepared ahead of time and refrigerated for up to 2 days for convenience.
