Picture this: a juicy, perfectly grilled steak sizzling on the barbecue, its smoky aroma dancing through the air. Now imagine that same steak drizzled with a vibrant chimichurri sauce, bursting with fresh herbs and tangy garlic, promising an explosion of flavors that will make your taste buds sing.
Every bite of chimichurri steak is a celebration, evoking memories of summer cookouts and laughter-filled gatherings with friends. Whether you’re hosting a backyard barbecue or craving a special dinner, this dish transforms any occasion into a feast, leaving everyone eagerly anticipating the next mouthwatering slice.
Why Is chimichurri steak So Irresistibly Good?
Succulent ribeye steaks are perfectly grilled to juicy perfection, ensuring every bite is packed with flavor. Vibrant chimichurri sauce, made from fresh parsley and cilantro, elevates the dish with its zesty notes. Quick to prepare in just 30 minutes, it’s ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend gatherings. Versatile enough to pair with various sides, this dish will impress guests and family alike. Crowd-pleasing and full of bold flavors, it’s a recipe you’ll want to make again and again!
chimichurri steak Ingredients
- 4 pieces Ribeye steaks (About 1 inch thick) – Choose well-marbled ribeye for maximum flavor and tenderness; perfect for grilling to juicy perfection.
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1 cup Fresh parsley (Chopped) – Use bright, vibrant parsley to give your chimichurri a fresh and zesty kick.
- 1/2 cup Fresh cilantro (Chopped) – Cilantro adds an aromatic depth that complements the other herbs beautifully.
- 4 cloves Garlic (Minced) – Freshly minced garlic provides a robust flavor that enhances the overall taste of the sauce.
- 1/4 cup Red wine vinegar – This adds a tangy acidity that balances the richness of the steak perfectly.
- 1/2 cup Olive oil – Extra virgin olive oil enriches the sauce and helps meld all the flavors together.
- 1 teaspoon Red pepper flakes (Adjust to taste) – A pinch of heat from red pepper flakes can elevate your chimichurri steak experience; adjust based on your preference.
- 1 teaspoon Salt (Adjust to taste) – Salt is essential for enhancing all the flavors in your chimichurri sauce; taste as you go!
- 1/2 teaspoon Black pepper (Freshly ground) – Freshly ground black pepper gives a subtle spice that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
How to Make chimichurri steak
1. Combine In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup of chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro, and 4 cloves of minced garlic. Add 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar and 1/2 cup of olive oil for a deliciously bright flavor.
2. Season Preheat the grill to medium-high heat, aiming for around 400°F. While it’s heating up, generously season 4 pieces of ribeye steaks (about 1 inch thick) with salt and freshly ground black pepper on both sides.
3. Grill Place the seasoned ribeye steaks on the hot grill. Grill for about 4-5 minutes on each side for a perfect medium-rare finish, or until your desired doneness is reached.
4. Rest & Serve Once grilled to perfection, remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest for about 5 minutes. Top each steak with the vibrant chimichurri sauce before serving to elevate your meal.
Optional: For an extra burst of flavor, drizzle with additional olive oil just before serving.
Exact quantities are listed in the recipe card below.
Expert Tips
- Choose Quality Steak: Opt for well-marbled ribeye steaks for juicy, tender bites. Look for steaks with a rich color and good fat distribution.
- Season Generously: Don’t skimp on salt and pepper! Proper seasoning enhances the steak’s natural flavors and complements the chimichurri sauce beautifully.
- Monitor Grill Temperature: Maintain medium-high heat to achieve a perfect sear. Too low will lead to uneven cooking, while too high may char the outside before cooking through.
- Rest Your Steak: Allow grilled steaks to rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This step locks in juices and keeps your chimichurri steak moist.
- Adjust Chimichurri Spice: Taste the chimichurri sauce before serving; feel free to adjust red pepper flakes based on your heat preference for a personalized kick.
How to Store and Freeze chimichurri steak
- Fridge: Store leftover chimichurri steak in an airtight container for up to 3 days to maintain flavor and freshness.
- Freezer: Wrap individual ribeye steaks tightly in plastic wrap, then foil, for freezing up to 3 months. Thaw in the fridge overnight before reheating.
- Chimichurri Sauce: Keep the chimichurri sauce in a sealed jar in the fridge for up to a week, or freeze it in ice cube trays for long-term storage.
- Reheating: Gently reheat the steak on a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, about 5-7 minutes per side, and drizzle with fresh chimichurri before serving.
chimichurri steak Variations
Feel free to sprinkle your creativity on this dish and make it truly yours!
- Herb Boost: Add fresh mint or oregano for an aromatic twist. This addition brings a refreshing layer to the chimichurri that beautifully complements the richness of the steak.
- Heat Level: Swap in jalapeño or serrano peppers for a spicy kick. Adjust according to your heat preference, and feel the warmth dance across your taste buds while savoring each bite.
- Citrus Zest: Incorporate lemon or lime juice into the chimichurri. The citrus adds a bright note that cuts through the meat’s richness, elevating every mouthful with zesty goodness.
- Smoky Flavor: Use smoked paprika instead of red pepper flakes. This substitution infuses a delightful smokiness into your chimichurri, giving it depth and character you won’t soon forget.
- Garlic Lovers: Increase the garlic to six cloves for an intense flavor punch. The added garlic will enhance the overall aroma and give you more of that irresistible taste in every bite.
- Vinegar Variation: Try apple cider vinegar for a milder tang. This change softens the acidity and offers a slightly sweet flavor, perfect if you prefer a gentler profile in your sauce.
- Oil Options: Substitute half of the olive oil with avocado oil for a buttery texture. This option not only enriches the sauce but also boosts its health benefits without compromising flavor.
- Chimichurri Twist: Blend in some roasted red peppers for sweetness. This unexpected addition transforms your chimichurri into a vibrant sauce bursting with color and flavor, perfect for impressing guests.
Make Ahead Options
Preparing chimichurri steak is not only a delight for the taste buds but also an excellent choice for meal prep! You can make the vibrant chimichurri sauce ahead of time by combining 1 cup of chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup of chopped fresh cilantro, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar, and 1/2 cup of olive oil in a mixing bowl. Whisk it all together and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. You can also season your ribeye steaks with salt and black pepper and keep them marinated in the fridge for up to 24 hours before grilling. When you’re ready to serve, simply grill the steaks for about 4-5 minutes on each side for that perfect medium-rare doneness. Let them rest for 5 minutes, then generously top with your prepped chimichurri sauce. This way, you save time while still enjoying a flavor-packed meal!
chimichurri steak Recipe FAQs
What type of steak is best for chimichurri steak?
Ribeye steaks are a fantastic choice for chimichurri steak due to their rich marbling and flavor. About 1 inch thick, they provide the perfect balance of tenderness and juiciness when grilled. If you’re looking for alternatives, consider sirloin or flank steak, but adjust grilling times accordingly.
How should I store leftover chimichurri sauce?
You can store any leftover chimichurri sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will actually deepen as it sits! Just give it a good stir before using it again, as the oil may separate.
Can I freeze chimichurri sauce?
Absolutely! Chimichurri sauce freezes wonderfully. Pour it into ice cube trays and freeze until solid, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. This way, you can thaw just what you need for your next grilling adventure!
What if my steak is overcooked?
If your ribeye steaks end up overcooked, don’t fret! You can slice them thinly against the grain and serve them with extra chimichurri sauce on top. The vibrant flavors of the sauce will help keep the dish delicious and vibrant despite the cooking mishap.
How many calories are in each serving of chimichurri steak?
Each serving of this delicious chimichurri steak contains approximately 450 calories. It’s a satisfying meal that balances protein and flavor without being overly heavy—perfect for a family dinner!
What is a good serving size for chimichurri steak?
This recipe yields four servings, making it ideal for family meals or gatherings. Plan on one ribeye steak per person, paired with a generous drizzle of chimichurri sauce for an unforgettable dining experience!
Chimichurri Steak
Ingredients
Method
- In a mixing bowl, combine chopped parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper. Whisk until well combined.
- Preheat the grill to medium-high heat. Season the ribeye steaks with salt and black pepper on both sides.
- Grill the steaks for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness is reached.
- Remove the steaks from the grill and let them rest for 5 minutes. Top with chimichurri sauce before serving.
