Chimichurri Steak

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Introduction

Chimichurri Steak is a flavorful and tender dish that combines the richness of grilled steak with the fresh, zesty, and herbaceous notes of chimichurri sauce. This Argentine-inspired recipe is known for its bright and tangy flavor profile, making it a perfect dish for anyone who enjoys bold, savory meals. Whether you’re grilling for a summer barbecue, preparing a hearty dinner for your family, or hosting a special occasion, Chimichurri Steak is sure to impress. This dish is quick to prepare, and with the right balance of ingredients, it creates an unforgettable dining experience.

Perfect for:

• BBQ parties
• Family dinners
• Special celebrations
• Weekend grilling
• Steak lovers

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Here’s why Chimichurri Steak will quickly become one of your favorite dishes:

• Flavor Explosion: The combination of fresh herbs, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil in the chimichurri sauce provides a tangy, garlicky punch that complements the juicy steak perfectly.
• Tender Steak: Grilled to perfection, the steak remains juicy and tender, with the chimichurri sauce bringing out its full flavor.
• Quick and Easy: This recipe is easy to follow and requires minimal preparation, so you can enjoy a gourmet-quality meal without spending hours in the kitchen.
• Customizable: You can adjust the level of heat, tang, and herbs in the chimichurri sauce to suit your personal preferences.
• Versatile: The chimichurri sauce is not only great with steak but can also be used on chicken, lamb, or even vegetables.

Preparation and Cooking Time

• Total Time: 35 minutes
• Preparation Time: 10 minutes
• Cooking Time: 25 minutes
• Servings: 4 steaks
• Calories per serving: Approximately 450-500 calories (depending on the size of the steak)
• Key Nutrients: Protein: 35g, Carbs: 5g, Fat: 35g

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this flavorful Chimichurri Steak:

For the Chimichurri Sauce:

• 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 3-4 garlic cloves, minced
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar for a milder taste)
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste for heat)
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice (optional)
• Salt and pepper to taste

For the Steak:

• 4 steaks (such as ribeye, flank, or sirloin), about 1-inch thick
• Salt and pepper, to season
• Olive oil, for grilling

Ingredient Highlights

• Fresh Parsley: The key ingredient in chimichurri, parsley gives the sauce a fresh, vibrant flavor that balances the richness of the steak.
• Garlic: Fresh garlic adds an intense aromatic kick that complements the tanginess of the vinegar and the herbs.
• Vinegar: Red wine vinegar adds acidity to cut through the fattiness of the steak and enhances the overall freshness of the sauce.
• Olive Oil: This rich oil is the base of the chimichurri sauce and helps bind the ingredients together while providing a smooth texture.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Follow these easy steps to create the perfect Chimichurri Steak:

Step 1: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce

1. Chop the Parsley and Garlic: Begin by finely chopping the parsley and mincing the garlic cloves. The finer the chop, the more evenly the flavors will blend in the sauce.
2. Mix the Sauce Ingredients: In a medium bowl, combine the parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice (if using). Stir to mix everything together.
3. Add Olive Oil: Gradually pour in the olive oil while stirring to create a smooth sauce. Adjust the oil to your preferred consistency – you want the sauce to be slightly runny but still able to coat the steak well.
4. Season with Salt and Pepper: Add salt and pepper to taste, and give the sauce a final stir. Let the sauce sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 2: Prepare and Cook the Steak

1. Season the Steaks: Pat the steaks dry with paper towels to remove any excess moisture. Season both sides generously with salt and pepper. This enhances the natural flavor of the steak.
2. Preheat the Grill or Pan: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat or a cast-iron skillet on the stove. Drizzle a small amount of olive oil on the grates or pan to prevent the steak from sticking.
3. Grill the Steak: Place the steaks on the grill or in the skillet and cook for 4-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steak and your desired level of doneness. Use a meat thermometer to ensure perfect results: 125°F for rare, 130°F for medium-rare, 140°F for medium, 150°F for medium-well, and 160°F for well done.
4. Rest the Steak: Once the steak is cooked to your liking, remove it from the grill and let it rest for about 5 minutes. This helps the juices redistribute, making the steak tender and juicy.

Step 3: Serve

1. Plate the Steak: Place each steak on a serving plate. Drizzle the chimichurri sauce generously over the top, or serve the sauce on the side for dipping.
2. Garnish: Optionally, garnish the steak with extra fresh parsley or a sprinkle of flaky sea salt to enhance the presentation and flavor.
3. Serve with Sides: Serve your Chimichurri Steak with a side of roasted vegetables, mashed potatoes, or a simple salad to complete the meal.

How to Serve Chimichurri Steak

Chimichurri Steak is versatile and can be served in a variety of ways to suit different tastes:

• With Rice or Grains: Serve your steak with a side of rice, quinoa, or couscous for a fulfilling meal.
• With Grilled Vegetables: Grilled peppers, zucchini, and eggplant are perfect companions to the smoky flavors of the steak and chimichurri sauce.
• As a Steak Salad: Slice the steak thinly and toss with greens, such as arugula or spinach, along with a drizzle of chimichurri for a lighter yet satisfying meal.
• With Fries or Wedges: Pair the steak with crispy fries or potato wedges for a more casual meal.
• As a Wrap: For a fun twist, you can slice the steak and serve it wrapped in a flatbread with some chimichurri sauce, fresh veggies, and a dollop of yogurt.

Additional Tips for Chimichurri Steak

Here are some tips to make your Chimichurri Steak even better:

• Marinate the Steak: If you have more time, marinate the steak in a bit of chimichurri sauce for 30 minutes before grilling. This will infuse the meat with extra flavor.
• Use Fresh Herbs: Fresh herbs in the chimichurri sauce will give the dish a vibrant and aromatic taste, while dried herbs can work in a pinch but won’t have the same impact.
• Grill Over High Heat: Grilling over high heat will create a perfect sear on the outside of the steak while keeping the inside juicy and tender.
• Don’t Overcook the Steak: For the best texture, avoid overcooking the steak. Medium-rare or medium steaks are often the most flavorful and tender.

Recipe Variations of Chimichurri Steak

Here are 10 variations of Chimichurri Steak that you can try:

• Lemon Herb Chimichurri: Add extra lemon zest or juice to the chimichurri sauce for a brighter, citrusy twist.
• Cilantro Chimichurri: Swap the parsley for fresh cilantro for a slightly different flavor profile that’s perfect with steak.
• Spicy Chimichurri: Increase the amount of red pepper flakes or add a fresh chopped chili to the chimichurri for more heat.
• Mint Chimichurri: Add fresh mint to the chimichurri sauce for a refreshing and unique flavor combination.
• Smoky Chimichurri: Incorporate smoked paprika into the chimichurri sauce for a smoky depth of flavor.
• Avocado Chimichurri: Blend in a ripe avocado for a creamy variation of the sauce.
• Garlic Butter Chimichurri: Add a tablespoon of melted butter to the chimichurri for a rich, buttery sauce.
• Honey Chimichurri: Sweeten the chimichurri sauce with a bit of honey for a balanced sweet-and-tangy flavor.
• Tomato Chimichurri: Add diced tomatoes or sun-dried tomatoes to the sauce for a richer, Mediterranean-inspired version.
• Kale Chimichurri: Swap the parsley for finely chopped kale for a more earthy and robust version of the sauce.

Freezing and Storage for Chimichurri Steak

• Freezing: While the cooked steak itself can be frozen for up to 3 months, chimichurri sauce is best used fresh. You can freeze chimichurri sauce separately by placing it in an airtight container or freezer bag for up to 2 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.
• Storage: Leftover cooked steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. For the best flavor, consume the steak within 1-2 days. Keep leftover chimichurri sauce in a separate container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Special Equipment for Chimichurri Steak

Here are 10 special equipment items you might need to make Chimichurri Steak:

• Grill or Cast Iron Skillet: Essential for cooking the steak with a perfect sear.
• Meat Thermometer: To ensure your steak reaches your preferred level of doneness.
• Mixing Bowl: For preparing the chimichurri sauce.
• Chopping Knife and Cutting Board: To finely chop the parsley and mince the garlic.
• Basting Brush: If you want to baste the steak with the chimichurri sauce while grilling.
• Tongs: For flipping the steak on the grill or in the pan.
• Serving Platter: To serve the steak in style.
• Grill Brush: To clean your grill grates before cooking.
• Storage Containers: For storing leftover chimichurri sauce and steak.
• Blender: If you prefer a smoother chimichurri sauce, you can blend the ingredients instead of hand-chopping them.

FAQ Section about Chimichurri Steak

1. Can I use a different type of steak for this recipe?
   Yes, you can use any steak cut that you prefer, such as ribeye, flank, sirloin, or even skirt steak. The chimichurri sauce works well with any cut.
2. Can I make this recipe without a grill?
   Yes, you can cook the steak in a cast-iron skillet or on a stovetop grill pan if you don’t have access to an outdoor grill.
3. Is chimichurri sauce spicy?
   Chimichurri sauce is mildly spicy due to the red pepper flakes, but you can adjust the spice level by using fewer flakes or adding extra heat with fresh chili peppers.
4. Can I make chimichurri sauce ahead of time?
   Yes, chimichurri sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
5. Can I use a different vinegar for chimichurri sauce?
   You can substitute red wine vinegar with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, but red wine vinegar is the traditional choice for chimichurri sauce.

Conclusion

Chimichurri Steak is a delightful and flavorful dish that combines juicy, tender steak with a bright and zesty chimichurri sauce. Whether you are hosting a barbecue, having a family dinner, or preparing a special meal for yourself, this recipe is sure to please. With its bold flavors, simplicity, and versatility, Chimichurri Steak is destined to become one of your go-to recipes for any occasion. Enjoy!