Chimichurri steak is the perfect combination of bold grilled beef and fresh, vibrant herb sauce. Juicy steak paired with garlicky chimichurri creates a flavor-packed dish that feels both rustic and elegant at the same time. The rich, smoky char from the steak balances beautifully with the bright parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil sauce. Every bite is tender, fresh, and incredibly satisfying, making this recipe ideal for summer grilling, family dinners, or special occasions.
Table of Contents
Table of Contents
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Fresh and Bold Flavor
The chimichurri sauce adds bright, zesty flavor that perfectly complements grilled steak.
Quick and Easy
This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
Juicy and Tender Steak
Cooking the steak over high heat creates a delicious crust while keeping the inside juicy.
Versatile Chimichurri Sauce
The sauce also pairs wonderfully with chicken, seafood, and vegetables.
Chimichurri Steak That Is Juicy, Garlicky & Packed With Flavor
Equipment
- 1 Food Processor For blending chimichurri
- 1 Mixing bowl For sauce mixing
- 1 Grill or skillet For cooking steak
- 1 Tongs For flipping steak
- 1 Knife For slicing steak
Ingredients
Chimichurri Sauce
- 1 cup Parsley leaves
- 1 tablespoon Oregano leaves
- 4 Garlic cloves Minced
- 2 teaspoon Red pepper flakes Optional
- 0.25 cup Red wine vinegar
- 0.5 teaspoon Salt
- Black pepper To taste
- 0.5 cup Extra virgin olive oil
Steak
- 1.4 pound Flat iron, flank, or skirt steak Room temperature
- Salt and black pepper For seasoning
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Chimichurri Base
- Add parsley, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, vinegar, salt, and pepper to a food processor.
Step 2: Blend the Sauce
- Pulse until finely chopped but not pureed.
Step 3: Add the Olive Oil
- Transfer mixture to a bowl and stir in olive oil.
Step 4: Let the Sauce Rest
- Allow the chimichurri sauce to sit for at least 1 hour before serving.
Step 5: Bring Steak to Room Temperature
- Remove steak from the refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking.
Step 6: Heat the Grill or Skillet
- Heat grill or skillet over high heat until very hot.
Step 7: Season the Steak
- Season both sides of the steak generously with salt and pepper.
Step 8: Cook the Steak
- Cook steak about 2 minutes per side for medium-rare.
Step 9: Rest the Steak
- Cover loosely with foil and let rest for 5–10 minutes.
Step 10: Slice and Serve
- Slice thinly against the grain and serve with chimichurri sauce.
Ingredients of the Chimichurri Steak
Main Ingredients
- 700g / 1.4 lb flat iron, flank, or skirt steak
- Salt and black pepper
Sauce / Dressing
- 1 cup parsley leaves
- 1 tbsp oregano leaves
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 0–2 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp salt
- Black pepper
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
Add-ins
- Extra parsley for garnish (optional)
Equipment / Tools Needed for Chimichurri Steak
- Food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Grill or heavy skillet
- Tongs
- Knife
- Cutting board
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Aluminum foil
Step-by-Step Instructions for Chimichurri Steak
1. Prepare the Chimichurri Base
Place parsley, oregano, garlic, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, salt, and black pepper into a food processor.
2. Blend the Sauce
Pulse until the parsley is finely chopped but not completely pureed.
3. Add the Olive Oil
Transfer the mixture to a bowl and gently stir in the olive oil until combined.
4. Let the Sauce Rest
Allow the chimichurri sauce to sit for at least 1 hour for the flavors to develop.
5. Bring Steak to Room Temperature
Remove the steak from the refrigerator about 30 minutes before cooking.
6. Heat the Grill or Skillet
Heat a grill or heavy skillet over high heat until very hot.
7. Season the Steak
Generously season both sides of the steak with salt and black pepper.
8. Cook the Steak
Cook the steak for about 2 minutes per side for medium-rare or slightly longer for medium doneness.
9. Rest the Steak
Transfer the steak to a plate, loosely cover with foil, and let it rest for 5–10 minutes.
10. Slice and Serve
Slice the steak thinly against the grain and serve with chimichurri sauce spooned over the top or on the side.
Cooking Tips & Tricks
Slice Against the Grain
Cutting against the grain keeps the steak tender and easy to chew.
Don’t Overblend the Sauce
The chimichurri should have texture, not a smooth puree.
Use Fresh Herbs
Fresh parsley and oregano provide the best bright flavor.
Let the Steak Rest
Resting helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat.
Serving Suggestions
Serve with Roasted Potatoes
Crispy potatoes pair perfectly with the fresh herb sauce.
Add Grilled Vegetables
Grilled peppers, zucchini, or asparagus make excellent sides.
Pair with Rice or Salad
A simple rice dish or fresh salad balances the richness of the steak.
Variations / Substitutions
Use Different Steak Cuts
Ribeye, sirloin, or strip steak also work beautifully.
Make It Spicier
Add extra red pepper flakes for more heat.
Try Different Herbs
Cilantro can be mixed with parsley for a different flavor profile.
Nutritional Info
- Calories: 491 kcal
- Protein: 38 g
- Fat: 35 g
- Carbohydrates: 2 g
Conclusion
Chimichurri steak is a bold and flavorful dish that combines juicy grilled steak with fresh, garlicky herb sauce for an unforgettable meal. The bright chimichurri perfectly balances the smoky richness of the steak, creating a recipe that feels both simple and incredibly impressive. Whether for a weeknight dinner or summer cookout, this steak recipe is guaranteed to become a favorite.
FAQ
What is chimichurri sauce made of?
Chimichurri is made with parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, oregano, and seasonings.
What steak is best for chimichurri steak?
Flank, skirt, and flat iron steak are excellent choices because of their rich beefy flavor.
Can I make chimichurri ahead of time?
Yes, the sauce tastes even better after resting for several hours.
How long does chimichurri sauce last?
Store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.