Have you ever tasted a dish that transports you straight to a sun-drenched barbecue? The aroma of sizzling meat paired with the vibrant notes of fresh herbs can ignite any gathering. This skirt steak marinade with chimichurri promises to be that unforgettable meal you crave. Imagine juicy skirt steak marinated to perfection and then topped with a zesty chimichurri sauce that dances on your taste buds.
This dish is perfect for summer grills or cozy family dinners alike. As you prepare it, the anticipation builds; the flavors meld together beautifully, offering not just a meal but an experience. Gather around the table and enjoy this delightful combination that easily becomes the highlight of any occasion.
Why You’ll Love This Skirt Steak Marinade with Chimichurri
Incredible Flavor Fusion: The marriage of robust skirt steak and vibrant chimichurri creates a flavor explosion thatβs hard to resist. The marinade enhances the natural beefiness while adding zesty notes from garlic and herbs. Each bite offers a perfectly balanced profile that excites the palate.
Quick and Easy Preparation: This recipe takes minimal time to prepare, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or spontaneous gatherings. With simple ingredients and straightforward steps, even novice cooks can create a mouthwatering dish that impresses everyone at the table.
Versatile Serving Options: You can serve this delicious skirt steak in various ways. Enjoy it sliced in tacos or over rice, or simply pair it with grilled vegetables for a hearty meal. The possibilities are endless!
Perfect for Any Occasion: Whether hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this dish fits perfectly into any meal plan. Its bold flavors make it an excellent choice for special occasions or casual dining alike.
Ingredients for Skirt Steak Marinade with Chimichurri
Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious dish:
- Skirt Steak: Look for well-marbled skirt steak to ensure tenderness and flavor; about 1-2 pounds is recommended.
- Olive Oil: Use high-quality extra virgin olive oil as it enhances the marinade’s richness.
- Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley adds brightness; use flat-leaf parsley for the best flavor.
- Garlic Cloves: Fresh garlic provides robust flavor; aim for about three cloves.
- Red Wine Vinegar: This ingredient adds acidity; opt for good quality red wine vinegar.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Add these flakes to introduce heat; adjust according to your spice preference.
The full ingredients list, including measurements, is provided in the recipe card directly below.
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How to Make Skirt Steak Marinade with Chimichurri
Follow these simple steps to prepare this delicious dish:
Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, combine olive oil, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, chopped parsley, and red pepper flakes. Whisk until well blended and set aside.
Marinate the Skirt Steak: Place your skirt steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. Pour half of the chimichurri marinade over it and close the bag tightly or cover the dish. Let it marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour or overnight for better flavor absorption.
Preheat Your Grill: Heat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400Β°F or 200Β°C). Ensure it’s properly heated before placing the meat on it so you get those beautiful grill marks.
Grill the Steak: Remove the skirt steak from the marinade and let excess drip off. Grill each side for about 4-6 minutes depending on thickness; aim for medium-rare doneness (135Β°F or 57Β°C).
Rest Before Slicing: Once grilled to your liking, transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for five minutes. This allows juices to redistribute within the meat.
Serve with Chimichurri Sauce: Slice against the grain into thin strips and drizzle remaining chimichurri sauce over each serving. Enjoy this flavorful delight!
Tips and Tricks
Here are some helpful tips to ensure the best results for your dish:
Selecting Quality Ingredients: Always choose high-quality ingredients as they significantly enhance flavor in any recipe. Fresh herbs like parsley can elevate your chimichurri’s brightness.
Marinate Longer If Possible: For maximum flavor infusion, let your skirt steak marinate overnight if time allows. This extra time will deepen flavors remarkably.
Avoid Overcooking: Skirt steak cooks quickly due to its thinness; use a meat thermometer if necessary to check doneness accurately without losing juiciness.
Slicing Technique Matters: Always slice against the grain when serving your skirt steak; this helps ensure each bite is tender rather than chewy.
Mistakes to avoid
When preparing skirt steak marinade with chimichurri, one common mistake is using a marinade thatβs too acidic. While acidity helps tenderize the meat, too much can break down the proteins excessively, resulting in a mushy texture. Aim for a balanced marinade that includes vinegar or citrus but also incorporates oil and herbs. This will enhance flavor without compromising the texture of your skirt steak.
Another frequent error is marinating for too long. While skirt steak benefits from marinating, leaving it in the mixture for more than 24 hours can lead to over-flavoring and an unappealing texture. A good time frame is anywhere from 30 minutes to 12 hours, depending on how intense you want the flavors to be. Keeping it within this range ensures that the meat absorbs just enough flavor while remaining juicy.
Failing to let the skirt steak rest after cooking is another mistake that can ruin your meal. Resting allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more flavorful and tender bite. Allow your cooked skirt steak to rest for at least five minutes before slicing. This simple step can significantly elevate your dish and enhance the overall dining experience.
Lastly, not slicing against the grain can seriously impact the tenderness of your skirt steak. Always identify the direction of the grain in your meat and slice perpendicular to it. This ensures each bite is easier to chew and maximizes flavor absorption from your chimichurri sauce. Taking this extra moment will make a noticeable difference in texture and enjoyment.
Serving Suggestions
This Skirt Steak Marinade with Chimichurri is versatile and pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables. The smoky flavors of the grilled veggies complement the rich taste of the skirt steak, enhancing your overall dining experience. Consider using bell peppers, zucchini, and asparagus for a colorful and nutritious side dish that balances the meal.
Another fantastic option is to serve this dish alongside a fresh arugula salad. Toss arugula leaves with cherry tomatoes, red onion, and a light vinaigrette to add brightness and acidity. The peppery notes of arugula will contrast beautifully with the savory skirt steak marinade, creating a well-rounded plate that is both satisfying and refreshing.
For a heartier choice, consider pairing it with garlic mashed potatoes. The creamy texture of the potatoes will soak up the flavorful chimichurri sauce, making every bite delightful. This classic combination ensures a fulfilling meal that will leave your guests asking for seconds.
Lastly, you can serve the skirt steak in tacos for a fun twist. Use soft tortillas and load them with sliced skirt steak, chimichurri sauce, diced onions, and cilantro. This casual yet delicious option makes for an excellent gathering dish or a weeknight family meal that’s sure to impress.
FAQs
What is Skirt Steak Marinade with Chimichurri?
Skirt Steak Marinade with Chimichurri is a flavorful preparation that involves marinating skirt steak in a mix of herbs, spices, and oil before grilling or searing it. The chimichurri sauce typically includes fresh parsley, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil, providing a bright and zesty flavor that complements the rich meat perfectly.
How long should I marinate skirt steak?
For optimal flavor absorption, marinate your skirt steak for at least 30 minutes. However, allowing it to marinate for up to 24 hours enhances the taste even further. Just ensure you refrigerate it during this time to keep the meat safe from bacteria.
Can I use other types of steak for this marinade?
Yes! While skirt steak works wonderfully in this recipe due to its tenderness and flavor profile, you can also use flank steak or sirloin as alternatives. Just adjust cooking times accordingly based on the cut you choose.
What should I serve with Skirt Steak Marinade with Chimichurri?
You can enjoy Skirt Steak Marinade with Chimichurri alongside various sides such as grilled vegetables, arugula salad, garlic mashed potatoes, or even in tacos. These options enhance the meal’s flavor while adding nutritional value and color to your plate.
Conclusion
In summary, Skirt Steak Marinade with Chimichurri offers a vibrant way to enjoy juicy grilled meat infused with fresh herb flavors. This versatile recipe pairs beautifully with many sides like grilled vegetables or creamy mashed potatoes. Itβs perfect for gatherings or intimate dinners alike. Remember to marinate your steak properly for maximum flavor impactβideally letting it sit overnight if time allows. Whether served on its own or tucked into tacos topped with fresh ingredients, this dish promises satisfaction at every bite. Enjoy your culinary creation!
Skirt Steak Marinade with Chimichurri
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: Serves approximately 4 people 1x
Description
Skirt Steak Marinade with Chimichurri is a vibrant and flavorful dish that brings the essence of summer grilling right to your table. This recipe features tender skirt steak marinated in a robust blend of olive oil, fresh garlic, and red wine vinegar, then grilled to perfection. Topped with a zesty chimichurri sauce made from fresh parsley, cilantro, and a hint of lemon, this dish is not only delicious but also incredibly versatile.
Ingredients
- 1 pound skirt steak
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- Salt and pepper to taste
- For the chimichurri:
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Juice of one lemon
Instructions
- In a bowl, whisk together olive oil, red wine vinegar, minced garlic, oregano, salt, and pepper.
- Place the skirt steak in a resealable plastic bag or shallow dish; pour the marinade over it. Seal or cover tightly and let marinate for at least 30 minutes (up to 24 hours).
- Prepare chimichurri by mixing parsley, cilantro, red pepper flakes, and lemon juice; gradually add olive oil until well combined.
- Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400Β°F). Remove excess marinade from the steak before grilling.
- Grill the skirt steak for about 3β5 minutes per side for medium-rare doneness. Let rest for five minutes before slicing against the grain.
- Serve with chimichurri drizzled over the top.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Argentinian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 slice (85g)
- Calories: 290
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 320mg
- Fat: 22g
- Saturated Fat: 5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 15g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 23g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
Keywords: For enhanced flavor, consider marinating overnight. Skirt steak can be substituted with flank or sirloin if desired. Adjust red pepper flakes in chimichurri based on your spice preference.
