Are you looking to elevate your steak game? This perfect skirt steak marinade with chimichurri recipe will leave your taste buds wanting more. The combination of the tender, juicy steak paired with the bright, herbaceous chimichurri sauce is a match made in culinary heaven. Whether you’re preparing a weeknight dinner or impressing guests at a weekend barbecue, this recipe will deliver every time. Skirt steak is a flavorful cut that benefits from marination, making it melt-in-your-mouth tender when cooked right. And let’s not forget the zesty chimichurri sauce—this fresh, garlicky herb condiment adds the perfect finishing touch.
Ingredients for the Perfect Skirt Steak Marinade
To make your steak mouthwateringly tender, we’ll start with a marinade that balances savory, tangy, and slightly sweet flavors. Here’s what you’ll need:
For the Marinade:
- 2 lbs. skirt steak
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 2 tbsp balsamic vinegar
- 1 tbsp Worcestershire sauce
- 1 tsp Dijon mustard
- 1 tsp honey or brown sugar
- 1/2 tsp black pepper
- 1/2 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (optional for spice)
- Freshly chopped parsley (for garnish)
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro (optional but recommended)
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Preparing the Perfect Skirt Steak Marinade
Step 1: Marinating the Steak
To begin, place your skirt steak in a large resealable plastic bag or shallow dish. In a bowl, whisk together the olive oil, soy sauce, balsamic vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, minced garlic, Dijon mustard, honey, and spices. Make sure the mixture is well-combined, then pour it over the steak.
Tip: Make sure the steak is fully coated in the marinade for even flavor distribution. Allow the steak to marinate for at least 2-4 hours in the refrigerator, but for best results, overnight marination will infuse the steak with maximum flavor.
Step 2: Prepping the Chimichurri Sauce
While the steak marinates, you can prepare the chimichurri sauce. In a bowl, mix together the chopped parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, and red pepper flakes. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
Tip: For a smoother chimichurri, you can blend the ingredients in a food processor, but traditionally, it’s served a bit chunky for texture. Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Grilling the Skirt Steak
Once the steak has marinated, it’s time to grill. Skirt steak is a thin cut, which means it cooks quickly and develops a nice char when grilled over high heat. Here’s how to get it just right:
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to high heat (around 450°F to 500°F). If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are white-hot before placing the steak on the grill. For a gas grill, turn it up to high and let it heat up for about 10-15 minutes.
Step 4: Grill the Skirt Steak
Remove the skirt steak from the marinade and allow any excess liquid to drip off. Pat it dry with paper towels, as this will help you achieve a good sear.
Place the steak on the grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer if you prefer your steak more well-done. The key with skirt steak is to not overcook it, as it can become tough if cooked beyond medium.
Pro Tip: Use a meat thermometer to check for doneness. For medium-rare, the internal temperature should read 130°F-135°F.
Step 5: Rest the Steak
Once cooked, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing. This allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a more tender and flavorful steak.
Serving Your Skirt Steak with Chimichurri
Now that your steak is grilled to perfection, it’s time to slice and serve. Skirt steak should be sliced against the grain for the most tender bites. Cut it into thin strips and plate it alongside your freshly made chimichurri sauce.
The vibrant green chimichurri adds an eye-catching and flavorful contrast to the rich, smoky steak. You can either drizzle the chimichurri over the steak or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce.
Accompaniments:
This dish pairs well with grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes, or even a simple green salad. For a more hearty meal, serve the steak and chimichurri with a side of rice or crusty bread to soak up the extra sauce.
Tips for the Best Skirt Steak and Chimichurri
- Don’t skip the rest period: After grilling, resting the steak is crucial to maintain juiciness.
- Marinate longer for more flavor: While a couple of hours will do, leaving the steak in the marinade overnight will make it even more flavorful.
- Chop herbs by hand for texture: Chimichurri is best with a slightly rustic texture, so chopping the herbs by hand, rather than blending them, can make a big difference in the final sauce.
FAQs
What is the best way to cook skirt steak?
Grilling over high heat is the best method for skirt steak, as it develops a good char while staying juicy inside.
Can I use other cuts of steak with this marinade?
Absolutely! Flank steak, hanger steak, or even ribeye will work well with this marinade.
How long should I marinate the skirt steak?
For best results, marinate the steak for at least 2-4 hours, but overnight marination will give you even more flavor.
Can I make chimichurri sauce ahead of time?
Yes, chimichurri can be made up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge, and bring it to room temperature before serving.
What should I do if my steak is too tough?
If your steak turns out tough, it might have been overcooked or sliced incorrectly. Always cut skirt steak against the grain for maximum tenderness.
Is chimichurri spicy?
Chimichurri is not overly spicy, but it does have a slight kick from the garlic and red pepper flakes. You can adjust the amount of red pepper to your liking.
Conclusion
This perfect skirt steak marinade with chimichurri recipe is a sure-fire way to impress anyone at your dinner table. The savory, marinated steak combined with the bright flavors of fresh chimichurri creates a delightful, flavorful meal that’s perfect for any occasion. Whether you’re a seasoned grill master or a home cook looking to try something new, this recipe is easy to follow and guarantees great results every time.
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