Get ready to transform your ordinary dinner into an extraordinary culinary adventure! This Skirt Steak with Cilantro Chimichurri recipe is not just a meal, it's a flavor explosion that will transport you straight to the vibrant streets of Argentina. With a perfect balance of tender, juicy steak and zesty, herbaceous sauce, this dish promises to elevate your cooking skills and impress even the most discerning food lovers.
Prep Time: 15 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 25 mins
Cuisine: Argentinian
Serves: 4 servings
Ingredients
- 1 lb skirt steak
- 1 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Remove skirt steak from refrigerator 30 minutes before cooking to allow it to reach room temperature, which ensures more even cooking.
- Pat the skirt steak dry with paper towels to remove excess moisture, which helps achieve a better sear.
- Season both sides of the steak generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper, pressing the seasoning into the meat.
- For the chimichurri sauce, combine chopped cilantro, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and red pepper flakes in a bowl. Mix well and set aside to allow flavors to meld.
- Preheat a cast-iron skillet or grill to high heat, ensuring the cooking surface is very hot before adding the steak.
- Cook the skirt steak for 3-4 minutes on each side for medium-rare, or adjust cooking time based on desired doneness.
- Remove steak from heat and let it rest on a cutting board for 5-7 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.
- Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips to ensure tenderness.
- Drizzle generously with prepared cilantro chimichurri sauce before serving.
- Garnish with additional fresh cilantro leaves if desired, and serve immediately.
Tips
- Temperature is Key: Always let your steak come to room temperature before cooking to ensure even heat distribution and a perfect sear.
- Moisture Matters: Pat the steak completely dry before seasoning to achieve a beautiful, crispy exterior that locks in the juices.
- High Heat is Your Friend: Use a cast-iron skillet or grill at high temperature to create that delicious caramelized crust.
- Rest and Relax: Allow the steak to rest after cooking for 5-7 minutes. This crucial step helps redistribute the juices, making every bite incredibly tender and flavorful.
- Slice Smart: Always cut your skirt steak against the grain to maximize tenderness and ensure a melt-in-your-mouth eating experience.
- Chimichurri Pro Tip: Prepare the sauce a bit in advance to let the flavors meld and intensify, creating a more complex and delicious condiment.
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 448kcal
Carbohydrates: 1g
Protein: 18g
Fat: 42g
Saturated Fat: 10g
Cholesterol: 50mg
