Grilled flank steak with chimichurri sauce is a dish that brings pure comfort to the table. It’s a vibrant and flavorful option that feels special yet is surprisingly easy to make. This recipe not only showcases the beautiful cut of flank steak but also elevates it with a fresh and zesty sauce, making it perfect for family gatherings or intimate dinners. When the grilling season arrives, there’s nothing quite like the smoky aroma of steak sizzling away that signals warmth and togetherness.
The key components of this recipe are straightforward, focusing on high-quality ingredients like 1.5 pounds of flank steak and fresh herbs. The chimichurri sauce, made from 1 cup of parsley, 1/4 cup of oregano, 3 cloves of garlic, 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar, and 1/2 cup of olive oil, combines to create a bright and bold flavor profile. Adding a touch of red pepper flakes enhances the taste with a little heat, perfectly balancing the richness of the grilled meat. This dish offers a wonderful harmony of fresh, herbaceous notes against the juicy, tender steak.
The method to prepare this dish is simple and easy to follow. First, you season the flank steak generously with salt and pepper and let it rest at room temperature for about 20 minutes to enhance its juiciness. While the steak rests, you can whip up the chimichurri sauce in just a few minutes by pulsing the herbs, garlic, vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a food processor. After that, you grill the steak for approximately 5-6 minutes per side for a nice medium finish. Once the steak has rested, slicing it against the grain ensures each bite is tender. Drizzle the chimichurri sauce generously over the sliced steak, and you are ready to serve.
This recipe is perfect for outdoor get-togethers or those lovely summer evenings when you want to impress your guests without spending all day in the kitchen. It’s a great dish for celebrating special occasions or just treating the family to something a little more exciting than the usual weeknight fare.
Why You’ll Love This Grilled Flank Steak Chimichurri Sauce
- Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in less than an hour, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend gathering.
- Simple Ingredients: With just a few fresh herbs and basic pantry staples, you can create a restaurant-quality dish without the fuss.
- Tasty Comfort Food: The combination of grilled steak and zesty chimichurri sauce offers a satisfying and hearty meal everyone will enjoy.
- Customizable: Feel free to adjust the level of spice or the proportions of herbs in your chimichurri to suit your taste preferences.
- Great for Leftovers: The chimichurri sauce tastes even better the next day, making leftovers a treat.
Flank Steak Tips
When selecting flank steak, look for a cut that is bright red with a minimal amount of surface fat. The meat should look fresh and moist. This cut is known for its rich flavor and tenderness, particularly when cooked correctly. To prepare flank steak, it’s essential to cut against the grain when slicing. This means looking at the meat fibers and cutting perpendicular to them. Doing so will result in tender slices that are easy to chew. Furthermore, make sure to let the steak rest after grilling to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the meat.
Options for Substitutions
- Steak Alternatives: If you prefer, try using skirt steak or sirloin as a substitute for flank steak.
- Herb Variations: Switch up the chimichurri by using cilantro or basil instead of parsley and oregano.
- Vinegar Options: You can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar in place of red wine vinegar for a different flavor.
- Oil Choices: Replace olive oil with avocado oil for a milder taste and higher smoke point.
- Adjust Spice Level: Omit the red pepper flakes or substitute them with fresh chili for a milder version.
- Garlic Alternatives: If you love garlic but want a sweeter flavor, consider roasting the garlic before adding it to the sauce.
Watch Out for These Mistakes
One common pitfall when grilling flank steak is overcooking it. Flank steak is best enjoyed medium-rare to medium, so keep a close eye on the time! Another mistake is not allowing the steak to rest after cooking. Skipping this step often results in dry meat because the juices do not have time to settle. When you do slice the steak, remember to cut against the grain to enhance tenderness. Lastly, be careful with the seasoning; too much salt before cooking can dry out the meat, while not enough can leave it bland.
What to Serve With Grilled Flank Steak Chimichurri Sauce?
This grilled flank steak goes wonderfully with a variety of side dishes. Consider pairing it with a fresh garden salad topped with a light vinaigrette, buttery grilled vegetables, or classic roasted potatoes. You could also serve fluffy rice or quinoa to soak up the delicious chimichurri sauce. Each of these sides complements the steak’s rich flavor beautifully, rounding out a satisfying meal for any occasion.
Storage Instructions
Store: Leftover grilled flank steak can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Freeze: If you want to keep it longer, wrap the steak tightly in plastic wrap and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
Reheat: To reheat, place the steak in a skillet over medium heat until warmed through, or use the microwave at low power in short intervals, checking frequently to avoid overcooking.
Recipe Info
Preparation Time: 20 minutes
Cooking Time: 15 minutes
Total Time: 35 minutes
Level of Difficulty: Easy
Servings: 4-6
Estimated Nutrition
Estimated nutrition for the whole recipe (without optional ingredients):
- Calories: 1300-1500
- Protein: 90-110g
- Fat: 80-90g
- Carbohydrates: 10-15g
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb flank steak
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh oregano
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- salt
- pepper
Step-by-Step Instructions
Step 1: Season the Flank Steak
Begin by seasoning the flank steak liberally with salt and pepper. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before grilling. This resting period helps the steak cook more evenly.
Step 2: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce
While the steak is resting, place fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a food processor. Pulse until finely chopped. As you pulse, slowly drizzle in the olive oil until the mixture is well combined. Season the chimichurri with salt to taste.
Step 3: Preheat the Grill
Preheat your grill to high heat, ensuring it is nice and hot before you place the steak on it. This helps create a beautiful sear for your meat.
Step 4: Grill the Steak
Once the grill is ready, place the flank steak on it. Grill for about 5-6 minutes on each side, depending on your desired doneness. For medium, aim for an internal temperature of about 130-135°F.
Step 5: Let It Rest and Slice
Once cooked, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5 minutes. After resting, slice it against the grain into thin strips for a tender bite.
Step 6: Serve with Chimichurri
Spoon the chimichurri sauce generously over the sliced steak. Serve immediately while it is still warm and enjoy!
In conclusion, this grilled flank steak with chimichurri sauce is a simple yet stunning dish that brings bold flavors and a delightful experience to any dining occasion. Give this recipe a try, and don’t hesitate to share your thoughts or explore similar delicious posts on my blog!
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Grilled Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 35 minutes
- Yield: 4-6 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Argentinian
- Diet: Paleo
Description
A vibrant and flavorful grilled flank steak served with a fresh chimichurri sauce, perfect for family gatherings.
Ingredients
- 1.5 lb flank steak
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1/4 cup fresh oregano
- 3 cloves garlic
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup olive oil
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt
- Pepper
Instructions
- Season the flank steak liberally with salt and pepper. Allow it to sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes.
- Prepare the chimichurri sauce by pulsing parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes in a food processor. Slowly drizzle in the olive oil until well combined.
- Preheat your grill to high heat.
- Grill the flank steak for about 5-6 minutes on each side for medium doneness.
- Let the steak rest for 5 minutes after grilling.
- Slice against the grain into thin strips and spoon chimichurri sauce over it before serving.
Notes
Allow the steak to rest after grilling for juiciness. Adjust the chimichurri to your taste preferences.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 serving
- Calories: 350
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 25g
- Saturated Fat: 4g
- Unsaturated Fat: 20g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 3g
- Fiber: 1g
- Protein: 30g
- Cholesterol: 80mg
