Steak dishes are some of my favorite beef recipes to prepare because they come together so easily. This one is very similar to my steak bites appetizer, but made into a full meal!
Ingredients & Substitutions
Here I explain the best ingredients for flank steak with chimichurri, what each one does in the recipe, and substitution options. For measurements, see the recipe card.
Steak:
Steak – The best steak for chimichurri is 1-inch-thick flank steak or skirt steak, since these absorb more flavors from the sauce, but you could use this sauce on any cut of beef you prefer. A grilled sirloin steak or juicy ribeye steak would make perfect alternatives. Sea Salt & Black Pepper Olive Oil – You could use avocado oil or any oil with a high smoke point that you prefer.
Chimichurri:
This chimichurri steak recipe uses half of my fresh chimichurri sauce recipe. Here’s what I put in mine:
Extra Virgin Olive Oil – I opted for extra virgin olive oil so the flavors of the sauce weren’t overpowered. If you don’t want to use multiple oils, you can use the same oil you’ll use to cook the steak. White Wine Vinegar – I used white wine vinegar, though red wine vinegar, lemon juice, or lime juice would also work. Fresh Parsley – Use fresh for best flavor. Darker and more mature leaves can be more bitter. If you like, you can substitute some or all of it with fresh cilantro. Garlic – For the best taste, I recommend using fresh minced garlic, but you could use 1 teaspoon jarred garlic for convenience. Dried Oregano – Dried oregano adds an earthy warmth to the dish. You could also use fresh herbs such as fresh oregano or basil (triple the amount). Sea Salt Crushed Red Pepper – Start with a small amount of red pepper flakes for subtle spice, and adjust to taste.
How To Make Chimichurri Steak
This section shows how to cook chimichurri steak, with step-by-step photos and details about the technique, to help you visualize it. For full instructions with amounts and temperatures, see the recipe card.
Chimichurri Steak Time Charts
The best way to know your steak is done is to use a meat thermometer (this one is my fave). The charts below show the internal temperature based on how you like your steak (I like medium and my husband does medium-rare). If you don’t have a meat thermometer, I have time guidelines for you as well. This takes the chill off and allows steak to cook more evenly. I kept this recipe simple by just topping the steak with chimichurri sauce, but you can also marinate in the same sauce if you like. Just make a double or triple batch, coat the steak in marinade, and refrigerate for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.
Stovetop:
Grill:
These temperatures are when you’d remove the steak from heat, but the internal temperature will rise an additional 5 degrees while resting.
Storage Instructions
Store: Keep leftover steak and chimichurri sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Meal prep: Make chimichurri sauce ahead of time and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The steak is best cooked fresh if possible, but leftovers can be reheated if needed. Reheat: Bake at 350 degrees F for 8-10 minutes, until heated through. Alternatively, you can warm to room temperature and reheat it in a skillet on the stove over medium heat. Freeze: You can keep this steak in the freezer for up to 3 months. When ready to enjoy, let it thaw overnight in the refrigerator before reheating. Chimichurri also freezes well, if you store it separately in an airtight bag or container with as much air removed as possible. However, since both come together so fast, I recommend making them fresh.
What To Serve With Chimichurri Steak
This flavorful and juicy chimichurri steak recipe can pair with a variety of dishes — you can try a new side every time! Here are some ideas:
Vegetables – If you make this steak on the grill, pair it with some grilled asparagus. Otherwise, roasted vegetables such as zucchini, buttery mushrooms, and caramelized eggplant all make excellent options. But, my absolute favorite veggie side is brussels sprouts with bacon. Steakhouse Sides – Serve this dish with my easy creamed spinach or a crisp wedge salad for a classic pairing. Rice – Long grain rice such as jasmine or basmati pairs well with chimichurri flank steak to balance out the intense flavors. Or, try my favorite: Cauliflower rice. Potatoes – A classic combination! Try Instant Pot baked potatoes, perfectly seasoned roasted potatoes, or even roasted sweet potatoes. Salads – Try a sweet kale salad, a grain-based quinoa salad, or a simple cucumber tomato avocado salad (perfect for summer!).
More Flavorful Steak Recipes
There are so many great ways to enjoy steak — try these dishes to enjoy a variety of flavors and keep every bite tender and juicy: Please enter your first name for your account. Your saved recipe will also be sent to your email. Grill Method: Preheat the grill to high heat (~450˚F). Lightly oil the grill grates. Once heated, place the steak on grill. Close the lid and cook for 1 minute, then open and flip the steak over. Close the grill and cook for another 1-2 minutes (the steak should have a brown sear on both sides). Reduce heat to medium. Keep the lid closed (except to flip again once) and cook for an additional 2.5-3 minutes per side for rare, 3.5-4 minutes per side for medium rare, 4.5-5 minutes per side for medium, 5.5-6 minutes per side for medium well, or 6-7 minutes per side for well done. For both methods, cook times may vary depending on the thickness of the steak, so use a meat thermometer to check: 120 degrees F (49 degrees C) for rare, 130 degrees F (54 degrees C) for medium rare, 140 degrees F (60 degrees C) for medium, 150 degrees F (66 degrees C) for medium well, or 160 degrees F (71 degrees C) for medium well.
