Skirt Steak Marinade Chimichurri Recipe

Skirt steak marinade recipe with chimichurri is your gateway to an unforgettable meal. There’s something undeniably satisfying about a perfectly grilled skirt steak – its rich, beefy flavor, its satisfying chew, and its ability to soak up marinades like a dream. But what elevates this already fantastic cut to legendary status? It’s the vibrant, herbaceous chimichurri, a South American classic that cuts through the richness with a zesty, garlicky punch. This isn’t just about a simple marinade; it’s about creating a flavor explosion that will have you licking your fingers. We love this dish because it’s relatively quick to prepare, incredibly flavorful, and boasts that sought-after restaurant-quality taste right in our own backyard. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share this incredible skirt steak marinade recipe with chimichurri.

Skirt Steak Marinade Recipe with Chimichurri Recipe

There’s something incredibly satisfying about a perfectly grilled skirt steak. Its rich, beefy flavor and satisfying chew make it a carnivore’s dream. But to truly elevate this humble cut of meat, a vibrant marinade and a zesty, herbaceous chimichurri sauce are absolute game-changers. This recipe will guide you through creating a deeply flavorful marinade that tenderizes the steak and a fresh, punchy chimichurri that cuts through the richness beautifully. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share this meal!

Ingredients:

The Flavor-Packed Skirt Steak Marinade

This marinade is designed to infuse every inch of your skirt steak with layers of savory, tangy, and aromatic goodness. The combination of citrus juices and vinegar works wonders to tenderize the meat, while the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce provide that essential umami depth. Don’t skip the fresh garlic – it adds a pungent kick that truly brings the marinade to life.

Marinade Preparation:

1. In a medium bowl or a large resealable plastic bag, combine the 2/3 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/3 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce, 3 tablespoons apple cider or red grape juice vinegar, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Whisk or shake the bag until all the ingredients are well incorporated. This mixture forms the foundation of our flavorful marinade.

2. Add your skirt steak to the marinade. Ensure that the steak is fully submerged in the liquid. If you’re using a resealable bag, press out as much air as possible before sealing to ensure optimal contact. If you’re using a bowl, you might need to flip the steak halfway through the marinating time to ensure even coating.

3. Marinate the skirt steak for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or for up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. For skirt steak, longer marinating times are generally better, but be mindful that extended marination with citrus can sometimes begin extract to “cook” the meat, resulting in a mushy texture. Two to four hours in the fridge is typically the sweet spot for optimal flavor and tenderness without compromising the steak’s texture. Remember to season the steak with salt and pepper just before grilling, as salt can draw out moisture if added too early in the marinating process.

The Vibrant and Fresh Chimichurri Sauce

While the steak is marinating, let’s get started on the star of the show’s accompaniment – the chimichurri. This Argentinian sauce is a revelation of fresh herbs, garlic, and a zesty tang that perfectly complements grilled meats. It’s incredibly easy to make and adds a burst of brightness to any dish.

Chimichurri Preparation:

1. Finely chop the 1 cup of fresh parsley and 1 cup of fresh cilantro. The key to a great chimichurri is finely chopped herbs. You want them to release their oils and flavors without being overwhelmingly chunky. A sharp knife is your best friend here.

2. In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped parsley and cilantro. Add the 1/2 medium onion (diced very finely – think small, even pieces), and 3 minced garlic cloves. The finely diced onion adds a subtle bite and texture, while the garlic provides that essential punch.

3. Pour in 1/4 to 1/3 cup of olive oil. Start with 1/4 cup and add more to reach your desired consistency. You want the sauce to be vibrant and glistening, not oily or dry. Then, stir in 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. The lime juice is crucial for its bright, acidic kick, which cuts through the richness of the steak and the olive oil.

4. Season the chimichurri generously with salt and pepper to taste. Stir everything together until well combined. For the best flavor, allow the chimichurri to sit at room temperature for at least 15-30 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen. You can make this sauce a few hours in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. If you store it in the fridge, allow it to come to room temperature for about 15 minutes before serving for optimal flavor and texture.

Grilling the Skirt Steak

Once your steak has marinated and your chimichurri is ready, it’s time to grill! Skirt steak cooks quickly, so keep a close eye on it.

1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat. Ensure the grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.

2. Remove the skirt steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the used marinade. Season the steak generously with salt and freshly ground black pepper just before placing it on the hot grill.

3. Grill the skirt steak for approximately 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, depending on the thickness of the steak and the heat of your grill. Skirt steak is best served medium-rare to medium, as overcooking can make it tough. You’re looking for a beautiful char on the outside and a tender, juicy interior.

4. Once grilled to your desired doneness, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5-10 minutes. This resting period is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring a more tender and flavorful steak.

5. Slice the skirt steak against the grain. This is an extremely important step for skirt steak to achieve its signature tenderness. Look for the direction of the muscle fibers and slice perpendicular to them. This shortens the fibers, making each bite incredibly tender. Serve the sliced skirt steak immediately, generously topped with the fresh chimichurri sauce. Enjoy this delightful combination of savory steak and vibrant, herbaceous sauce!

Conclusion:

There you have it! This skirt steak marinade recipe, perfectly paired with our vibrant chimichurri, is a guaranteed way to elevate your grilling game. The beauty of this combination lies in its simplicity and explosive flavor. The marinade tenderizes the skirt steak beautifully, allowing it to soak up those delicious garlicky, herbaceous notes. Then, the fresh, zesty chimichurri cuts through the richness of the steak, creating a truly unforgettable culinary experience. It’s the kind of meal that impresses without being complicated, perfect for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue.

For serving suggestions, imagin extracte this succulent skirt steak sliced and piled high on warm tortillas for incredible tacos, or served alongside grilled vegetables like corn on the cob and bell peppers. It also makes a fantastic centerpiece for a salad or a hearty side dish to roasted potatoes. Don’t be afraid to get creative with variations! You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a little heat, or swap out some of the parsley in the chimichurri for cilantro for a different herbaceous twist. I highly encourage you to give this skirt steak marinade and chimichurri recipe a try – you won’t regret it!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Can I marinate the skirt steak for longer than recommended?

While the recommended marinating time of 30 minutes to 2 hours is ideal for optimal flavor and tenderness, you can marinate skirt steak for up to 4 hours. However, be cautious with acidic marinades for much longer periods, as they can start to “cook” the meat, making it mushy.

What if I don’t have fresh parsley for the chimichurri?

If fresh parsley isn’t readily available, you can substitute it with a combination of fresh cilantro and chives. You can also use dried herbs in a pinch, but you’ll need to significantly reduce the quantity (about 1 teaspoon of dried herbs per tablespoon of fresh) and their flavor won’t be as bright or vibrant.

Skirt Steak Marinade Recipe with Chimichurri

A flavorful marinade for skirt steak paired with a vibrant, fresh chimichurri sauce.

Prep Time
15 Minutes

Cook Time
10 Minutes

Total Time
25 Minutes

Servings
4-6 servings

Ingredients

• 2/3 cup olive oil
• 1/2 cup fresh orange juice
• 1/3 cup fresh lime juice
• 1/4 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
• 3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
• 4 garlic cloves (minced)
• 2-3 pounds skirt steak
• Salt and pepper to taste
• 1 cup fresh parsley
• 1 cup fresh cilantro
• 1/4-1/3 cup olive oil
• 1/2 medium onion (diced)
• 3 garlic cloves
• 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice

Instructions

1. Step 1
   In a bowl, whisk together 2/3 cup olive oil, orange juice, 1/3 cup lime juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and 4 minced garlic cloves. Season with salt and pepper.
2. Step 2
   Place the skirt steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is fully coated. Marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours.
3. Step 3
   While the steak marinates, prepare the chimichurri: In a food processor, combine fresh parsley, fresh cilantro, diced onion, and 3 garlic cloves. Pulse until finely chopped.
4. Step 4
   With the food processor running, slowly stream in 1/4-1/3 cup olive oil and 3 tablespoons fresh lime juice until the sauce is well combined but still has some texture. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
5. Step 5
   Remove steak from marinade and pat dry. Discard the marinade. Grill or pan-sear the skirt steak over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes per side, or until desired doneness.
6. Step 6
   Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve with the chimichurri sauce.

Important Information

Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)

It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.

Allergy Information

Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.