Skirt Steak Marinade Chimichurri Recipe

Skirt steak marinade recipe with chimichurri is your ticket to a truly unforgettable meal. There’s something incredibly satisfying about the rich, beefy flavor of perfectly grilled skirt steak, and when it’s infused with a vibrant, herbaceous chimichurri, it reaches a whole new level of deliciousness. People absolutely adore this combination because it’s both rustic and refined – incredibly flavorful yet surprisingly simple to prepare. What makes this skirt steak marinade recipe with chimichurri so special? It’s the magic that happens when the savory depth of the marinated steak meets the bright, zesty punch of the fresh herb sauce. It’s the kind of dish that makes weeknights feel like a celebration and weekends feel truly indulgent.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This isn’t just another grilled steak recipe; it’s an experience. We’re talking about a marinade that tenderizes and infuses flavor deep into the meat, and a chimichurri that cuts through the richness with its brilliant acidity and fresh aromatics. Get ready to impress yourself and anyone lucky enough to share this with you!

Skirt Steak Marinade Recipe with Chimichurri

There’s nothing quite like the sizzle of a perfectly grilled skirt steak, especially when it’s been infused with a vibrant marinade and topped with a zesty chimichurri sauce. Skirt steak, with its characteristic long, flat shape and rich, beefy flavor, is an absolute winner for grilling. Its fibrous texture means it truly benefits from a good marinade, which not only tenderizes the meat but also adds a depth of flavor that’s simply irresistible. And what better way to complement that savory steak than with a bright, herbaceous chimichurri? This Argentinean sauce is a revelation – fresh, tangy, and bursting with garlic and herbs. Together, they create a flavor combination that will have everyone asking for seconds. Let’s get started!

Ingredients:

Preparing the Marinade

This marinade is designed to tenderize the skirt steak and infuse it with a symphony of flavors. The acidity from the citrus juices and vinegar will work its magic on the meat, while the soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce bring umami and depth. Garlic provides that essential aromatic punch.

1. In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2/3 cup olive oil, fresh orange juice, fresh lime juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, and apple cider or red grape juice vinegar.
2. Add the 4 minced garlic cloves to the marinade and stir well to combine. Taste a tiny bit (a drop!) to get a feel for the saltiness and acidity; you want a good balance.

Marinating the Skirt Steak

The key to a flavorful skirt steak is giving it ample time to soak up all that delicious marinade. Don’t skimp on this step!

1. Place the skirt steak in a large resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s fully coated.
2. Seal the bag, pressing out as much air as possible, or cover the dish. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, and up to 8 hours. For skirt steak, a longer marination time is generally better for tenderness, but be careful not to marinate for too long in overly acidic marinades, as it can start to break down the meat too much and make it mushy. I find 4-6 hours to be the sweet spot for skirt steak.

Making the Chimichurri Sauce

While the steak is marinating, let’s whip up this incredibly fresh and vibrant chimichurri. It’s surprisingly simple to make and elevates any grilled meat to a whole new level.

1. In a medium bowl, combine the chopped fresh parsley, chopped fresh cilantro, and minced garlic cloves.
2. Add the diced onion to the bowl. You want the onion finely diced so it disperses nicely throughout the sauce.
3. Pour in the 1/4-1/3 cup olive oil and the 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice. The amount of olive oil can be adjusted to your preferred consistency; some like it a bit looser, others thicker.
4. Season with a pinch of salt and freshly ground black pepper. Stir everything together thoroughly. Let the chimichurri sit at room temperature for at least 15-20 minutes before serving. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. You can also make it a few hours ahead and store it in the refrigerator, but bring it back to room temperature before serving for the best flavor and texture.

Grilling the Skirt Steak

Now for the exciting part – cooking the steak to perfection! Skirt steak cooks relatively quickly due to its thinness, so keep a close eye on it.

1. Remove the skirt steak from the marinade and discard the marinade. Pat the steak dry with paper towels. This is a crucial step for achieving a good sear. If the steak is too wet, it will steam rather than brown.
2. Generously season both sides of the skirt steak with salt and freshly ground black pepper. Don’t be shy with the salt; it will enhance the beefy flavor.
3. Preheat your grill to high heat (around 450-500°F or 230-260°C). Ensure your grill grates are clean and well-oiled to prevent sticking.
4. Place the skirt steak on the hot grill. For medium-rare, grill for approximately 3-5 minutes per side. The exact time will depend on the thickness of your steak and the heat of your grill. You’re looking for a beautiful char on the outside and a rosy pink interior. Use an instant-read thermometer to check for an internal temperature of around 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare.
5. Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the skirt steak from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5-10 minutes. Resting the meat is essential to allow the juices to redistribute throughout the steak, making it more tender and flavorful. If you cut into it too soon, all those delicious juices will run out onto the board.

Serving Your Masterpiece

Slice the rested skirt steak thinly against the grain. This is another important step for tenderness; the grain of skirt steak runs lengthwise, so cutting across it shortens the muscle fibers, making each bite more tender. Serve the sliced steak immediately, generously spooning the fresh chimichurri sauce over the top. This dish is perfect served with grilled vegetables, a fresh salad, or some warm tortillas. Enjoy the explosion of flavor!

Conclusion:

There you have it – a foolproof Skirt Steak Marinade Recipe that, when paired with our vibrant Chimichurri, transforms simple steak into an unforgettable culinary experience. This recipe is fantastic because it strikes a perfect balance between tender, flavorful steak and a bright, herbaceous sauce that cuts through the richness beautifully. The marinade tenderizes the skirt steak and infuses it with complementary flavors, while the chimichurri provides a fresh, zesty counterpoint that truly elevates every bite. It’s a dynamic duo that’s surprisingly easy to put together, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or impressive backyard barbecues.

For serving, I love to pair this with grilled corn on the cob, roasted sweet potatoes, or a simple, crisp green salad. The versatility of this dish is a huge part of its appeal! Feel free to experiment with variations; for instance, you could add a pinch of smoked paprika to the marinade for a smoky depth, or incorporate a bit of finely diced red onion into your chimichurri for an extra layer of flavor.

I truly encourage you to give this recipe a try. It’s a game-changer for steak lovers and a wonderful way to impress your friends and family with minimal fuss. Get ready for rave reviews!

Frequently Asked Questions:

Q: Can I marinate the skirt steak for longer than the recommended time?

A: While you can marinate skirt steak for up to 24 hours, beyond that, the marinade can start to break down the meat’s texture too much, making it mushy. For this particular recipe, 2 to 4 hours is generally perfect for optimal flavor and tenderness.

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

A: While fresh herbs are best for chimichurri, you can substitute dried parsley in a pinch. Use about 1 tablespoon of dried parsley for every 1/4 cup of fresh. However, the flavor and texture won’t be quite as vibrant, so fresh is highly recommended.

Skirt Steak Marinade with Chimichurri

A flavorful marinade for skirt steak featuring bright citrus and savory notes, paired with a vibrant and herbaceous 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 for the marinade.
2. Step 2
   Place the skirt steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is well coated. Marinate for at least 1 hour, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator.
3. Step 3
   While the steak marinates, prepare the chimichurri. In a food processor, combine 1 cup parsley, 1 cup cilantro, diced onion, and 3 garlic cloves. Pulse until finely chopped.
4. Step 4
   With the food processor running, slowly drizzle in 1/4-1/3 cup olive oil and 3 tablespoons lime juice until the sauce is well combined but still has some texture.
5. Step 5
   Season the chimichurri with salt and pepper to taste. Set aside.
6. Step 6
   Remove the skirt steak from the marinade, discarding the excess marinade. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper.
7. Step 7
   Grill or pan-sear the skirt steak over medium-high heat for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until desired doneness.
8. Step 8
   Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain.
9. Step 9
   Serve the sliced skirt steak with a generous dollop of 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.