Skip the steakhouse prices! how to make a restaurant-quality chimichurri sauce at home

Chimichurri sauce, a vibrant and aromatic condiment, is the perfect complement to the juicy and flavorful skirt steak. This delectable sauce adds a symphony of tangy, herbaceous, and slightly spicy notes that elevate the steak experience to new heights. In this comprehensive guide, we will delve into the art of making the perfect chimichurri sauce, ensuring that your skirt steak sizzles with an unforgettable taste sensation.

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, tightly packed
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro leaves, tightly packed
• 1/4 cup fresh oregano leaves, tightly packed
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 cup red onion, finely chopped
• 1/4 cup olive oil
• 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 1 teaspoon dried oregano
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Chop the Herbs: Finely chop the parsley, cilantro, and oregano leaves.

2. Mince the Garlic and Chop the Onion: Mince the garlic cloves and finely chop the red onion.

3. Combine the Ingredients: In a large bowl, combine the chopped herbs, minced garlic, chopped onion, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lemon juice, dried oregano, salt, and black pepper.

4. Whisk or Stir: Whisk or stir the ingredients together until they are well combined.

5. Taste and Adjust: Taste the chimichurri sauce and adjust the seasonings to your preference. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.

Marinating the Skirt Steak

1. Place the Steak in a Dish: Place the skirt steak in a shallow dish or container.

2. Pour the Chimichurri Sauce Over the Steak: Pour the chimichurri sauce over the steak, ensuring that it is evenly coated.

3. Marinate for at least 30 Minutes: Allow the steak to marinate in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or up to overnight for maximum flavor absorption.

Grilling the Skirt Steak

1. Preheat the Grill: Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.

2. Remove the Steak from the Marinade: Remove the skirt steak from the marinade and discard the excess marinade.

3. Grill the Steak: Grill the steak for 5-7 minutes per side, or until it reaches your desired level of doneness.

4. Rest the Steak: Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing and serving.

Serving Suggestions

• Serve the grilled skirt steak with a generous drizzle of chimichurri sauce.
• Pair the steak with grilled vegetables, such as asparagus or bell peppers.
• Serve the steak with a side of rice or mashed potatoes.

Variations

• Add Heat: For a spicier chimichurri sauce, add some chopped jalapeño pepper or chili flakes.
• Use Other Herbs: Experiment with other fresh herbs, such as basil, thyme, or rosemary.
• Add Some Citrus: For a brighter and more refreshing flavor, add some chopped orange or lime zest.

Takeaways

With this comprehensive guide, you now possess the culinary knowledge to create the perfect chimichurri sauce that will transform your skirt steak into a masterpiece. Whether you prefer a tangy, herbaceous, or slightly spicy sauce, the variations provided offer endless possibilities to customize the flavor to your liking. So, gather your ingredients, fire up the grill, and embark on a culinary journey filled with the vibrant flavors of chimichurri sauce.

Answers to Your Most Common Questions

Q: Can I make the chimichurri sauce ahead of time?
A: Yes, you can make the chimichurri sauce up to 3 days in advance and store it in the refrigerator.

Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh herbs?
A: Yes, you can use dried herbs, but the flavor will be less intense. Use about 1/3 of the amount of dried herbs as you would fresh herbs.

Q: What other meats can I use with chimichurri sauce?
A: Chimichurri sauce is versatile and can be used with a variety of meats, including chicken, fish, and pork.