“How to Make Grilled Chimichurri Flank Steak: A Delicious Recipe”
# How to Make Grilled Chimichurri Flank Steak: A Tasty Recipe
Grilled chimichurri flank steak is a delicious meal that unites the savory, rich tastes of marinated beef with the lively, herbal essence of chimichurri sauce. This Argentine classic is ideal for summertime cookouts, family reunions, or an elegant dinner. In this article, we’ll walk you through the steps to create this tasty dish, from selecting the perfect cut of meat to grilling methods and serving ideas.
## What is Flank Steak?
Flank steak is a beef cut derived from the abdominal muscles of the cow. Celebrated for its robust flavor and relatively low fat content, flank steak is at its best when marinated and rapidly grilled over high heat. Its fibrous structure benefits from being sliced against the grain, which aids in ensuring each bite is tender.
## Ingredients
### For the Flank Steak:
– 1.5 to 2 pounds of flank steak
– Salt and pepper, to taste
### For the Chimichurri Sauce:
– 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
– 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional)
– 4 cloves garlic, minced
– 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
– 1/2 cup olive oil
– 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Salt and pepper, to taste
## Preparation Steps
### Step 1: Make the Chimichurri Sauce
1. **Combine Ingredients**: In a medium bowl, stir together the chopped parsley, cilantro (if using), minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
2. **Add Liquids**: Incorporate the olive oil, red wine vinegar, and lemon juice. Mix thoroughly until everything is well combined.
3. **Season**: Add salt and pepper to taste. Adjust seasoning as needed. For optimal flavor, let the chimichurri sit for a minimum of 30 minutes at room temperature to let the flavors blend.
### Step 2: Marinate the Flank Steak
1. **Season the Steak**: Generously season the flank steak with salt and pepper on both sides.
2. **Marinate**: Place the steak in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour half of the chimichurri sauce over the steak, ensuring it is nicely coated. Keep the other half for serving. Seal the bag or cover the dish and refrigerate for a minimum of 1 hour, or up to 8 hours for enhanced flavor.
### Step 3: Preheat the Grill
1. **Prepare the Grill**: Heat your grill to high heat (approximately 450°F to 500°F). If you’re using a charcoal grill, make sure the coals are evenly spread out and glowing.
2. **Oil the Grate**: Lightly coat the grill grates with oil to prevent sticking.
### Step 4: Grill the Flank Steak
1. **Remove from Marinade**: Take the flank steak out of the marinade, letting any excess drip off.
2. **Grill**: Place the steak on the hot grill. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on one side, then flip and grill for another 4-5 minutes for medium-rare. Adjust the cooking time based on your desired level of doneness (130°F for medium-rare, 145°F for medium).
3. **Rest the Steak**: After reaching your preferred doneness, remove the steak from the grill and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring a tender and juicy steak.
### Step 5: Slice and Serve
1. **Slice Against the Grain**: Using a sharp knife, slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips. This maximizes tenderness.
2. **Serve**: Arrange the sliced steak on a platter and drizzle with the reserved chimichurri sauce. Offer additional chimichurri on the side for dipping.
## Serving Suggestions
Grilled chimichurri flank steak pairs wonderfully with various sides. Consider serving it with:
– Grilled vegetables (zucchini, bell peppers, or asparagus)
– A fresh salad (arugula, mixed greens, or a classic Caesar)
– Roasted potatoes or a light rice pilaf
– Crusty bread to soak up the chimichurri sauce
## Conclusion
Grilled chimichurri flank steak is a tasty and impressive meal that is guaranteed to impress your family and friends. With its vibrant chimichurri sauce and perfectly grilled meat, this recipe celebrates bold flavors and simple ingredients. Whether you’re hosting a summer barbecue or enjoying a cozy dinner at home, this dish is an excellent selection that brings the flavor of Argentina right to your table. Enjoy!
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