Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

If you’re after a bold, flavorful dinner that’s simple yet packed with personality, you’re going to love this Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe. I absolutely love how this dish brings together tender, juicy flank steak with a zesty, herb-packed chimichurri that just sings with every bite. When I first tried this combo, I was hooked — and trust me, once you make it, your family will be asking for it again and again. So, buckle up and let’s get cooking!

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Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • Bold Flavors: The chimichurri sauce is fresh, tangy, and herbaceous, perfectly complementing the savory steak.
  • Quick & Easy: Minimal prep and a fast sear make this a weeknight winner.
  • Tender Steak Every Time: Marinading and slicing across the grain ensures juicy, melt-in-your-mouth results.
  • Versatile Dish: Great for casual dinners or a fancy tabletop – it always impresses.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s chat about the ingredients that come together in this Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe. Each one plays a role to balance savory, herbs, tang, and a touch of heat. When you shop, look for the freshest herbs and good quality flank steak to really make this shine.

  • Flank Steak: Choose a good-quality cut with even thickness for uniform cooking.
  • Oil (for marinade and chimichurri): I use a neutral oil like vegetable or canola to let the flavors shine.
  • Chili Powder & Onion Powder: These add depth and a subtle smoky warmth to the marinade.
  • Lime Juice: Brightens and tenderizes the steak beautifully.
  • Cilantro & Parsley: Freshness central. They make the chimichurri glow with green vibrancy.
  • Onion: Adds a mild pungency and texture to the sauce—diced finely so it blends well.
  • Salt & Pepper: Essential for seasoning both steak and sauce just right.
  • Garlic: The heart of chimichurri’s flavor punch.
  • Italian Blend Seasoning: An unexpected twist that adds a subtle herb layer.
  • Crushed Red Pepper Flakes: Kick up the heat just enough to keep things lively.
  • Red Wine or Apple Cider Vinegar: For that characteristic tang and brightness in your chimichurri.
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Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

I love experimenting with this Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe because it’s so versatile. Whether you want it milder, packed with extra heat, or adapted for different herbs, there’s a way to make it your own.

  • Make it Spicier: I added extra red pepper flakes once and wow, it really woke up the chimichurri — perfect if you like it hot.
  • Herb Swaps: Tried swapping parsley for fresh oregano or even mint for a fresh twist that my friends loved.
  • Vegan Version: Grilled portobello mushrooms with chimichurri work beautifully for a plant-based take.

How to Make Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Marinate the Steak to Unlock Flavor

Start by whisking together the marinade ingredients—oil, chili powder, onion powder, salt, and lime juice. I usually use a ziplock bag for this; it’s super easy to toss everything in, seal tight, and massage the marinade evenly over the flank steak. Let it chill for at least 30 minutes. Honestly, I’ve done it overnight and the flavors soak in deeper, making the steak even tastier. Just pop it in the fridge and forget about it until it’s steak time.

Step 2: Whip Up That Vibrant Chimichurri Sauce

Next, toss all your chimichurri ingredients—cilantro, parsley, onion, salt, pepper, garlic, Italian seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, oil, and vinegar—into a blender or food processor. Pulse until it’s smooth but still a little textured. I like it this way so you get small bursts of herb and garlic flavor in every bite. You can make this ahead and refrigerate it; the flavors mellow and deepen wonderfully overnight.

Step 3: Sear the Steak Just Right

Heat an oiled skillet or fire up your grill to medium-high. When hot, sear the steak for 6-8 minutes per side. You’re looking for a beautiful caramelized crust on the outside with a juicy, slightly pink center. Overcooking can dry it out, so I keep a close eye and use a quick finger test or thermometer (130°F for medium-rare). Once done, let it rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing to keep those juices locked in.

Step 4: Slice Against the Grain and Serve

This is the secret step I discovered the hard way — slicing thinly across the grain breaks down those longer muscle fibers, making each bite tender. Lay the slices on a serving platter and spoon your fresh chimichurri sauce generously over the top. I promise you, every forkful will sing.

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Pro Tips for Making Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

  • Marinate Overnight: I learned that letting the steak soak overnight amps up flavor and tenderness significantly.
  • Oil Your Grill or Pan Well: Prevents sticking and helps form that gorgeous crust we want on the steak.
  • Use a Meat Thermometer: Avoid the guesswork — medium-rare is perfect at 130°F, juicy with a bit of pink.
  • Rest Before Slicing: Let the steak rest to keep all those decadent juices locked inside.

How to Serve Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

The image shows a dark pan filled with sliced grilled steak arranged in a semi-fan shape, with each slice showing a rich brown grilled texture and visible sear marks. On top, there is a thick layer of bright green sauce with a chunky texture spread unevenly across the steak. Green sauce drips down some parts and pools slightly in the pan, reflecting light and showing a mix of herbs and oil. A spoonful of the green sauce sits at the edge of the pan. The pan rests on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

I like to top this steak with a little extra fresh parsley or cilantro—just to brighten things up visually and add a fresh herbal note. Sometimes I add a lime wedge for squeezing right at the table; the fresh citrus punch is unbeatable.

Side Dishes

For sides, I’m a big fan of simple roasted veggies or grilled corn to keep the Latin vibe going. A rustic potato salad or a crisp green salad with avocado makes a lovely pairing. One time, I even served it with garlic mashed potatoes, and my family went crazy for that combo.

Creative Ways to Present

When I made this for a small dinner party, I arranged the sliced steak on a wooden board with colorful bowls of chimichurri and grilled veggies around it — it made for a stunning, interactive meal. You can also stuff the sliced steak into warmed tortillas with a dollop of chimichurri and fresh lime for a tasty taco night twist.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Leftover steak? No worries. I simply wrap it tightly in foil or airtight containers and keep it in the fridge for up to 3 days. The chimichurri holds up well too, so I store that separately to keep everything fresh.

Freezing

I’ve frozen leftover marinated steak once with success — just wrap it well and freeze for up to 2 months. It’s best to freeze before cooking. The chimichurri is best fresh, so I don’t freeze the sauce, but you can keep the steak frozen and whip up a fresh batch when defrosted.

Reheating

To bring leftover steak back to life, I gently reheat it in a skillet over low heat with a splash of water or broth, covered, to keep it juicy. Avoid microwaving if you can — it tends to dry it out. Then serve with fresh chimichurri to brighten everything up.

FAQs

  1. Can I use a different cut of steak for this recipe?

    Absolutely! Flank steak is ideal for its flavor and texture, but skirt steak or hanger steak work just as well. Just adjust cooking times accordingly, as thickness and fat content vary.

  2. How long can I marinate the steak?

    You can marinate anywhere from 30 minutes to overnight. The longer it marinates, the more flavor it absorbs. However, avoid going past 24 hours as the acid in the marinade can start to break down the texture too much.

  3. Is it necessary to slice the steak against the grain?

    Yes! Slicing against the grain makes the steak more tender and easier to chew. If you slice with the grain, the meat can become tough and stringy.

  4. Can I prepare the chimichurri sauce ahead of time?

    Definitely. Chimichurri actually tastes better when it sits for a few hours or overnight as the flavors meld. Store it in an airtight container in the fridge and bring it back to room temperature before serving.

Final Thoughts

This Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe holds a special place in my kitchen rotation because it delivers on flavor without fuss. I remember the first time I served it at a family barbecue and how quickly it disappeared — people couldn’t get enough of that herbaceous, tangy chimichurri paired with perfectly cooked steak. If you want a dish that’s both impressive and approachable, this one’s a keeper. Give it a try and make it your own — I’m sure it’ll become a favorite for you, too!

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Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

4.4 from 107 reviews
  • Author: Emily
  • Prep Time: 15 minutes
  • Cook Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 35 minutes
  • Yield: 4 servings 1x
  • Category: Main Course
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Argentinian

Description

This Argentinian-inspired Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce is a flavorful and easy-to-make dish featuring tender, marinated flank steak quickly seared to juicy perfection and topped with a fresh, vibrant chimichurri sauce bursting with herbs and a mild kick of heat.


Ingredients

Scale

Flank Steak and Marinade

  • 1 ½ pounds flank steak
  • ¼ cup oil
  • 1 teaspoon chili powder
  • 1 teaspoon onion powder
  • 1 teaspoon salt
  • juice of 1 lime

Chimichurri Sauce

  • ½ cup cilantro
  • ½ cup parsley
  • ½ onion, diced
  • 1 teaspoon salt (or to taste)
  • ¼ teaspoon pepper (or to taste)
  • 1 tablespoon garlic
  • ½ teaspoon Italian blend seasoning
  • ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
  • ⅓ cup oil
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)


Instructions

  1. Prepare the Marinade: Whisk together the marinade ingredients: ¼ cup oil, 1 teaspoon chili powder, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and juice of 1 lime until well combined. Place the flank steak in a large ziplock bag and pour in the marinade. Seal the bag tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
  2. Make the Chimichurri Sauce: In a blender or food processor, combine cilantro, parsley, diced onion, 1 teaspoon salt, ¼ teaspoon pepper, garlic, Italian blend seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, ⅓ cup oil, and 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar. Pulse until the mixture is smooth and well combined, forming a vibrant chimichurri sauce.
  3. Cook the Steak: Preheat an oiled skillet or grill over medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and place it on the hot surface. Sear the steak for 6-8 minutes on each side until it develops a deep brown crust on the outside but remains slightly pink in the middle, indicating medium-rare to medium doneness.
  4. Slice and Serve: Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board and let it rest for a few minutes. Thinly slice the steak across the grain to ensure tenderness. Serve the slices generously topped with the chimichurri sauce for a fresh and flavorful finish.

Notes

  • This recipe delivers bold savory flavors with just a gentle hint of heat, characteristic of classic Argentinian preparations.
  • Marinating the steak overnight will deepen the flavor and tenderize the meat further.
  • Quick searing over high heat is key to achieving a juicy, tender steak with a flavorful crust.
  • Chimichurri sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 1 serving
  • Calories: 538 kcal
  • Sugar: 1 g
  • Sodium: 1272 mg
  • Fat: 41 g
  • Saturated Fat: 6 g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 34 g
  • Trans Fat: 1 g
  • Carbohydrates: 3 g
  • Fiber: 1 g
  • Protein: 37 g
  • Cholesterol: 102 mg