Grilled Beef with Zesty Chimichurri Sauce
Step into the world of South American flavors with this irresistible recipe for grilled beef with chimichurri sauce. Chimichurri is a traditional Argentinean sauce made with fresh herbs, garlic, and tangy vinegar, perfectly complementing the succulent grilled beef. With its vibrant colors and bold flavors, this dish will transport you to the heart of South America. Let’s embark on a culinary adventure and learn how to create this mouthwatering delight.
Ingredients:
For the Grilled Beef:
- 800g beef sirloin or ribeye steaks (or your preferred cut)
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1/2 teaspoon chili powder (optional, for a touch of heat)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh parsley leaves, finely chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 shallot, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
Instructions:
- Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce:
- In a bowl, combine the finely chopped fresh parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, and chopped shallot.
- Pour in the extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, and fresh lemon juice.
- Add the red pepper flakes for a hint of spiciness, and season with salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste.
- Stir all the ingredients together until well combined. Cover the bowl and refrigerate the chimichurri sauce for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Marinate the Beef:
- In a separate bowl, mix together the olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, ground cumin, chili powder (if using), salt, and freshly ground black pepper.
- Coat the beef steaks with the marinade, ensuring they are well covered on all sides. Let the meat marinate for at least 30 minutes (or preferably, overnight) in the refrigerator to enhance the flavors.
- Preheat the Grill:
- Preheat your grill or barbecue to medium-high heat.
- Grill the Beef:
- Remove the marinated beef steaks from the refrigerator and let them come to room temperature before grilling.
- Place the steaks on the preheated grill and cook to your desired level of doneness, flipping once during grilling. Cooking times will vary depending on the thickness of the steaks and your preferred level of doneness.
- For medium-rare, grill the steaks for about 4-5 minutes per side, or until the internal temperature reaches 130°F (54°C). Adjust the cooking time accordingly for other levels of doneness.
- Rest and Serve:
- Once the beef steaks are cooked to perfection, remove them from the grill and let them rest for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute.
- Slice the grilled beef steaks against the grain to ensure tenderness.
- Serve the succulent grilled beef with a generous drizzle of the chilled chimichurri sauce on top.