30-Minute Simple Grilled Steak

Prep: 5 minCook: 5 min4 servingsmedium
Simple Grilled Steak with Fresh Herb Chimichurri

A perfectly grilled steak paired with vibrant chimichurri sauce made from fresh parsley, cilantro, and garlic. The herbaceous sauce cuts through the rich meat with bright acidity from red wine vinegar and lime juice, while jalapeño adds a gentle heat. This restaurant-quality dish comes together in under 30 minutes, making it ideal for weeknight dinners or weekend entertaining. The chimichurri can be made ahead and actually improves in flavor as it sits.

Ingredients

4 servings
  • 1 lb skirt or strip steak
  • avocado oil
  • salt and pepper, to taste
  • 1 cup fresh parsley, packed
  • ½ cup fresh cilantro, packed
    more parsley1:1herbdiet

    for cilantro haters

    Full guide →
  • 3 cloves garlic, minced
  • ½ cup shallot, finely diced
  • 1 jalapeño, finely diced
    serrano pepper1:1heat

    more heat

  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • ¼ tsp red pepper flakes, or to taste(optional)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
    white wine vinegar1:1flavor

    slightly milder taste

    Full guide →
  • ½ lime, juiced
  • ½ cup olive oil
    avocado oil1:1oil

    neutral flavor

    Full guide →

Instructions

  1. 1

    Preheat the grill to medium high heat

  2. 2

    Pat steak dry, oil both sides and season with salt and pepper

  3. 3

    Grill steaks for 2-3 minutes per side for medium rare or until desired doneness

  4. 4

    Rest steak on a plate for 5-10 minutes before slicing

  5. 5

    Add all chimichurri ingredients except olive oil to a food processor and pulse until combined and in small pieces

  6. 6

    Scrape down sides, slowly drizzle in olive oil and process until well combined but herb flecks remain visible

  7. 7

    Slice the steak and serve immediately with chimichurri drizzled on top

Tips

Tip 1

Let the chimichurri sit for 30 minutes before serving to allow flavors to meld and intensify

Tip 2

Use a meat thermometer for perfect doneness - 130°F for medium rare, 135°F for medium

Tip 3

Slice steak against the grain for maximum tenderness, especially important with skirt steak

Good to Know

Storage

Store leftover chimichurri in refrigerator for up to 1 week

Make Ahead

Chimichurri can be made up to 2 days ahead and improves in flavor

Serve With

Serve immediately while steak is warm with chimichurri at room temperature

See pairing guide →

Common Mistakes

Watch

Don't skip resting the steak to avoid losing juices when slicing

Watch

Avoid over-processing chimichurri to maintain some texture and prevent it from becoming a paste

Substitutions

skirt steak
flank steak1:1protein

similar texture and flavor

Full guide →
red wine vinegar
white wine vinegar1:1flavor

slightly milder taste

Full guide →
jalapeño
serrano pepper1:1heat

more heat

cilantro
more parsley1:1herbdiet

for cilantro haters

Full guide →
olive oil
avocado oil1:1oil

neutral flavor

Full guide →
Find more substitutions →

FAQ

Can I make chimichurri without a food processor?

Yes, finely mince all ingredients by hand and whisk with oil. The texture will be slightly different but equally delicious.

What if I don't have a grill?

Use a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Sear 2-3 minutes per side for similar results with good browning.

How long does leftover steak keep?

Cooked steak keeps in the refrigerator for 3-4 days. Reheat gently or enjoy cold in salads.