Every steak lover knows that a perfectly grilled steak is not just about the meat; it’s about the flavourful marinade, the perfect grilling technique, and the irresistible sauce that accompanies it. For those who crave a culinary adventure, the Argentinian Chimichurri Steak is a must-try. This dish is a unique blend of juicy steak, marinated and grilled to perfection, served with chimichurri, a deliciously tangy and herbaceous Argentinian sauce. In this article, we will guide you through the technique to prepare this culinary delight, taking you one step closer to mastering the grill.
Choosing the Right Steak
Before we begin, let’s talk about the steak. The choice of steak is crucial to the success of your grilled Argentinian Chimichurri Steak. Ideally, you would want to use a flank or skirt steak for this recipe. These cuts of meat, known for their rich, full-bodied flavour, are the stars of our dish.
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Flank steak, characterized by its lean texture and a great deal of interior marbling, is incredibly flavourful. Skirt steak, on the other hand, is prized for its delectable beefy flavour. Both cuts are perfect for grilling and work wonderfully with the chimichurri sauce. So, take a few minutes to pick the right steak and ensure it is fresh and of good quality.
Preparing the Chimichurri Sauce
Arguably, the soul of this dish lies in the Chimichurri sauce. Originating from Argentina, the chimichurri sauce is a mix of finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, vinegar, oregano, and red pepper flakes, which is gradually whisked into oil. The result is a tangy, fiery, and aromatic sauce that will be your grilled steak’s crowning glory.
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The first step to making chimichurri sauce is gathering your ingredients. You will need fresh parsley, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and extra-virgin olive oil. Mix the ingredients together, adjusting the salt, pepper, and vinegar to taste. Remember, the key to a perfect chimichurri sauce lies in the balance of flavours.
Marinating and Grilling the Steak
Now that we’ve talked about choosing the steak and preparing the chimichurri sauce, let’s move onto the next crucial step – marinating and grilling the steak. The marinade for this recipe is simple yet effective, and only requires a few ingredients: extra-virgin olive oil, minced garlic, salt, and black pepper. Coat your steak in the marinade and let it rest for at least 30 minutes. This will allow the meat to absorb the flavours, resulting in a more flavourful and juicy steak.
Next, preheat your grill to a medium-high heat. Grill the marinated steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side for a medium-rare steak, or until the desired level of doneness is reached. Keep in mind that cooking times can vary based on the thickness of your steak and the temperature of your grill.
Serving the Perfect Argentinian Chimichurri Steak
Finally, we come to the last part of the technique – serving the steak. After your steak is cooked to your preferred level of doneness, allow it to rest for a few minutes. This ensures that the juices are distributed throughout the meat, making it more tender and flavoursome.
Once the steak has rested, slice it against the grain. This makes the steak more tender and easier to chew. The final touch is to generously drizzle the chimichurri sauce over the sliced steak. The tanginess of the chimichurri sauce complements the smoky, charred flavour of the grilled steak, creating a feast for your taste buds.
In conclusion, the secret to a perfectly grilled Argentinian Chimichurri steak lies in choosing the right cut of meat, preparing a balanced chimichurri sauce, marinating the steak properly, mastering the grilling technique, and serving it correctly. With this guide, you will be able to recreate this Argentinian culinary masterpiece in your own kitchen.
Personalizing Your Chimichurri Steak Recipe
Now that you are familiar with the basic recipe, it’s time to consider how you can make it uniquely yours. The beauty of this chimichurri steak recipe is its versatility. Each component of the recipe can be adapted to suit your personal tastes. From the choice of vinegar in the chimichurri sauce, to the seasoning of the steak, and even the grilling time, everyone can play with the elements to create their version of the perfect Argentinian Chimichurri Steak.
You might prefer red wine vinegar’s robust and fruity flavour for the chimichurri sauce, or you may choose to use a more subtle and sweet white wine vinegar. Similarly, the type of oil used can significantly influence the sauce’s final taste. Extra-virgin olive oil is undoubtedly a classic choice, but avocado oil or grapeseed oil can add a unique twist.
As for the steak, when it comes to seasoning, while salt and pepper are essential, feel free to add other spices. For instance, a hint of smoked paprika or cumin can add a new depth of flavour to your steak. The grilling time also depends on your personal preference. Whether you enjoy your steak medium rare, or well-done, adjust your grilling time accordingly. On average, 4-5 minutes per side would give a medium-rare steak, but for a well-done steak, you might need to grill it for a few extra minutes.
Reheating and Storing Leftovers
It’s quite possible that you may end up with leftover chimichurri steak. Storing and reheating properly will ensure that you can fully enjoy your meal even the next day. For storage, place any leftover steak in an airtight container, and it can last for up to 3 days in the refrigerator. The chimichurri sauce, due to its acidity, can last for up to 2 weeks in the fridge, if stored properly in a glass jar.
When it comes to reheating, it is best to bring the steak to room temperature before reheating. This can be done by leaving it out of the refrigerator for around 30 minutes. Then, heat a skillet over medium heat, add a dash of olive oil, and sear the steak for a couple of minutes on each side.
Conclusion
There you have it, the complete guide to mastering the art of grilling an Argentinian Chimichurri Steak. Remember, the choice of steak, the preparation of the chimichurri sauce, the marinating process, and the grilling technique all play crucial roles in determining the success of the dish. However, the beauty of this dish lies in its adaptability. With a bit of experimentation, you can adjust this recipe to better suit your personal preferences, creating your personalised Argentinian Chimichurri Steak. Enjoy this culinary journey, and happy grilling!
