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This churrasco steak is marinated in a savory-sweet, garlicky sauce and seared to juicy perfection. It’s served with bright and spicy chimichurri that will have your taste buds dancing.
If you want to expand your steak repertoire, you should try my air fryer steak – it’s a quick way to achieve a perfectly cooked steak with minimal effort. For those who prefer a more traditional method, my oven grilled steak is SO good. And for a special treat, you can’t go wrong with an easy ribeye steak dinner!
Seared Churrasco Steak with Chimichurri
Can you hear it? The hiss of a juicy steak hitting the hot pan? Just the idea makes my mouth water! There is something so satisfying about a perfectly cooked steak, and this South American classic known as Churrasco, is one of my favorites. A garlicky, ever so slightly sweet marinade soaks into every inch of skirt steak before the meat is tossed onto a hot pan and seared. It is complemented beautifully by a classic chimichurri sauce full of parsley and bright lime flavors with a spice kick from a serrano chile. It’s practically irresistible!
What Is Churrasco Steak?
Churrasco steak is the Portuguese and Spanish name for steak grilled over an open flame. The dish is often served with a chimichurri sauce and is popular in Spain, Portugal, and much of South America.
What’s The Difference Between Churrasco and Carne Asada?
Both churrasco and carne asada are beef dishes (generally made with skirt steak or flank steak) cooked at high temperatures. They have their differences, though. While churasco is usually grilled over an open flame, carne asada is grilled over hot coals. When it comes to origin, churrasco is popular in Spain, Portugal, and South America, whereas carne asada is a Mexican dish.
Recipe Ingredients
Here’s a list of ingredients you will need to make churrasco steak with chimichurri. From the fresh herbs and zesty lime in the chimichurri to the robust marinade and perfectly seasoned skirt steak, these ingredients come together to make a delicious and unforgettable meal. For specific measurements, scroll to the recipe card below.
For the Chimichurri
- Finely Chopped Fresh Parsley – You can use cilantro here too. It adds a fresh, herby flavor and vibrant color.
- Garlic (finely chopped): Provides a pungent, savory depth to the sauce.
- Red Wine Vinegar – Adds acidity to balance the flavors.
- Lime Juice & Lime Zest – Brings a tangy brightness to the chimichurri and enhances the citrus flavor.
- Olive Oil – Creates a smooth, rich base for the sauce.
- Red Pepper Flakes – Adds a hint of heat.
- Salt – Enhances all the flavors in the chimichurri sauce.
For the Marinade
- Freshly squeezed orange juice – I highly recommend squeezing your own orange juice. Store-bought products just won’t yield the same result.
- Olive oil – Helps to distribute the marinade evenly and adds richness.
- Water – The water helps to dilute the marinade for better absorption.
- Serrano Chile – I recommend seeding the chile. Not a Serrano fan? Try a jalapeno instead.
- Garlic cloves – Fresh garlic infuses the marinade with flavor.
- Salt – Essential seasoning for enhancing all the flavors.
Steak Ingredients
- Skirt steak – Try to find a skirt steak that is about 1/2 inch thick. If you can’t find skirt steak, any thin cut steak, like flank steak, can be used. Keep the thick cuts for a tomahawk steak recipe.
- Salt and black pepper – Basic seasonings to bring out the steak’s natural flavors.
- Vegetable oil – Corn, avocado, and canola oil will work as well.
- Beef broth – Used to make a flavorful jus, adding depth to the final dish.
How to Make Churrasco Steak
Churrasco steak is generally grilled over an open flame, but I have adapted this recipe for the stovetop to make it more accessible. Here’s a brief rundown of how to make this irresistible skirt steak with chimichurri.
- Make the chimichurri. Whisk together the parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and salt.
- Make the marinade. Blend the orange juice, olive oil, water, serrano chile, and 3 garlic cloves until smooth. Add the salt and blend to combine. Transfer the marinade to an airtight bag.
- Marinate the meat. Place the skirt steak along with 7 chopped garlic cloves in the bag, seal it, and refrigerate for 1 hour.
- Pat the meat dry and season it with salt and pepper.
- Cook the beef. Heat a pan over high heat for a couple of minutes before adding the vegetable oil. Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes on one side and 2-4 minutes on the other.
- Rest. Transfer the steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
- Make the jus. Pour the beef broth into the pan, give it a stir, and cook over medium heat for 1 to 3 minutes.
- Slice the churrasco steak against the grain in 1″ slices. Pour the jus over the steak and serve it with chimichurri sauce on the side. Garlic parmesan roasted potatoes, too!
Recipe Tips for Success
Cooking steaks can take time to get right. It’s often overly dry and lacking flavor. Fret not, though. I have assembled a few simple tips and tricks to help you achieve the juiciest, tastiest churrasco steak recipe you’ve ever had!
- Don’t skimp on marinade time. Skimping on marinating time will leave you with a bland steak. Yes, it can be done in just 30 minutes, but I highly recommend allowing the flavors of the marinade to seep into the meat for at least 1 hour.
- Cook at a high enough temperature. When searing this churrasco steak, cook over high heat. This will allow the steak to brown properly, ending you with a juicier, more flavorful dish.
- Don’t crowd the pan. If you crowd the pan, not only will the steak not brown properly but it will release all of its moisture, leaving you with a tough, dry finished product. So, if you are doubling or tripling this recipe to serve a crowd, be sure to cook the steak in batches.
- Let it rest. It is important to let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes. This will allow the juices to settle in the meat, producing a more flavorful, juicy skirt steak.
- Cut against the grain. Cutting against the grain makes steak more tender and easier to chew.
Serving Suggestions
This simple churrasco recipe goes beautifully with a wide variety of side dishes. You can also swap the chimichurri for your favorite Mexican salsa. I love this skirt steak churrasco with a light, refreshing salad, like my pomegranate citrus quinoa salad, or this olives and avocado salad with tomatoes and feta cheese.
This cut of beef goes great with a side dish of potatoes. Try my lemon garlic oven-roasted potatoes or these crispy air fryer potatoes with herb butter.
We also like to enjoy beef churrasco with this perfect grilled zucchini, grilled corn with feta cheese and chives butter, and my easy oven roasted vegetables.
Common Questions
Churrasco steak is generally made with skirt steak, but flank steak is a popular alternative.
Flank steak is an excellent substitute for skirt steak. It’s lean and tough, making it ideal for quick cooking, perfect for churrasco.
Chimichurri sauce is a vibrant, herbaceous condiment from Argentina. It typically features parsley and other herbs combined with olive oil, garlic, chilis, a touch of vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and various other ingredients.
Absolutely. Mix together the ingredients for the chimichurri, seal the sauce in an airtight container, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 3 days.
Churrasco is a Latin American grilled meat that’s bursting with rich, smoky, and savory flavors. The taste can change a bit depending on the marinade and how it’s prepared, but generally, it’s all about juicy, tender meat with a perfect char on the outside, giving it that irresistible crispy texture and deep flavor.
How to Store & Reheat Leftovers
If you have leftover churrasco steak, allow it to cool completely before sealing the steak and the chimichurri sauce in separate airtight containers. Store them in the refrigerator for up to 4 days or in the freezer for up to 2 months.
To reheat refrigerated leftovers, wrap the desired portion of steak in aluminum foil and bake at 325˚F for 10 to 15 minutes. If reheating from frozen, thaw the steak overnight and then reheat it in the oven at 325˚F for 20 minutes.
More Steak Recipes
- Chili Lime Steak Fajitas in Foil Packs
- Filet Mignon
- Coulotte Steak Recipe
- Juicy Steak Kabobs
- Steak and Mushrooms Foil Packs
- Flank Steak Peperonata
- Onion Gravy Smothered Steak
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Churrasco Steak
Ingredients
For the Chimichurri:
- 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley
- 3 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1½ tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ½ tablespoon lime juice
- ½ teaspoon lime zest
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes, or to taste
- salt, to taste
For the marinade:
- 1 cup freshly squeezed orange juice
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ to ½ small serrano chile
- 10 cloves garlic, divided
- 1 teaspoon salt
For the Steak:
- 1 pound skirt steak, 1/2″ thick
- salt and fresh ground black pepper, to taste
- 3 tablespoons vegetable oil
- ½ cup beef broth
Instructions
For the Chimichurri:
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, lime juice, lime zest, olive oil, red pepper flakes, and salt until well combined. Set it aside until ready to use.
For the marinade:
- Add the orange juice, olive oil, water, serrano chile, and 3 garlic cloves to the blender. Process until you get a smooth mixture. Add the salt. Process again to combine. Pour the marinade into a large container or a large resealable Ziploc bag.
For the Steak:
- Finely chop the remaining 7 garlic cloves and add them to the marinade. Place the skirt steak in the marinade and refrigerate it for 1 hour.
- Remove the meat from the marinade and pat it dry with a paper towel. Season it with salt and pepper to taste on all sides.
- Place a cast iron skillet or a large pan over high heat. Let it heat for 2 to 3 minutes. Add the vegetable oil and let it heat up for another minute. Add the seasoned steak and sear it for 3 to 4 minutes; flip it over and let it cook for 2 to 4 minutes on the other side for a medium-rare steak, or to an internal temperature of 130˚F to 135˚F. Cook it for another minute or so if you like your steak a little more cooked. Use a Meat Thermometer to check for doneness.
- Remove the steak from the skillet and set it on a cutting board. Let it rest for 5 to 10 minutes.
- In the meantime, make the jus. Return the skillet to the burner and reduce the heat to medium. Pour the beef broth into the skillet and, using a wooden spatula, gently scrape the bottom of the skillet to remove any browned bits from when the steak was cooking. Season with salt to taste, and let it reduce for 2 to 3 minutes. Remove the skillet from the heat and set aside.
- Using a sharp knife, carefully cut the steak against the grain into 1" slices. Set them on a serving plate and pour the jus on top.
- Serve with chimichurri on the side, and enjoy.
Notes
- Steak options: Churrasco steak is generally made with skirt steak, about 1/2-inch in thickness. But flank steak is a good alternative.
- Orange juice: If you can, use freshly squeezed orange juice, but you can also use store-bought orange juice.
- Chile options: You can use a jalapeno instead. In both cases, I recommend seeding the pepper.
- Jus: This is a fancy word for a simple sauce made from the caramelization of animal proteins on a hot pan.
- Don’t crowd the pan: If you crowd the pan, not only will the steak not brown properly, but it will release all of its moisture, leaving you with a tough, dry finished product. If you want to double the recipe, don’t cook two steaks in the same skillet simultaneously.
- Let it rest: After cooking, let the steak rest for at least 5 minutes. This will allow the juices to settle in the meat, producing a more flavorful, juicy steak. Cutting against the grain makes steak more tender and easier to chew.
- Grilled Churrasco: To grill the steaks, place them on a preheated grill and cook for 2 to 3 minutes per side. Two minutes will yield medium-rare steaks, while three minutes will get you closer to medium-well. Remove them from the heat and let them rest for 5 to 10 minutes before cutting.
- Steak doneness. The ideal internal temperature for grilled skirt steak is 130°F for rare, 135°F medium-rare, 145°F medium, 150°F medium well, and 160°F for well done. Keep in mind that meat will continue to rise a few degrees once it’s off the grill.
Nutrition
Nutritional info is an estimate and provided as courtesy. Values may vary according to the ingredients and tools used. Please use your preferred nutritional calculator for more detailed info.
