Chimichurri steak is one of the easiest ways to turn a simple steak into something really special. Juicy grilled or pan-seared steak topped with a bright, garlicky herb sauce made with parsley, cilantro, garlic, olive oil, and lemon.

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Chimichurri is a classic Argentinian sauce that's fresh, bold, and incredibly versatile. It's most famous served with steak, but it's also delicious on chicken, roasted vegetables, potatoes, or even spooned over grilled seafood.
The best part? It takes just a few minutes to make and instantly adds tons of flavor.
What is Chimichurri?
Chimichurri is a vibrant herb sauce from Argentina made with fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and spices.
It's known for its bright green color and bold flavor. The fresh herbs and garlic balance the richness of grilled meats perfectly, which is why it's traditionally served with steak.
While parsley is the most common herb used, many versions also include cilantro, oregano, or even basil depending on preference.
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Simple ingredients and easy to make
- Fresh, bold flavor from herbs and garlic
- Perfect topping for steak, chicken, or vegetables
- Great for grilling season or quick weeknight dinners
Ingredients
Steak
- 2 sirloin steaks (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper
Chimichurri Sauce
- ΒΌ bunch parsley
- Β½ bunch cilantro
- 6-8 basil leaves (optional)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2-3 cloves garlic
- ΒΌ sweet pepper (yellow, orange, or red)
- 1 green onion
- Juice of 1 lemon (or 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
How to Make Chimichurri Steak
Season the steak
Season both sides of the steak generously with salt and freshly cracked black pepper.
Cook the steak
Heat a grill or cast iron skillet to medium-high heat.
Cook the steak for about 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness and desired doneness.
Make the chimichurri
While the steak cooks, add all chimichurri ingredients to a food processor or blender and pulse until the sauce is combined but still slightly chunky.
Rest the steak
Remove the steak from heat and let it rest for about 5 minutes before slicing.
Serve
Slice the steak and spoon chimichurri sauce over the top. Serve with vegetables, salad, or roasted potatoes.

Tips for the Best Chimichurri
Use fresh herbs
Fresh parsley and cilantro are key to the bright flavor.
Don't overblend
Chimichurri should be slightly chunky, not completely smooth.
Let it sit for a few minutes
Allowing the sauce to sit for 5-10 minutes helps the flavors meld together.
What to Serve with Chimichurri Steak
This steak pairs well with:
- Roasted asparagus
- Grilled vegetables
- Simple salad
- Roasted potatoes
- Rice or quinoa
Storage
Refrigerator:
Store leftover chimichurri in an airtight container for up to 4 days.
Freezing:
Chimichurri can be frozen in small portions or ice cube trays for later use.

Chimichurri Steak
Juicy steak topped with a bright, garlicky chimichurri sauce made with fresh herbs, olive oil, garlic, and lemon. This easy chimichurri steak is packed with flavor and perfect for grilling season or a simple weeknight dinner.
Ingredients
Steak
- 2 sirloin steaks (about 6 oz each)
- 1 tablespoon kosher salt
- 1 tablespoon freshly cracked black pepper
Chimichurri Sauce
- ΒΌ bunch parsley
- Β½ bunch cilantro
- 6β8 basil leaves (optional)
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon cumin
- 2β3 cloves garlic
- ΒΌ sweet pepper (yellow, orange, or red)
- 1 green onion
- Juice of 1 lemon (or 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar)
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 3 tablespoons olive oil
Instructions
- Season the steak.
Generously season both sides of the steaks with kosher salt and freshly cracked black pepper. - Cook the steak.
Heat a grill or cast iron skillet over medium-high heat (about 375Β°F). Cook the steak for 3β4 minutes per side, or until your desired doneness. - Make the chimichurri.
While the steak cooks, combine the parsley, cilantro, basil, oregano, cumin, garlic, sweet pepper, green onion, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and olive oil in a food processor or blender. Pulse until combined but still slightly chunky. - Rest the steak.
Remove the steak from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing. - Serve.
Slice the steak and drizzle the chimichurri sauce over the top. Serve immediately.
Notes
- Donβt overblend the sauce: Chimichurri should be slightly chunky, not completely smooth.
- Let the sauce sit: Allowing the chimichurri to sit for 5β10 minutes helps the flavors develop.
- Steak doneness: Cooking time will vary depending on thickness and preferred doneness.
- Make ahead: Chimichurri can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Recommended Products
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Lodge 10.25 Inch Cast Iron Skillet. Pre-Seasoned 10.25-Inch Cast Iron Skillet with Red Silicone Hot Handle Holder.
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Fine Ground Celtic Sea Salt β (1) 16 Ounce Resealable Bag of Nutritious, Classic Sea Salt, Great for Cooking, Baking, Pickling, Finishing and More, Pantry-Friendly, Gluten-Free
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McCormick Crushed Red Pepper, 13 oz
-
Badia Spices inc Spice, Cumin Seed Ground, 16-Ounce
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Simply Organic Oregano Leaf Cut & Sifted Certified Organic, .75-Ounce Container
-
365 Everyday Value, Organic Extra Virgin Olive Oil, 100% Mediterranean Blend, 33.8 fl oz
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 2 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 453Total Fat: 35gSaturated Fat: 8gUnsaturated Fat: 27gCholesterol: 78mgSodium: 3938mgCarbohydrates: 14gFiber: 6gSugar: 1gProtein: 26g
The nutrition information for this recipe is an approximate total per serving. Please double check the nutrition information for your exact ingredients and brands for more precise nutrition information. Keep in mind that if there is a marinade, often times not all the ingredients will be consumed.
More Delicious Steak Recipes
If you love cooking steak, here are a few more easy and flavorful steak recipes you might enjoy:
Soy Garlic Steak Marinade - A simple and delicious marinade made with soy sauce, garlic, and citrus that works perfectly for grilling or pan-searing steak.
Pepper Steak with Onion Stir Fry - A classic Chinese-style beef stir fry with tender slices of steak, onions, and a savory sauce that comes together quickly for an easy weeknight dinner.
Steak Zucchini Stir Fry - Bite-sized marinated steak stir fried with zucchini and garlic in a flavorful sauce. A quick and satisfying stir fry that's great served over rice.
Stir Fry Steak Marinade - A savory marinade designed for tender, flavorful steak in stir fry dishes. Perfect for pairing with vegetables and noodles.
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STACEY CRAWFORD says
I love chimichurri sauce and it is so tasty with steak. Great recipe π
Tessa Simpson says
My kids are ALL over steak!! I'll eat it and enjoy it, but my husband wants his extra well done - so you see the dilemma!! Looks tasty!