Are you ready to elevate your grilling game? In this article, I’ll share mouthwatering grilled chimichurri steak recipes with cherry tomatoes that will impress your family and friends. You’ll learn how to mix vibrant herbs and spices into a tasty chimichurri sauce while perfectly grilling ribeye steaks. Let’s get cooking and bring fresh flavors to your next barbecue!
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 ribeye steaks (1 inch thick)
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- Salt and black pepper, to taste
Optional Ingredients
- 1 tablespoon balsamic glaze
- Fresh basil leaves, for garnish
Recommended Equipment
- Grill
- Meat thermometer
- Medium bowl for chimichurri
When I make this dish, I love starting with fresh ingredients. The ribeye steaks provide rich flavor, while parsley and cilantro create a vibrant chimichurri. Garlic adds depth, and red pepper flakes give it a kick.
Cherry tomatoes bring a sweet touch. Toss them with a little balsamic glaze, and they become a perfect side.
For cooking equipment, a good grill is key. A meat thermometer helps me check doneness without guessing. A medium bowl is all I need to mix my chimichurri sauce.
This recipe is simple yet impressive, perfect for any meal.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chimichurri Sauce
1. In a medium bowl, combine chopped parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, and red pepper flakes.
2. Next, mix in olive oil and red wine vinegar.
3. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Set this sauce aside for the flavors to blend.
Preparing the Steak
1. Pat the ribeye steaks dry with paper towels.
2. Generously season each side with salt and black pepper.
Grilling the Steaks
1. Preheat your grill to medium-high heat.
2. Place the steaks on the grill.
3. Cook for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium-rare.
4. Use a meat thermometer to check the doneness (130°F for medium-rare).
Preparing the Tomato Medley
1. While the steaks grill, toss the halved cherry tomatoes in a bowl.
2. Add balsamic glaze and 1 tablespoon of olive oil.
3. Season lightly with salt and pepper.
Combining and Serving
1. Once the steaks are done, remove them from the grill.
2. Let the steaks rest for 5 minutes.
3. Slice the steaks against the grain.
4. Arrange on a platter and top with chimichurri sauce.
5. Scatter the balsamic-glazed cherry tomatoes around the steak.
Garnishing
1. Finish with fresh basil leaves for color and flavor.
2. Serve immediately for the best taste and presentation.
Tips & Tricks
Grilling Tips for Perfect Steaks
To keep your grill at the right temperature, preheat it for 10 to 15 minutes. Aim for medium-high heat, around 450°F. This heat helps create a nice crust on the steak. For ideal doneness, use a meat thermometer. For medium-rare, aim for 130°F. Let the steak rest for 5 minutes before cutting. This keeps the juices inside.
Chimichurri Customization
You can change the flavor of chimichurri to suit your taste. Try adding fresh oregano or dill for a twist. For spice lovers, increase the red pepper flakes. If you want it tangy, add more vinegar or lemon juice. Experimenting with flavors makes the dish your own.
Tomato Preparation Suggestions
You can grill or roast your tomatoes. Grilling gives them a smoky flavor, while roasting makes them sweet and soft. If you want fresh flavors, use raw cherry tomatoes. Toss them with balsamic glaze for a bright taste. This mix adds color and flavor to your plate.
Variations
Different Cuts of Steak
You can switch ribeye for other cuts of steak. Options include sirloin, flank, or skirt steak. Each cut has unique flavors. Sirloin is leaner and cooks faster. Flank is great for marinating and grilling. Cooking times differ.
- Sirloin: Grill for 4-5 minutes per side.
- Flank: Grill for 5-6 minutes per side.
- Skirt: Grill for 3-4 minutes per side.
Always check with a meat thermometer. Aim for 130°F for medium-rare.
Additional Sauces
Chimichurri is tasty, but other sauces can work too. Try a garlic butter sauce for richness. A spicy salsa verde adds a kick. Each sauce brings a new flavor profile.
- Garlic Butter Sauce: Melt butter with garlic.
- Spicy Salsa Verde: Blend tomatillos, jalapeños, and lime.
Pair these sauces with the chimichurri for fun flavor blends.
Tomato Substitutes
Cherry tomatoes are sweet and juicy, but you can change them. Use grape tomatoes for a similar taste. Roma tomatoes add a different texture.
- Grape Tomatoes: Sweet and bite-sized.
- Roma Tomatoes: Meaty and less juicy.
You can also add other vegetables. Grilled bell peppers or zucchini add great color and taste. Mix and match for fun flavors!
Storage Info
Refrigeration Guidelines
After you enjoy your grilled chimichurri steak, store leftovers in an airtight container. Keep the steak and chimichurri sauce separate. This helps keep the steak juicy and the sauce fresh. Use the leftover steak within three days. For the chimichurri, it can last up to one week in the fridge. Make sure to label your containers with the date.
Reheating Tips
To reheat steak, the best method is using the oven. Preheat your oven to 250°F. Place the steak on a baking sheet and cover it with foil. This helps prevent drying out. Warm it for about 20 minutes. For tomatoes, enjoy them cold or heat them in a pan for a few minutes. This keeps them fresh and tasty.
Freezing Recommendations
Yes, you can freeze chimichurri! Store it in a freezer-safe container for up to three months. When ready to use, thaw it in the fridge overnight. For steak, you can also freeze it. Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap and then foil. This keeps it fresh for up to three months. When ready to eat, thaw it safely in the fridge before reheating.
FAQs
What is chimichurri?
Chimichurri is a fresh sauce from Argentina. It uses simple ingredients like:
- Fresh parsley
- Fresh cilantro
- Minced garlic
- Red pepper flakes
- Olive oil
- Red wine vinegar or lemon juice
This sauce has a bright, tangy flavor. It pairs well with grilled meats, adding zest and freshness.
How do you know when steak is done?
To know if steak is done, use a meat thermometer. Insert it into the thickest part of the steak. For medium-rare, it should reach 130°F. This ensures the steak is juicy and tender.
Can I make chimichurri in advance?
Yes, you can make chimichurri ahead of time. It tastes even better after sitting for a few hours. Store it in the fridge for up to a week. Just remember to let it come to room temperature before serving.
What are the health benefits of chimichurri?
Chimichurri offers several health benefits due to its key ingredients:
- Parsley: High in vitamins A, C, and K.
- Cilantro: Loaded with antioxidants.
- Olive oil: Contains healthy fats.
- Garlic: Supports heart health.
These ingredients make chimichurri a nutritious addition to your meal.
Can I use dried herbs for chimichurri?
While you can use dried herbs, fresh herbs are best. Fresh herbs give chimichurri its vibrant flavor. If using dried herbs, use less, as they are more potent. Aim for one-third the amount of fresh herbs.
This guide highlighted the key ingredients for a delicious chimichurri steak. You learned how to prepare the sauce, grill the perfect steak, and create a vibrant tomato medley. I shared tips on grilling, customization, and even storage.
Now, you can confidently get creative with your meal. Experiment with different flavors and techniques. Enjoy impressing your friends and family with this tasty dish!