There’s something undeniably magical about the sizzle of perfectly grilled steak,kissed by flames and infused with bold,vibrant flavors. Now, imagine that juicy, tender steak wrapped in a warm tortilla, brightened by a zesty, herb-packed chimichurri sauce that bursts with freshness in every bite. Welcome too the world of chimichurri steak tacos-a culinary masterpiece that’s as irresistible as it is easy to make. In this guide, we’ll take you on a flavorful journey to help you savor every mouthwatering element of these tacos, from choosing the right cut of meat to crafting the perfect chimichurri that will elevate yoru taco nights to unforgettable levels. Get ready to ignite your taste buds and bring the spirit of South American street food right into your kitchen!
savor the flavor with vibrant, herbaceous chimichurri steak tacos that tantalize your senses and bring together the essence of fresh South American cuisine.This recipe captures the true boldness of a well-crafted chimichurri sauce paired with perfectly grilled steak cuts, transforming your taco night into an unforgettable experience.
Prep and Cook Time
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Marinating Time: 1 hour (optional but recommended)
- Grilling Time: 12-15 minutes
- Total Time: Approximately 1 hour 35 minutes
Yield
Serves 4 to 6 peopel – about 12 tacos
Difficulty Level
Medium – Perfect for home cooks looking to elevate their taco game with confident grilling and fresh sauce prep.
Ingredients
- For the Chimichurri Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh flat-leaf parsley, finely chopped
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
- For the Steak:
- 1 1/2 pounds flank steak or skirt steak, trimmed of excess fat
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to season
- For Tacos and Toppings:
- 12 small corn or flour tortillas
- 1 cup finely shredded red cabbage
- 1/2 cup diced red onion
- 1 avocado, sliced
- Fresh lime wedges, for serving
- Fresh cilantro sprigs, for garnish
- Crumbled queso fresco or cotija cheese (optional)
Instructions
- Prepare the chimichurri sauce: In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped parsley, cilantro, and minced garlic. stir in the red wine vinegar, olive oil, crushed red pepper flakes, and dried oregano.Season with salt and pepper to taste. Mix thoroughly and set aside to allow flavors to meld,ideally for at least 30 minutes.
- Season the steak: Pat the flank or skirt steak dry with paper towels. rub both sides generously with olive oil, salt, and freshly ground black pepper, ensuring an even coat to enhance the crust when grilling.
- Preheat your grill: Heat to medium-high, about 450°F (230°C). If using charcoal, ensure coals are white-hot and spread evenly for direct heat grilling.
- Grill the steak: Place the steak over direct heat. Grill for about 6-7 minutes per side for medium-rare, turning once to develop a beautiful sear. Use a meat thermometer if available; aim for 130°F (54°C) for perfect doneness. Avoid flipping too often to maintain juiciness.
- Rest and slice: Transfer steak to a cutting board and tent loosely with foil. Let rest for 8-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute, ensuring tender cuts. Slice thinly against the grain into bite-sized strips.
- Warm the tortillas: Heat tortillas on the grill or a dry skillet for 30 seconds per side until pliable and lightly charred.
- Assemble your tacos: Layer tortillas with sliced steak, generous spoonfuls of chimichurri sauce, shredded cabbage, diced onion, and avocado slices. Garnish with fresh cilantro and queso fresco if using. Serve with lime wedges for a zesty finish.
Tips for Success
- Marinate the steak: For an even deeper flavor, marinate the steak in half of the chimichurri sauce for 1 hour before grilling-reserve the othre half for serving.
- Fresh herbs matter: Always use fresh, vibrant parsley and cilantro for the sauce to unlock its signature bright and zesty flavor.
- Resting the meat: Never skip resting your steak after grilling-it’s key to juicy, tender bites.
- Tortilla tip: Warm tortillas wrapped in a clean kitchen towel keep them soft and pliable during assembly and serving.
- Make it ahead: Chimichurri sauce tastes even better after a few hours refrigerated.Prepare it up to 24 hours ahead for convenience.
Serving Suggestions
Present these chimichurri steak tacos with a side of grilled corn Mexican-style (elote), drizzled with lime and a sprinkle of chili powder. A fresh, crisp cucumber salad or a light avocado crema complement the rich steak and tangy sauce perfectly. For an added visual pop, garnish each taco with edible flowers or microgreens. Serve with chilled sparkling water infused with citrus slices to refresh the palate.
| Nutritional info (per taco) | Calories | Protein | Carbs | Fat |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Chimichurri Steak taco | 280 kcal | 22 g | 18 g | 14 g |
To expand your culinary repertoire, check out our related guide on How to Grill Steak Perfectly, or visit Serious Eats’ definitive chimichurri recipe for expert tips on sauce balance and technique.
Q&A
Q&A: Savor the Flavor – Your Ultimate Guide to irresistible Chimichurri Steak Tacos
Q1: What makes chimichurri steak tacos so irresistible?
A1: It’s the perfect harmony of bold, zesty chimichurri sauce paired with tender, juicy steak wrapped in a soft tortilla.The vibrant fresh herbs and garlic in the chimichurri elevate the smoky richness of the steak, creating a flavor explosion that keeps you coming back for more.
Q2: What is chimichurri, and where does it come from?
A2: Chimichurri is a classic Argentinian sauce made from fresh parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Its bright, tangy, and slightly spicy profile was originally designed to complement grilled meats, making it a natural partner for steak tacos.Q3: How do I choose the right cut of steak for these tacos?
A3: Look for cuts that are flavorful and tender such as flank steak,skirt steak,or hanger steak. These cuts soak up marinades beautifully and cook quickly, perfect for tacos that need juicy, flavorful meat without fuss.
Q4: Can I make chimichurri ahead of time?
A4: Absolutely! Chimichurri actually tastes better the next day as the flavors meld and deepen. Prepare it in advance and store it in the fridge for up to three days-just bring it to room temperature before serving.
Q5: What’s the secret to perfect steak tacos assembly?
A5: Warm your tortillas just before serving for softness and flexibility. Slice the steak thinly against the grain for tenderness, drizzle generously with chimichurri, and add fresh toppings like diced onions, cilantro, and a squeeze of lime. The balance of textures and bright acidity completes the experience.
Q6: Are chimichurri steak tacos healthy?
A6: Yes, they can be! Chimichurri is made from fresh herbs and olive oil, which are heart-healthy ingredients. Coupled with lean cuts of steak and fresh veggies, these tacos deliver a satisfying meal packed with flavor and nutrients.
Q7: Can I customize the chimichurri to suit different tastes?
A7: Definitely! For a milder sauce, reduce the garlic or red pepper flakes. Want more kick? Add extra chili or a splash of hot sauce. You can also experiment by adding fresh cilantro or oregano to personalize your chimichurri tacos.
Q8: What sides pair best with chimichurri steak tacos?
A8: Bright,fresh sides like a crisp cabbage slaw,grilled corn,or a simple avocado salad complement the tacos perfectly. For something heartier, try black beans or Spanish rice to round out your meal.Q9: can I make these tacos vegetarian or vegan?
A9: While traditionally steak-based, you can swap the meat for grilled portobello mushrooms or marinated tofu and still top them with luscious chimichurri for a plant-powered twist bursting with flavor.
Q10: How can I turn this taco recipe into a party hit?
A10: Set up a taco bar with warm tortillas, sliced chimichurri steak, various toppings, and sides. Let guests build their own creations, and watch the flavors-and fun-sizzle!
Wrapping Up
As you wrap your hands around these chimichurri steak tacos, let each bite transport you to a vibrant tapestry of flavors-where zesty herbs meet tender, savory beef in perfect harmony. Weather you’re cooking for a casual weeknight or a festive gathering, this guide unlocks the secret to elevating a simple taco into an unforgettable feast. So, fire up your grill, blend that irresistible chimichurri, and embrace the delicious adventure that awaits. After all, great food isn’t just eaten-it’s savored, shared, and celebrated. Happy taco making!
