
The juicy seared skirt steak piled on hot rice with homemade chimichurri makes a mouthwatering flavor combo you won't forget. This doable yet fancy meal brings restaurant vibes to your table while keeping things easy enough for anyone to make at home.
Must-Have Components
- Skirt steak: Go for one with good fat streaks and consistent thickness
- Cilantro: Pick bunches that look vibrant and perky
- Italian parsley: Grab ones with firm, deep green foliage
- Red wine vinegar: Get the naturally fermented kind
- Fresh garlic: Choose bulbs that feel heavy and solid
- Shallots: Pick average-sized ones with undamaged outer layers
- Olive oil: Splurge on good quality extra virgin
- Red chile: Try fresh Fresno or red jalapeño varieties
Cooking Steps
- Get Meat Ready:
- Pat steak completely dry and add plenty of seasoning. Let it sit out for 20 minutes to warm up.
- Begin Sauce Base:
- Mix up diced garlic, shallot, vinegar and salt. Set aside for 10 minutes.
- Handle the Greens:
- Chop cilantro and parsley finely, throwing away woody stems. Dice the chile tiny.
- Complete Chimichurri:
- Add herbs and chile to your garlic mix. Slowly pour in olive oil while stirring.
- Fire Up Steak:
- Cook in scorching hot cast iron, about 3 minutes each side. Let it rest before cutting.
- Put It Together:
- Stack rice, then thinly cut steak, topped with lots of chimichurri.

Finding Great Steak
For skirt steak, try to find pieces with even fat distribution and thickness. Stay away from bits with too much tough tissue. Good steak should be vivid red and spring back slightly when you touch it.
Whipping Up Awesome Chimichurri
The best chimichurri has just the right mix of herbs, tang, and oil that makes rich meat taste even better. Make more than you need - it actually tastes better after sitting in the fridge for a day.
Heat Breakdown
For that perfect pink middle, cook until the inside hits 125°F. While resting, it'll climb to 130-135°F, giving you that ideal medium-rare doneness.
Keeping Leftovers
Keep any extra meat and sauce in different containers. Your chimichurri will stay good up to 5 days in the fridge. Warm up steak gently or eat it cold in a salad.

Frequently Asked Questions
- → What’s the best way to cut the steak?
- Slice thinly against the grain to keep the meat tender.
- → Can I make the chimichurri ahead of time?
- Yes, you can prepare it up to 3 days early and store it in the fridge.
- → What can I use if there’s no skirt steak?
- You can substitute with flank, hanger, or flat iron steak.
- → How do I know when the steak is cooked perfectly?
- Cook to 125-130°F internally for medium-rare, letting it rest to finish cooking.
- → What other options are there instead of white rice?
- Quinoa, cauliflower rice, or roasted plantains work as great substitutes.