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Home » Dinner » Churrasco with Chimichurri Sauce

Published: July 7, 2021 Last Modified: July 7, 2021 By Sara 10 Comments

Churrasco with Chimichurri Sauce

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This churrasco recipe is marinated skirt steak that is grilled to tender perfection, then topped with a fresh and flavorful chimichurri sauce.

This churrasco recipe is marinated skirt steak that is grilled to tender perfection, then topped with a fresh and flavorful chimichurri sauce. An easy dinner option that’s quick enough for a busy weeknight, but elegant enough to serve to company.

You can never go wrong with a hearty steak dinner, whether it’s a New York strip steak with garlic butter, grilled flank steak, or this restaurant style churrasco.

This churrasco recipe is marinated skirt steak that is grilled to tender perfection, then topped with a fresh and flavorful chimichurri sauce. This churrasco recipe is marinated skirt steak that is grilled to tender perfection, then topped with a fresh and flavorful chimichurri sauce.

Sliced churrasco served with a bowl of chimichurri sauce.

There is a restaurant in my area that serves the best churrasco. The combination of tender smoky meat with vibrant chimichurri sauce just can’t be beat! I’ve recreated this dish at home with excellent results that will make dinner at home feel like a special occasion.

What does churrasco mean?

The term churrasco refers to grilled meat, typically beef, and is a dish common in South American countries including Brazil, Chile, Guatemala and Uruguay. Each county has its own rendition of the dish, but the commonality is thin pieces of steak that are cooked on a grill or in a hot skillet.

Bowls of ingredients for marinade, and a plate of skirt steak.

What kind of meat is churrasco?

Churrasco is made with thin cuts of tender beef, and often uses cuts such as flank steak, skirt steak, sirloin or tenderloin. Thicker pieces of meat such as tenderloin are typically butterflied or cut into thinner pieces before they’re cooked. I typically use skirt steak because it’s naturally thin which means you don’t have to cut it before grilling, and it has tons of flavor.

Skirt steak in an olive oil and citrus marinade.

How do you make churrasco?

Start by preparing a marinade made with citrus juices, olive oil, garlic, herbs and seasonings. Let the meat sit in the marinade for at least one hour, or up to 8 hours. Place the steak on the grill, and cook for a few minutes on each side. While the steak is on the grill, prepare the chimichurri sauce. Thinly slice the meat, add a spoonful of sauce over the top, then serve and enjoy.

A bowl of homemade chimichurri sauce.

Tips for the perfect dish

  • I recommend using a meat thermometer to make sure your steak is at your desired level of doneness. I typically cook my steak to medium, which is approximately 140 degrees F.
  • This dish is best when you serve it immediately. Leftovers will stay fresh in the refrigerator for up to 2 days.
  • If it’s too cold to grill outside, try using an indoor grill pan, or cook the meat on the stove top in a heavy skillet.
  • Be sure to slice your skirt steak against the grain for the most tender pieces of meat.

How to make chimichurri sauce

The sauce for this recipe is so easy to make, and adds a fresh element to counteract the richness of the meat. In a small bowl, mix together minced shallot, red chilies, vinegar, parsley, cilantro, oregano and olive oil. Use immediately, or store in the fridge for up to one day.

Churrasco on a plate with chimichurri sauce and grilled vegetables.

Serving suggestions

There are so many different side dishes that pair well with this classic recipe.

  • Potatoes: Steak and potatoes are always a perfect match! Try serving your churrasco with mashed potatoes, french fries, or roasted potatoes. If you’re looking to save on a few carbs, swap out the mashed potatoes for mashed cauliflower.
  • Vegetables: I typically serve a green vegetable with my steak such as asparagus, green beans, broccoli or spinach.
  • Grains: Try offering up steamed rice with your meat, the rice will soak up all the great flavors of the chimichurri!

My family requests churrasco on a regular basis and I’m always happy to oblige – it’s just that good!

More steak recipes you’ll enjoy

  • Steak Kabobs with Garlic Butter
  • Rib Eye Steak
  • Steak Fajitas
  • The Best Steak Marinade
  • Pepper Steak Stir Fry

Churrasco with Chimichurri Video

Sliced churrasco served with a bowl of chimichurri sauce.
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5 from 9 votes

Churrasco with Chimichurri

This churrasco recipe is marinated skirt steak that is grilled to tender perfection, then topped with a fresh and flavorful chimichurri sauce. An easy dinner option that's quick enough for a busy weeknight, but elegant enough to serve to company.
Course Main
Cuisine South American
Prep Time 25 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Marinating Time 1 hour
Total Time 1 hour 40 minutes
Servings 6
Calories 466kcal
Author Sara Welch

Ingredients

For the churrasco

  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup orange juice
  • 2 tablespoons lime juice
  • 1 tablespoon lemon juice
  • 1 tablespoon garlic minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons salt
  • 1/2 teaspoon pepper
  • 1 teaspoon dried oregano
  • 2 pounds skirt steak

For the chimichurri sauce

  • 2 tablespoons shallot minced
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh red chili minced, such as jalapeno or fresno chili
  • 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
  • 1/2 cup olive oil
  • 1/3 cup fresh parsley leaves chopped
  • 1/4 cup fresh cilantro leaves chopped
  • 1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
  • salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

For the churrasco

  • Place the olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, lemon juice, garlic, salt, pepper and oregano in a large bowl. Whisk to combine.
  • Add the steak to the bowl and spoon the marinade over the top. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least one hour, or up to 8 hours.
  • Remove the steak from the marinade, scraping off any larger pieces. Preheat the grill to medium high heat.
  • Place the meat on the grill. Cook for 4-5 minutes per side or until desired level of doneness is reached.
  • Let the meat rest for at least 5 minutes, then thinly slice against the grain.

For the chimichurri sauce

  • Place all the sauce ingredients in a small bowl. Stir until well combined.
  • Spoon the chimichurri sauce over the steak, then serve.

Notes

  1. I like to cook my steak to medium which means it's light pink in the center.
  2. If you can't find a red chili pepper, feel free to substitute a green one instead.

Nutrition

Calories: 466kcal | Carbohydrates: 4g | Protein: 33g | Fat: 27g | Saturated Fat: 9g | Trans Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 95mg | Sodium: 686mg | Potassium: 524mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 369IU | Vitamin C: 15mg | Calcium: 23mg | Iron: 3mg
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Filed Under: Dinner, Grilling

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    Comments

    1. Jacque says

      August 15, 2021 at 1:45 pm

      5 stars
      This was everything a gourmet meal should be, and then some! The chimichurri sauce was spot on delicious; my whole family loved it!

      Reply
    2. Mel says

      July 23, 2021 at 1:50 pm

      5 stars
      I love steak and yours looks delicious. Thanks for sharing your chimichurri too!

      Reply
    3. Biana says

      July 23, 2021 at 1:24 pm

      5 stars
      The chimichurri sauce sounds so flavorful! It will be perfect with steak and veggies.

      Reply
    4. Alison says

      July 23, 2021 at 12:57 pm

      5 stars
      This chimichurri sauce is so refreshing and adds tons of flavor to the perfects cooked chrrasco!

      Reply
    5. Cate says

      July 23, 2021 at 11:39 am

      This looks like such a tasty summer recipe! Thanks for sharing can’t wait to try it.

      Reply
    6. Lima Ekram says

      July 14, 2021 at 6:28 pm

      5 stars
      I loved the chimichirri sauce! It was very refreshing and the amount of acid was just perfect!

      Reply
    7. Michelle says

      July 14, 2021 at 5:51 pm

      5 stars
      Thanks for all the information on churrasco — never heard of it until now. I love chimichurri sauce so this is definitely going on my to-make list this weekend! Yum!

      Reply
    8. Sarah Baumeister says

      July 14, 2021 at 5:20 pm

      5 stars
      Thank you for both recipes, they pair so perfectly together. I love how the fresh chimichurri offsets the skirt steak.

      Reply
    9. Anjali says

      July 14, 2021 at 4:29 pm

      5 stars
      This was so hearty and satisfying, and the chimichurri sauce was packed with flavor!

      Reply
    10. maryanne says

      July 14, 2021 at 2:03 pm

      5 stars
      This might be the best grilled steak I’ve ever made! And such great flavor from the chimichurri sauce! Definitely a repeat recipe!

      Reply

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