Chimichurri steak tacos are a tasty way to enjoy your next meal. This simple recipe packs bold flavors that will impress your family and friends. With just a few key ingredients, you can whip up vibrant chimichurri sauce and juicy flank steak. Get ready for a delightful taco experience that’s easy to make. Let’s dive into the ingredients and start cooking up something delicious!
Why I Love This Recipe
- Bold Flavors: The chimichurri sauce adds a vibrant and zesty kick to the steak, elevating the overall taste of the tacos.
- Quick and Easy: With a total prep and cook time of just 30 minutes, this recipe is perfect for a weeknight dinner or a quick weekend meal.
- Customizable: You can easily add your favorite toppings such as avocado or fresh cilantro to personalize your tacos to your liking.
- Healthy Option: Flank steak is a lean cut of meat, and when paired with fresh ingredients in the chimichurri, these tacos are both nutritious and delicious.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients for Chimichurri Steak Tacos
- 1 lb flank steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 8 small corn tortillas
Chimichurri Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
Chimichurri steak tacos are simple yet packed with flavor. To start, gather all the main ingredients. The flank steak is the star of this dish. It offers a nice, rich flavor when cooked well. Use olive oil to help the seasoning stick. Don’t skip the salt and pepper; they enhance the steak's taste.
Now, let's talk about the chimichurri sauce. This sauce adds a bright, fresh flavor. Fresh parsley is key here, and it gives a vibrant green color. Garlic adds depth, while the red pepper flakes give a mild kick. The vinegar balances the richness of the steak. Olive oil brings everything together, making the sauce smooth.
When mixing the sauce, you want it to be well combined. Adjust the salt and pepper to your taste. Letting it sit for a bit helps the flavors meld together. This is a crucial step for the best taste.
These ingredients come together to create a delicious taco experience. You can also add your favorite toppings later, but the steak and chimichurri are what make it special. Enjoy the process and get ready for a flavorful meal!
Step-by-Step Instructions
Preparing the Chimichurri Sauce
- Start by combining 1 cup of finely chopped parsley, 3 cloves of minced garlic, and 1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes in a medium bowl.
- Next, add 1/4 cup of red wine vinegar and 1/2 cup of extra virgin olive oil to the mix. Stir well until all the ingredients blend smoothly.
- Season with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper to taste. Let the sauce sit for at least 10 minutes. This helps the flavors develop and become more vibrant.
Cooking the Flank Steak
- Preheat your grill or a cast-iron skillet over medium-high heat until hot.
- Drizzle 1 tablespoon of olive oil on the flank steak. Make sure it is well coated.
- Season both sides with sea salt and freshly ground black pepper. Cook the steak for about 4-5 minutes on each side. Aim for medium-rare, which is 130°F (54°C), or your desired doneness.
Finalizing the Tacos
- Once cooked, remove the steak from the heat and let it rest on a cutting board for about 5 minutes. This step is key for a juicy steak.
- After resting, slice the flank steak against the grain into thin strips. This will make each bite tender.
- Warm 8 small corn tortillas in a dry skillet over medium heat for about 30 seconds on each side. Be careful not to overheat them.
- To assemble, place a few strips of steak on each tortilla. Drizzle a generous amount of chimichurri sauce over the meat. You can add toppings like diced tomatoes, sliced avocado, or fresh cilantro for more flavor.
Tips & Tricks
Best Practices for Juicy Steak
Resting the steak is key. After cooking, let it sit for about five minutes. This time helps the juices spread throughout the meat. Slicing it too soon will let those juices run out.
For perfect doneness, use a meat thermometer. Aim for 130°F for medium-rare. If you prefer your steak more done, adjust your cooking time. Always cook meat on medium-high heat for a nice sear.
Enhancing Chimichurri Flavor
You can adjust the spice level with red pepper flakes. Start with half a teaspoon for mild heat. If you like it spicier, add more to taste.
The choice of vinegar affects the flavor. Red wine vinegar gives a robust taste. If you want something milder, use apple cider vinegar instead. Both options work well, so choose what you like best.
Tortilla Warming Techniques
To keep tortillas soft, warm them in a dry skillet. Heat each side for about thirty seconds. This method makes them pliable and easy to fold.
If you don’t have a skillet, use a microwave. Wrap tortillas in a damp paper towel and heat in short bursts. Be careful not to overheat them, as they can become stiff.
Pro Tips
- Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh parsley and high-quality olive oil make a significant difference in the flavor of your chimichurri sauce. Always opt for the freshest ingredients available for the best results.
- Resting is Key: Allowing the steak to rest after cooking is crucial. This step helps the juices redistribute throughout the meat, ensuring each bite is juicy and tender.
- Slice Against the Grain: For maximum tenderness, always slice flank steak against the grain. This method shortens the muscle fibers, making the meat easier to chew.
- Customize Your Toppings: Feel free to add toppings like diced onions, jalapeños, or pickled vegetables to your tacos. These additions can enhance the flavor and add texture to your meal.
Variations
Alternative Proteins
You can switch things up by using chicken or shrimp instead of flank steak. Grilled chicken thighs marinated in chimichurri sauce provide a juicy and flavorful option. Shrimp also works well. Just marinate them in the sauce, then quickly grill. Both options bring a fresh twist to your tacos. If you want a vegetarian choice, grilled vegetables like zucchini and bell peppers are fantastic. They soak up the chimichurri's flavors and add great texture.
Topping Ideas
Toppings can take your tacos to the next level. Diced tomatoes add a burst of freshness. Creamy avocado slices bring richness. You can also try adding fresh herbs like cilantro or mint for a pop of flavor. Cheese lovers might enjoy crumbling some feta or queso fresco on top. Each topping enhances the dish and lets you customize your tacos.
Different Chimichurri Versions
Chimichurri comes in two main types: green and red. Green chimichurri uses parsley as the base, while red uses ingredients like roasted red peppers or tomatoes. Each version has its unique taste. You can also add citrus juice, like lime or lemon, for a bright twist. The citrus balances the richness of the steak and adds a refreshing note. Experimenting with different versions can keep your tacos exciting!
Storage Info
Storing Leftover Taco Components
To keep your taco night great, you need to store your leftovers right. First, for the cooked steak, wrap it in plastic wrap or place it in an airtight container. This method helps keep the steak juicy. Store it in the fridge for up to three days. For the chimichurri sauce, pour it into a clean jar. It will stay fresh in the fridge for a week. Just remember to stir it before using.
For the tortillas, keep them in a sealed bag at room temperature. If they get hard, they won't taste good. Use them within three days for the best flavor.
Reheating Tips
When it comes to reheating steak, do it gently. Place the steak in a skillet over low heat. Cover it with a lid to trap moisture. This helps prevent the steak from drying out. Heat it for about five minutes, flipping once.
To warm tortillas, use a dry skillet over medium heat. Heat them for about thirty seconds on each side. This method keeps them soft and pliable, just like fresh out of the package.
Freezing Recommendations
You can freeze chimichurri sauce if you want to save it for later. Pour it into an ice cube tray and freeze. Once it’s frozen, pop the cubes into a bag. This way, you can use just what you need next time.
For the steak, yes, you can freeze it too! Wrap it tightly in plastic wrap, then place it in a freezer bag. Squeeze out the air to prevent freezer burn. It can last up to three months in the freezer. When you’re ready to use it, thaw the steak in the fridge overnight.
FAQs
What is chimichurri sauce made of?
Chimichurri sauce is fresh and vibrant. It mainly includes:
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 3 cloves garlic, finely minced
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- Sea salt and freshly ground black pepper
This sauce has a bright flavor from the parsley and vinegar. The garlic adds depth, while red pepper flakes give it a nice kick. Overall, chimichurri is zesty, fresh, and pairs perfectly with steak.
How do I know when my steak is medium-rare?
A medium-rare steak is juicy and tender. To check if your steak is ready, use a meat thermometer. Aim for an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C). This ensures the steak will be warm, pink, and soft in the middle.
You can also use the touch test. Press the center of the steak with your finger. If it feels soft and springs back, it's medium-rare.
Can I make chimichurri sauce in advance?
Yes, you can make chimichurri sauce ahead of time. This makes meal prep easy. Here’s how:
- Prepare the sauce and store it in an airtight container.
- Keep it in the fridge for up to a week.
The flavors will blend and deepen over time. Just give it a good stir before using.
What should I serve with chimichurri steak tacos?
Chimichurri steak tacos are tasty on their own, but you can add sides. Consider serving:
- Black beans or refried beans
- Mexican rice
- A fresh salad with lime dressing
For drinks, try a light beer or a fruity margarita. These pair well with the flavors of the tacos. Enjoy your meal!
Chimichurri steak tacos are a simple yet tasty dish. You can use flank steak or other proteins arranged on warm corn tortillas. The chimichurri sauce gives a fresh kick with parsley and garlic. Remember to rest the steak and warm the tortillas for the best taste. You can store extras for later. Explore variations with toppings or different herbs for a fun twist. Enjoy a delicious meal that is both quick and satisfying.
