Skirt Steak Chimichurri Marinade – Best Flavor
Skirt steak marinade recipe with chimichurri is your ticket to a flavor explosion that will redefine your weeknight dinners. We all crave those meals that feel both impressive and ridiculously easy, and this combination delivers just that. The beauty of skirt steak lies in its incredible tenderness and ability to soak up marinades like a sponge, making our robust skirt steak marinade recipe with chimichurri the perfect pairing. But what truly elevates this dish from great to unforgettable is the vibrant, herbaceous chimichurri. This Argentinian sauce, bursting with fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, and a touch of vinegar, cuts through the richness of the steak with a bright, zesty counterpoint. It’s the kind of meal that makes everyone at the table ask for seconds, and you’ll be thrilled to share your secret – this incredible skirt steak marinade recipe with chimichurri.

Skirt Steak Marinade Recipe with Chimichurri Recipe
There’s something incredibly satisfying about a perfectly grilled skirt steak, especially when it’s infused with vibrant flavors. Today, we’re diving into a recipe that delivers just that: a robust marinade for skirt steak that gets elevated by a bright, herbaceous chimichurri sauce. Skirt steak, with its characteristic long, flat shape and deep beefy flavor, is ideal for marinades as it tenderizes beautifully and soaks up all those delicious juices. And chimichurri? This Argentinian classic is the perfect counterpoint, a fresh and zesty sauce that cuts through the richness of the steak. Get ready for a meal that’s as impressive as it is delicious!
Ingredients:
The Marinade: Building Flavor
This marinade is designed to tenderize the skirt steak while imparting a complex, savory flavor. The citrus from the orange and lime juices helps to break down the tough fibers in the meat, making it more tender. The soy sauce and Worcestershire sauce provide a deep umami foundation, while the vinegar adds a welcome tang. The minced garlic is, of course, essential for that aromatic punch.
Marinade Preparation and Steak Treatment:
1. Combine the Marinade Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the 2/3 cup olive oil, 1/2 cup fresh orange juice, 1/3 cup fresh lime juice, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce, and 3 tablespoons of apple cider or red grape juice vinegar. Add the 4 minced garlic cloves to the mixture and stir well to combine.
2. Prepare the Skirt Steak: Pat your skirt steak dry with paper towels. This step is crucial for achieving a good sear later on. If your skirt steak is particularly large or thick, you can cut it into manageable pieces, usually 2-3 sections, to ensure even marination and cooking. Trim off any excess fat, but leave a little on for flavor and to prevent sticking.
3. Marinate the Steak: Place the skirt steak in a resealable plastic bag or a shallow dish. Pour the prepared marinade over the steak, ensuring it’s evenly coated. Gently massage the marinade into the meat. Seal the bag (pressing out as much air as possible) or cover the dish tightly. Refrigerate for at least 2 hours, and up to 8 hours. Avoid marinating for too long with citrus, as it can start to “cook” the steak and make the texture mushy. For best results, aim for the middle of this window.
The Chimichurri: A Burst of Freshness
While the steak is marinating, let’s get started on our vibrant chimichurri sauce. This sauce is incredibly simple to make and brings a fantastic freshness that beautifully complements the rich, grilled skirt steak. It’s a staple in Argentinian cuisine for a reason!
Chimichurri Preparation:
1. Prepare the Herbs and Aromatics: Finely chop the 1 cup of fresh parsley and 1 cup of fresh cilantro. The finer the chop, the better the chimichurri will incorporate. Mince the 3 garlic cloves for the chimichurri. Dice the 1/2 medium onion very finely.
2. Combine Chimichurri Ingredients: In a small bowl, combine the chopped parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, and finely diced onion. Add the 3 tablespoons of fresh lime juice.
3. Add the Olive Oil and Season: Pour in 1/4 to 1/3 cup of olive oil. Start with 1/4 cup and add more to reach your desired consistency – it should be pourable but not watery. Stir everything together until well combined. Season generously with salt and pepper to taste. For an extra kick, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes. Let the chimichurri sit at room temperature for at least 15-30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step is important for developing the full flavor profile of the sauce.
Grilling the Skirt Steak: The Grand Finnon-alcoholic ale
Once your steak has marinated and your chimichurri is ready, it’s time to cook! Skirt steak cooks very quickly, so keep a close eye on it to prevent overcooking.
Grilling Instructions:
1. Preheat Your Grill: Preheat your grill to high heat. You want a nice, hot surface to get a good sear. If you’re using a cast-iron skillet indoors, heat it over medium-high to high heat with a little oil.
2. Sear the Steak: Remove the skirt steak from the marinade, letting any excess drip off. Discard the used marinade. Season the steak generously with salt and pepper on both sides. Place the steak on the hot grill. For medium-rare, grill for approximately 3-5 minutes per side, depending on the thickness of the steak. You’re looking for a beautiful crust and a rich, red interior. The internal temperature for medium-rare is 130-135°F. Skirt steak is best enjoyed on the rarer side; cooking it much past medium can make it tough.
3. Rest and Slice: Once cooked to your desired doneness, remove the skirt steak from the grill and let it rest on a cutting board for at least 5-10 minutes. This resting period is crucial for allowing the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak. After resting, slice the skirt steak thinly against the grain. You’ll notice the long muscle fibers in skirt steak; slicing perpendicular to these fibers will make the meat much more tender and enjoyable to eat.
Serve your perfectly grilled skirt steak immediately, spooning a generous amount of the vibrant chimichurri sauce over the top. This dish is wonderful served with grilled vegetables, rice, or a fresh salad. Enjoy!

Conclusion:
I hope you’re as excited as I am about this fantastic Skirt Steak Marinade Recipe with Chimichurri Recipe! This combination is truly a winner because it delivers incredibly tender and flavorful skirt steak, perfectly complemented by the vibrant, herbaceous punch of fresh chimichurri. The marinade tenderizes the steak beautifully, while the chimichurri adds a zesty, garlicky brightness that cuts through the richness. It’s a relatively quick marinade time, making it perfect for a weeknight dinner or an impressive dish for guests. You’ll be amazed at how simple yet sophisticated the final result is.
For serving, imagin extracte this delicious steak sliced thinly and served over a bed of fluffy rice, alongside roasted potatoes, or nestled into warm tortillas for fantastic tacos. It also pairs wonderfully with a fresh green salad. Don’t be afraid to get creative with your variations! You can add a pinch of red pepper flakes to the marinade for a touch of heat, or swap out some of the parsley in the chimichurri for cilantro for a slightly different flavor profile. Experiment with different vinegars in the chimichurri – red grape juice vinegar is classic, but apple cider or white grape juice vinegar also work well. Give this recipe a try; I promise you won’t be disappointed!
Frequently Asked Questions:
Q1: How long should I marinate the skirt steak for the best results?
For optimal tenderness and flavor infusion with this skirt steak marinade, I recommend marinating for at least 30 minutes at room temperature, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. Any longer in the fridge, and the acid in the marinade might start to break down the steak’s texture too much.
Q2: Can I make the chimichurri ahead of time?
Absolutely! Chimichurri is best when it has a little time for the flavors to meld. You can make it a day in advance and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Just give it a good stir before serving, as it may separate slightly.
Q3: What if I don’t have fresh parsley for the chimichurri?
While fresh parsley is ideal for its bright flavor, you can substitute with a combination of fresh cilantro and a smaller amount of fresh oregano if needed. Dried herbs are generally not recommended for chimichurri as they lack the vibrant, fresh taste.

Skirt Steak Marinade with Chimichurri
A flavorful marinade for skirt steak featuring bright citrus and savory notes, served with a vibrant herbaceous chimichurri sauce.
Ingredients
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2/3 cup olive oil
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1/2 cup fresh orange juice
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1/3 cup fresh lime juice
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1/4 cup soy sauce
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1/4 cup Worcestershire sauce
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3 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
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4 garlic cloves (minced)
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2-3 pounds skirt steak
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Salt and pepper to taste
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1 cup fresh parsley
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1 cup fresh cilantro
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1/4-1/3 cup olive oil
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1/2 medium onion (diced)
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3 garlic cloves
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3 tablespoons fresh lime juice
Instructions
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Step 1
Combine olive oil, orange juice, lime juice, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and minced garlic in a bowl. Whisk to combine. -
Step 2
Place skirt steak in a resealable bag or shallow dish. Pour marinade over the steak, ensuring it is fully coated. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 4 hours in the refrigerator. -
Step 3
While steak marinates, prepare the chimichurri. Finely chop fresh parsley and cilantro. Dice the onion and mince the garlic. -
Step 4
In a bowl, combine the chopped parsley, cilantro, diced onion, minced garlic, and fresh lime juice. Stir in 1/4 to 1/3 cup olive oil until well combined. Season with salt and pepper to taste. -
Step 5
Remove steak from marinade, discarding excess. Season generously with salt and pepper. -
Step 6
Grill or pan-sear the skirt steak to your desired level of doneness (about 4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare). -
Step 7
Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing against the grain. Serve with the chimichurri sauce.
Important Information
Nutrition Facts (Per Serving)
It is important to consider this information as approximate and not to use it as definitive health advice.
Allergy Information
Please check ingredients for potential allergens and consult a health professional if in doubt.
