Chimichurri Steak Skewers

If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and visually stunning dinner or appetizer, Chimichurri Steak Skewers are exactly what you need. Tender cubes of steak are marinated with a vibrant, herbaceous chimichurri sauce and then grilled, roasted, or air-fried to perfection. The result is juicy steak with bold, zesty flavor in every bite—perfect for weeknight dinners, casual parties, or even meal prep.

This dish stands out because of its simplicity and elegance. A few quality ingredients and a little bit of prep work result in a dish that looks impressive and tastes like it came from a high-end restaurant. Plus, the versatility of cooking methods makes it accessible whether you have an air fryer, oven, grill, or skillet.

Why This Recipe Stands Out

• Bold, fresh flavors: The chimichurri sauce adds an herby, tangy punch.
• Tender steak every time: Proper seasoning and brief cooking keeps steak juicy.
• Quick and easy: Ready in just 25 minutes.
• Versatile cooking options: Air fryer, oven, skillet, or grill.
• Crowd-pleasing: Perfect as an appetizer or main dish for gatherings.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• Juicy steak coated in zesty, fresh chimichurri.
• Minimal prep and quick cook time.
• Perfect for entertaining, casual dinners, or meal prep.
• Versatile presentation—serve as skewers or over rice or salad.
• Can be made mild or spicy depending on your preference.

Ingredients Breakdown

This recipe serves 6 steak skewers.

Chimichurri Sauce

• ½ cup (107 g) extra virgin olive oil
• ¼ cup (60 g) red wine vinegar
• ½ medium shallot, finely diced (≈2 tablespoons)
• 1 small jalapeño, seeded and finely diced (≈2 tablespoons)
• ½ cup fresh parsley, minced
• 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
• 1 ½ teaspoons fresh oregano, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh basil, minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh cilantro, minced
• ½ teaspoon fresh thyme, minced
• ¼ teaspoon kosher salt
• 1 pinch red pepper flakes

Steak Skewers

• Wooden skewers, soaked in water for 30 minutes
• 1 pound steak, cut into 1-inch cubes (top sirloin or ribeye recommended)
• 1 teaspoon kosher salt
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 cup chimichurri sauce, divided

Tools & Equipment Needed

• Large mixing bowl (for chimichurri)
• Chef’s knife and cutting board
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Wooden skewers (soaked in water)
• Air fryer, grill, oven, or skillet
• Tongs or spatula

Step-by-Step Instructions

Making the Chimichurri Sauce

1. In a large bowl, combine olive oil, red wine vinegar, shallot, jalapeño, parsley, garlic, oregano, basil, cilantro, thyme, salt, and red pepper flakes. Stir well.
2. Let the sauce rest at room temperature for 1–2 hours to allow the flavors to meld.
3. Store any leftover sauce in a sealed container in the fridge for up to one week. Stir before using to reincorporate separated ingredients.

Preparing the Steak Skewers

4. Soak wooden skewers in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning during cooking.
5. Season steak cubes with salt and black pepper.
6. Toss steak with ¼ cup chimichurri sauce in a medium bowl. Reserve the remaining chimichurri for serving.
7. Thread steak cubes onto skewers, leaving space between each piece for even cooking.

Cooking Instructions

Air Fryer Method:
8. Preheat air fryer to 400°F.
9. Place skewers in a single layer in the air fryer basket. Cook 4–6 minutes, flipping halfway, until steak is browned and cooked to desired doneness.
10. Remove from the air fryer and brush with reserved chimichurri sauce. Serve immediately.

Grilling Method:

• Preheat grill to medium-high.
• Cook skewers 3–4 minutes per side until browned and cooked to desired doneness.
• Brush with chimichurri sauce and serve.

Oven Method:

• Preheat oven to 400°F.
• Place skewers on a parchment-lined baking sheet.
• Roast 8–12 minutes, flipping halfway. Brush with chimichurri sauce before serving.

Skillet Method:

• Heat skillet over medium-high heat with a small amount of oil.
• Cook skewers 4–6 minutes per side until browned and cooked to liking.
• Brush with chimichurri sauce and serve.

Tips & Variations

• Spice adjustment: Keep or remove jalapeño seeds to control heat.
• Meat options: Ribeye, sirloin, or even filet mignon can be used depending on budget and preference.
• Vegetable skewers: Add bell peppers, onions, or cherry tomatoes between steak pieces for extra flavor.
• Meal prep: Marinate steak in chimichurri for 1–2 hours or overnight for deeper flavor.
• Serving suggestions: Serve skewers over rice, quinoa, or a fresh salad.

Flavor Profile & Pairings

• Zesty and herbaceous: Fresh parsley, cilantro, oregano, and thyme shine in every bite.
• Spicy kick: Jalapeño adds a mild heat balanced by olive oil and vinegar.
• Savory steak flavor: Browning adds richness and depth.

Suggested Sides

• Grilled vegetables
• Simple arugula salad with lemon vinaigrette
• Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Garlic bread or warm pita

Nutritional Overview

Approximate nutrition per skewer (1 of 6 skewers):

• Calories: 382 kcal
• Protein: 28 g
• Carbohydrates: 2 g
• Fat: 30 g
• Fiber: 1 g

Dietary notes: Gluten-free, high-protein, paleo-friendly, dairy-free.

Make-Ahead & Meal Prep Tips

• Prepare chimichurri sauce up to 1 week in advance; refrigerate in airtight container.
• Marinate steak cubes in chimichurri 1–2 hours before cooking for maximum flavor.
• Skewers can be prepped in advance; cook just before serving.

FAQs

1. Can I use frozen steak?
Yes, but thaw completely before cutting into cubes and skewering.

2. How spicy are these skewers?
Mild by default; remove jalapeño seeds for less heat or add more red pepper flakes for extra kick.

3. Can I grill indoors?
Yes, use a stovetop grill pan or oven broiler.

4. How long can chimichurri sauce be stored?
Up to one week in the fridge in a sealed container.

5. Can I substitute wooden skewers?
Metal skewers work great and don’t require soaking.

Cooking Timeline (at a Glance)

Task	Time
Make chimichurri sauce	5–10 min
Marinate steak	1–2 hrs (optional)
Prepare skewers	5 min
Cook skewers (air fryer)	4–6 min
Total (without marination)	25 min

Serving Suggestions

• Serve directly on skewers for easy portioning.
• Brush with additional chimichurri for extra flavor.
• Garnish with fresh herbs for visual appeal.
• Pair with roasted vegetables or a light salad for a complete meal.

Recipe Variations

1. Vegetable-Loaded Skewers: Alternate steak with bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
2. Spicy Skewers: Leave jalapeño seeds or add fresh chili for extra heat.
3. Citrus Chimichurri: Add lemon or lime juice for a fresh twist.
4. Mini Skewers: Use smaller steak cubes for appetizer-sized portions.

Ingredient Spotlight

Chimichurri Sauce:

• A classic Argentine sauce made from fresh herbs, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar.
• Offers bright, fresh flavors that complement rich, savory steak.
• Can be made ahead and used as a marinade, dip, or dressing.

Steak:

• Top sirloin or ribeye is ideal for tenderness and flavor.
• Cut into uniform cubes for even cooking.
• Searing adds caramelization and depth of flavor.

Pro Cooking Tips

• Let steak cubes come to room temperature before cooking for even doneness.
• Brush skewers with chimichurri during resting to enhance flavor.
• Don’t overcrowd the pan or air fryer basket—cook in batches if necessary.
• Rest skewers for a few minutes after cooking to retain juices.

Storage & Freezing Guide

• Refrigeration: Store cooked skewers in airtight container for up to 3 days.
• Chimichurri sauce: Store separately up to one week.
• Freezing: Cooked skewers can be frozen in a single layer; thaw in fridge and reheat gently.

Nutrition Estimate Table (Per Skewer)

Nutrient	Amount	Notes
Calories	382 kcal
Protein	28 g	High-protein
Carbohydrates	2 g	Minimal
Fat	30 g	From olive oil and steak
Fiber	1 g	From herbs and jalapeño
Sugar	0.5 g	Natural sugars from vegetables

Dietary Notes: Gluten-free, paleo-friendly, high-protein, dairy-free.

Expanded Conclusion

Chimichurri Steak Skewers are the ultimate combination of flavor, freshness, and ease. Juicy, perfectly cooked steak paired with zesty, herbaceous chimichurri sauce is a dish that’s versatile enough for weeknights, parties, or meal prep.

Whether grilled, air-fried, roasted, or pan-seared, these skewers deliver bold flavors in every bite. With fresh herbs, a touch of heat, and a vibrant presentation, they’re sure to impress family, friends, and anyone lucky enough to try them.

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