When the sun shines and the grill calls, there's one recipe that consistently steals the show: Grilled Skirt Steak with Creamy Avocado Chimichurri. This dish isn't just a meal; it's an experience, bringing together the smoky char of perfectly cooked steak with a sauce that's bright, herby, and wonderfully rich thanks to fresh avocado.
Skirt steak is a true grilling champion, celebrated for its robust beefy flavor and quick cooking time. When draped in our homemade creamy avocado chimichurri, it transforms into an unforgettable dish that feels like a gourmet treat but is surprisingly simple to master. The avocado adds a luscious, mellow counterpoint to the classic piquant chimichurri, creating a harmonious blend that will leave your taste buds wanting more.
Why This Grilled Skirt Steak Recipe Is a Must-Try
- Flavor Powerhouse: The smoky steak and zesty, creamy chimichurri combine for an explosion of taste.
- Effortlessly Quick: Skirt steak cooks in minutes, and the chimichurri is a breeze to whip up, making it ideal for busy evenings.
- Incredibly Adaptable: Serve it as a stand-alone main, pile it into tacos, or slice it over a fresh salad.
- Impressive Yet Achievable: It looks like it came from a high-end restaurant, but it's totally within reach for any home cook.
Whether you're planning a backyard barbecue or searching for an exciting new weeknight dinner, this recipe promises to be a resounding success. Let's fire up that grill!
Understanding Skirt Steak: Your Grilling Secret Weapon
Skirt steak comes from the diaphragm of the cow, a hardworking muscle that gives it an incredibly rich, beefy flavor. It's characterized by its long, thin shape and distinct grain. Because it's a leaner cut, it benefits greatly from high-heat, quick grilling to achieve a beautiful sear while maintaining tenderness. Always remember that slicing against the grain is critical for tenderness!
For those looking to perfect their grilling game, whether it's steak or poultry, I highly recommend checking out my guide on Grilled Chicken Breast: Juicy & Perfect in 6 Easy Steps for more universal tips and tricks.
Crafting Your Creamy Avocado Chimichurri
This vibrant sauce is truly the star that elevates the skirt steak. It's a fresh, tangy take on traditional chimichurri, with avocado adding an irresistible creaminess that balances the richness of the meat. While it's easy to make, if you're ever looking for more inspiration, Food Network offers a fantastic collection of easy sauce recipes that can transform any meal.
To get the best results, use a perfectly ripe avocado – not too hard, not too mushy. The fresh cilantro and bright lime juice are non-negotiable for that signature chimichurri zest!
Grilling Your Skirt Steak to Perfection
Success with skirt steak lies in a hot grill and precise timing. My Favorite Grill is a constant companion for recipes like this, always delivering consistent heat for that perfect sear.
Key Grilling Tips:
- Prep Your Grill: Ensure your grates are sparkling clean and well-oiled to prevent the steak from sticking.
- High Heat is Key: Get your grill screaming hot (450-500°F) before adding the steak.
- Don't Overcrowd: Cook in batches if necessary to maintain consistent grill temperature.
- Temperature Matters: For a beautiful medium-rare, aim for an internal temperature of 130-135°F (54-57°C) using a meat thermometer.
Expert Tips for the Best Results
- The Rest is Best: After grilling, always allow your skirt steak to rest for 5-10 minutes. This critical step allows the juices to redistribute, ensuring every bite is tender and flavorful.
- Slice Against the Grain: Skirt steak has a very prominent grain. Find it, and slice perpendicularly to it in thin strips for maximum tenderness. This makes a huge difference!
- Taste and Adjust: Always taste your chimichurri before serving. Adjust salt, pepper, or lime juice to your preference. Freshness is key here!
Serving Suggestions
This Grilled Skirt Steak with Creamy Avocado Chimichurri is incredibly versatile and pairs well with almost anything. Serve it simply with a side of fluffy rice or a vibrant green salad, or get creative:
- Turn it into delicious steak tacos or fajitas.
- Top a hearty grain bowl or a fresh summer salad.
- Use it as a centerpiece for loaded nachos or cheesy fries.
- For a lighter side, consider a refreshing Meal-Prep Friendly Cucumber Salad.
However you choose to enjoy it, this dish is destined to become a beloved staple in your culinary repertoire. Happy grilling!
Grilled Skirt Steak with Creamy Avocado Chimichurri
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Diet: Pescatarian
Description
Tender grilled skirt steak paired with a vibrant, creamy avocado chimichurri sauce for an unforgettable summer meal.
Ingredients
1 lb skirt steak
2 tbsp olive oil (for steak)
1 tsp salt (for steak)
1/2 tsp black pepper (for steak)
1 tsp garlic powder
1 tsp onion powder
1 ripe avocado, peeled and pitted
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, packed
2 cloves garlic (for chimichurri)
2 tbsp lime juice
2 tbsp olive oil (for chimichurri)
1/2 tsp salt (for chimichurri)
1/4 tsp black pepper (for chimichurri)
1/4 cup crumbled feta cheese (for topping)
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley (for topping)
Lime wedges (optional, for garnish)
Instructions
Step 1: Pat the skirt steak completely dry with paper towels. Drizzle with 2 tablespoons of olive oil and rub all over. Season generously with 1 teaspoon of salt, 1/2 teaspoon of black pepper, 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, and 1 teaspoon of onion powder. Let the steak sit at room temperature for 15-20 minutes while you prepare the chimichurri and heat the grill.
Step 2: To make the creamy avocado chimichurri, combine the peeled and pitted ripe avocado, 1/4 cup fresh cilantro, 2 cloves garlic, 2 tablespoons lime juice, 2 tablespoons olive oil, 1/2 teaspoon of salt, and 1/4 teaspoon of black pepper in a food processor or blender. Blend until the sauce is smooth and creamy. Taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
Step 3: Preheat your grill to high heat, aiming for 450-500°F (230-260°C). Clean the grill grates thoroughly with a wire brush and then lightly oil them to prevent sticking.
Step 4: Place the seasoned skirt steak directly onto the hot grill grates. Grill for 3-5 minutes per side for medium-rare, or until it reaches your desired doneness. Use a meat thermometer to confirm internal temperature: 130-135°F (54-57°C) for medium-rare, or 135-140°F (57-60°C) for medium.
Step 5: Once cooked, transfer the grilled steak to a clean cutting board. Tent it loosely with aluminum foil and let it rest for 5-10 minutes. This crucial step allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more tender and flavorful steak.
Step 6: After resting, slice the skirt steak thinly against the grain. Arrange the sliced steak on a platter and generously spoon the creamy avocado chimichurri over the top. Garnish with crumbled feta cheese and chopped fresh parsley. Serve immediately with optional lime wedges.
Notes
For best results, always slice skirt steak against the grain to ensure maximum tenderness. Adjust the spice level of the chimichurri by adding a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Serve with warm tortillas for easy tacos!
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Latin American
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 4 oz steak with sauce
- Calories: 380 kcal
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 650mg
- Fat: 28g
- Saturated Fat: 9g
- Unsaturated Fat: 17g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 3g
- Protein: 25g
- Cholesterol: 70mg
FAQs
<!-- wp:rank-math/faq-block {"questions":[{"id":"faq-68e91ea614e87","visible":true,"title":"What cut of steak is best for grilling with chimichurri?","content":"Skirt steak is superb for grilling due to its rich flavor and how quickly it cooks over high heat. Flank steak or flat iron steak are also great alternatives; just adjust your grilling times based on their thickness."},{"id":"faq-68e91ea614e9f","visible":true,"title":"Can I make avocado chimichurri ahead of time?","content":"For the freshest taste and vibrant color, it's best to make the avocado chimichurri just before serving. However, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. To minimize browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce before refrigerating. Adding a touch more lime juice can also help preserve its bright green hue."},{"id":"faq-68e91ea614ef4","visible":true,"title":"What sides pair well with Grilled Skirt Steak and Avocado Chimichurri?","content":"This flavorful steak is incredibly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with simple sides like rice pilaf, roasted root vegetables, a fresh corn salad, or a crisp green salad such as a Warm Pear and Walnut Salad with Blue Cheese. Don't forget some crusty bread to soak up any delicious juices!"},{"id":"faq-68e91ea614f0c","visible":true,"title":"How do I ensure my skirt steak is tender?","content":"To achieve tender skirt steak, avoid overcooking and always slice it against the grain. Skirt steak is best served medium-rare to medium. After grilling, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent bite. The final crucial step is to slice it thinly across the muscle fibers."}]} -->What cut of steak is best for grilling with chimichurri?
Skirt steak is superb for grilling due to its rich flavor and how quickly it cooks over high heat. Flank steak or flat iron steak are also great alternatives; just adjust your grilling times based on their thickness.
Can I make avocado chimichurri ahead of time?
For the freshest taste and vibrant color, it's best to make the avocado chimichurri just before serving. However, you can prepare it a few hours in advance. To minimize browning, press plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce before refrigerating. Adding a touch more lime juice can also help preserve its bright green hue.
What sides pair well with Grilled Skirt Steak and Avocado Chimichurri?
This flavorful steak is incredibly versatile. It pairs wonderfully with simple sides like rice pilaf, roasted root vegetables, a fresh corn salad, or a crisp green salad such as a Warm Pear and Walnut Salad with Blue Cheese. Don't forget some crusty bread to soak up any delicious juices!
How do I ensure my skirt steak is tender?
To achieve tender skirt steak, avoid overcooking and always slice it against the grain. Skirt steak is best served medium-rare to medium. After grilling, let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes to allow the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more succulent bite. The final crucial step is to slice it thinly across the muscle fibers.
