Christmas Flank Steak with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
A festive and flavorful Christmas flank steak marinated with a zesty blend of chili powder, onion powder, lime juice, and oil, served with a vibrant and herbaceous chimichurri sauce made from fresh cilantro, parsley, garlic, and red wine vinegar. This dish is perfect for holiday gatherings and packed with bold, fresh flavors.
- Prep Time: 15 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 1 hour 25 minutes (including marinating time)
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Argentinian-inspired
Ingredients
Scale
Flank Steak and Marinade
- 1 ½ pounds flank steak
- ¼ cup oil
- 1 teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon salt
- Juice of 1 lime
Chimichurri Sauce
- ½ cup cilantro
- ½ cup parsley
- ½ onion, diced
- 1 teaspoon salt, or to taste
- ¼ teaspoon pepper, or to taste
- 1 tablespoon garlic
- ½ teaspoon Italian blend seasoning
- ½ teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes
- ⅓ cup oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar or apple cider vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the Marinade: In a bowl, whisk together the ¼ cup oil, chili powder, onion powder, 1 teaspoon salt, and the juice of 1 lime until well combined. This mixture will tenderize and flavor the flank steak.
- Marinate the Flank Steak: Place the flank steak in a shallow dish or resealable plastic bag, pour the marinade over the steak, ensuring it is fully coated. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, preferably 3-4 hours, to allow the flavors to penetrate the meat.
- Make the Chimichurri Sauce: In a food processor or blender, combine cilantro, parsley, diced onion, salt, pepper, garlic, Italian blend seasoning, crushed red pepper flakes, oil, and red wine vinegar. Pulse until everything is finely chopped but still slightly textured, adjusting seasoning as needed.
- Cook the Flank Steak: Preheat a grill or grill pan over medium-high heat. Remove the flank steak from the marinade and grill for about 4-5 minutes per side for medium rare, or cook longer to desired doneness. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing.
- Serve: Slice the flank steak thinly against the grain. Spoon generous amounts of the chimichurri sauce over the top and serve immediately for a bright and festive main dish.
Notes
- For best results, marinate the steak overnight to enhance flavor and tenderness.
- If you don’t have a grill, you can use a grill pan or broil the steak in the oven.
- The chimichurri sauce can be made a day ahead and refrigerated to deepen the flavors.
- Serve with roasted vegetables or a fresh salad for a complete meal.
- Adjust the red pepper flakes in the chimichurri to control the level of heat.
Keywords: flank steak, chimichurri sauce, Christmas recipe, grilled steak, holiday main dish, Argentinian flavors