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Arrachera (Mexican Skirt Steak) with Chimichurri

Author: Mary DiSomma

This delicious recipe for traditional Mexican grilled skirt steak (also known as arrachera). This marinade includes Serrano peppers, orange and lime, combined with spices like smoked paprika, Ancho chile powder, and cumin, for a bright and tangy bite.

The Chimichurri Sauce can be prepared in a food processor, I favor making it by hand with a traditional mortar and pestle (or molcajete) for a more rustic and authentic flavor. A classic chimichurri sauce will add a nice pop of flavor and color to steak, salads, pastas, paninis—actually, it goes on everything!

Arrachera (Mexican Skirt Steak) with Chimichurri

Arrachera (Mexican Skirt Steak) with Chimichurri

Skirt steak is a terrific cut of beef. A good soak in a marinade brings out its flavor. Paired with chimichurri, this is an easing filling main for a weeknight dinner or weekend barbeque with firends.

Yield
4-6 Servings
Prep Time
7 hours 7 hrs
Cook Time
15 minutes 15 min
Total Time
7 hours 15 minutes 7 hrs 15 min

Ingredients

For the Steak

For the Chimichurri Sauce

Instructions

  1. Using a mortar or molcajete, combine the onions, garlic and Serrano pepper. Add 1 teaspoon salt. Using the pestle, grind the mixture until it becomes a coarse paste. You will need to put a little effort in this! Make sure to process until it becomes a paste.
  2. Transfer the paste to a mixing bowl. Add the citrus juices, cilantro, smoked paprika, Ancho chile powder, cumin, oregano, pepper, remaining 1 teaspoon salt and beer. Mix to combine.
  3. Place the skirt or flank steak in a large, heavy plastic storage bag. Pour marinade over the steak. Seal bag and place on a baking sheet pan (in case the mixture leaks). Place in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours.
  4. When ready to grill steak, remove from the refrigerator and let meat get to room temperature for 30 minutes. Heat grill to medium-high. Remove steak from marinade and drain. Discard the marinade.
  5. Grill steak on direct heat for approximately 5 minutes. Turn steak over and cook for another 3 to 4 minutes. Use a meat thermometer to check the internal temperature of the meat. The temperature should read between 125 and 130 for medium rare. Remove steak from heat and let rest for 10 to 15 minutes before slicing. The meat temperature will raise approximately 5 degrees during the resting period. Always slice against the grain for the most tender cut of this meat. Serve with the chimichurri sauce.
Arrachera (Mexican Skirt Steak) with Chimichurri

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Chimichurri Sauce

Bright and herbaceous, you can make this recipe the traditional way with a mortar and pestle, or it’s easy to whip up in the food processor too! Usually served alongside grilled meats, this sauce is just as good as a dipping sauce for many other foods, like empanadas!

Yield
1/2 Cup
Prep Time
5 minutes 5 min
Cook Time
30 minutes 30 min
Total Time
35 minutes 35 min

Ingredients

Instructions

For a Mortar & Pestle

  1. Place parsley, cilantro, garlic and capers in a mortar. Mix with your pestle to combine.
  2. Add the vinegar, salt, red pepper flakes and black pepper and stir with your pestle to combine.
  3. Slowly pour in olive oil and mix well. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more olive oil
  4. Let sauce rest for 30 minutes before serving.

For a Food Processor

  1. Place parsley, cilantro, garlic, capers, vinegar, salt, red pepper flakes and black pepper into a food processor.
  2. Slowly pour in olive oil and pulse to combine. If the sauce is too thick, add a bit more olive oil.
  3. Let sauce rest for 30 minutes before serving.
Chimichurri Sauce

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