Easy Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri
If you’re looking for a vibrant, mouthwatering meal that’s both quick to prepare and bursting with flavor, these Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri are exactly what you need. Combining juicy, tender skirt steak with a fresh, zesty chimichurri sauce, layered on a bed of fluffy rice and crisp veggies, this dish is perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed weekend dinners. Full of colors, textures, and bold tastes, Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri bring excitement to your plate without complicating your evening.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick and Easy: Ready in under 30 minutes, making it perfect for busy nights.
- Flavor Explosion: The chimichurri sauce adds a fresh and tangy punch that complements the rich steak beautifully.
- Nutritious and Balanced: Combines protein, healthy fats, and carbs for a complete meal.
- Versatile: Easily customizable with different vegetables and grains to suit your taste or diet.
- Great for Meal Prep: Holds up well for lunches or quick dinners throughout the week.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This recipe keeps things simple but impactful, using fresh and essential ingredients that add great taste, texture, and visual appeal to your rice bowls.
- Skirt Steak: Choose well-marbled skirt steak for maximum tenderness and flavor.
- Rice: Use jasmine, basmati, or brown rice as a fluffy base for the bowl.
- Chimichurri Sauce: Made with fresh parsley, garlic, olive oil, oregano, red wine vinegar, and chili flakes for a zesty finish.
- Vegetables: Bell peppers, cherry tomatoes, and red onions add crunch and vibrant color.
- Lime Juice: Adds brightness and a bit of acidity to balance the richness.
- Olive Oil: For grilling and sautéing, essential for flavor and texture.
- Salt and Pepper: To season everything perfectly.
Variations for Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri
Feel free to tweak this recipe to suit your preferences or dietary needs. It’s incredibly adaptable, so experiment with ingredients and flavors that excite you.
- Protein Swap: Use flank steak, chicken, or even tofu for a vegetarian twist.
- Grain Alternatives: Substitute rice with quinoa, cauliflower rice, or farro.
- Veggie Upgrades: Add roasted corn, avocado slices, or sautéed mushrooms for extra texture.
- Spice Level: Adjust chili flakes or add a dash of hot sauce for more heat.
- Dairy Addition: Top with crumbled queso fresco or feta for a creamy contrast.
How to Make Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri
Step 1: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce
Start by finely chopping fresh parsley, garlic, and oregano. Combine these with olive oil, red wine vinegar, chili flakes, salt, and pepper in a bowl. Mix well and let the flavors meld while you prepare the rest of the dish.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
Rinse your choice of rice and cook according to package instructions. Fluff the rice when done and keep warm, as this will serve as the comforting base for your bowl.
Step 3: Marinate and Grill the Skirt Steak
Season the skirt steak generously with salt, pepper, and a splash of olive oil. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat, then cook the steak for 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare. Rest the meat for a few minutes before slicing thinly against the grain for tenderness.
Step 4: Prepare the Vegetables
Slice colorful bell peppers, halve cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice red onions. You can lightly sauté or serve them raw based on your texture preference.
Step 5: Assemble the Bowls
Divide the cooked rice into bowls, layer with sliced steak and fresh vegetables, then generously drizzle your homemade chimichurri sauce over everything. Finish with a squeeze of lime juice for a bright, fresh touch.
Pro Tips for Making Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri
- Rest the Steak: Allow the steak to rest after cooking to keep it juicy.
- Slicing Tip: Always slice skirt steak against the grain to maximize tenderness.
- Make Chimichurri Ahead: Prepare the sauce a day before to deepen its flavors.
- Rice Choice: Opt for day-old rice if you want a firmer texture that holds up well in bowls.
- Balance Flavors: Taste and adjust salt, acidity, and heat in your chimichurri for a perfect zing.
How to Serve Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri
Garnishes
Top your rice bowls with chopped fresh cilantro, a sprinkle of toasted pumpkin seeds, or thinly sliced radishes to add extra crunch and freshness.
Side Dishes
Serve these bowls alongside a crisp green salad, grilled corn on the cob, or even some warm, crusty bread to complete the meal.
Creative Ways to Present
For a crowd, assemble bowls in individual mason jars or bento-style containers, layering each ingredient for a visually stunning and convenient presentation.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Keep leftover components like steak, rice, and chimichurri sauce in separate airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days to maintain freshness.
Freezing
While rice and cooked steak can be frozen, the chimichurri sauce is best stored fresh to maintain its bright flavors; freeze in small portions if needed, but expect some loss of vibrancy upon thawing.
Reheating
Reheat the steak and rice gently in a skillet or microwave, then add fresh chimichurri sauce just before serving to preserve its bright, fresh quality.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! Flank steak or hanger steak are great alternatives that also provide great flavor and texture for the bowls.
Is chimichurri sauce spicy?
Chimichurri typically has a mild kick from chili flakes, but you can easily adjust the heat to your liking by adding more or less chili.
Can this recipe be made vegetarian?
Yes! Substitute the steak with grilled portobello mushrooms, tofu, or tempeh, and keep the chimichurri for the same vibrant flavor.
What type of rice works best in these bowls?
Jasmine or basmati rice offers a fragrant and fluffy result, but brown rice or quinoa are excellent nutritious alternatives for a heartier bowl.
How long can I store the chimichurri sauce?
Chimichurri sauce stays fresh in the refrigerator for up to one week, but its flavor often improves if prepared a day ahead.
Final Thoughts
These Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri are one of those recipes that hit all the right notes—flavorful, colorful, and effortlessly satisfying. Whether you’re feeding a family, meal prepping for the week, or entertaining friends, this dish brings joy and simplicity together in every bite. So go ahead, give it a try, and watch this become your new favorite go-to dinner!
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Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri
Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri are a vibrant, quick, and flavorful meal featuring tender skirt steak, zesty chimichurri sauce, fluffy rice, and fresh vegetables. Perfect for busy weeknights or relaxed dinners, this dish combines bold tastes, colorful textures, and balanced nutrition all in one bowl.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 30 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings 1x
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling, Sautéing
- Cuisine: Latin American
- Diet: Gluten Free
Ingredients
Skirt Steak
- 1 lb well-marbled skirt steak
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- 1 tbsp olive oil (for seasoning and grilling)
Rice Base
- 1 cup jasmine, basmati, or brown rice
- Water as needed (according to rice package instructions)
Chimichurri Sauce
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 1/3 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/2 tsp chili flakes (adjust to taste)
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
Vegetables
- 1 cup bell peppers, sliced
- 1 cup cherry tomatoes, halved
- 1/2 cup red onions, thinly sliced
Additional Ingredients
- 1 lime, juiced
- Olive oil for sautéing vegetables (optional)
- Salt and pepper, to season vegetables
Instructions
- Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce: Finely chop fresh parsley, garlic, and oregano. In a bowl, mix these with olive oil, red wine vinegar, chili flakes, salt, and pepper. Stir well and let flavors meld while preparing the rest of the dish.
- Cook the Rice: Rinse your choice of rice thoroughly. Cook following the package instructions until fluffy. Once done, fluff the rice and keep it warm to serve as the base for your bowl.
- Marinate and Grill the Skirt Steak: Season the skirt steak generously with salt, pepper, and a splash of olive oil. Heat a grill or skillet over medium-high heat. Cook the steak for 3 to 4 minutes on each side for medium-rare. Remove from heat and let it rest for a few minutes before slicing thinly against the grain for max tenderness.
- Prepare the Vegetables: Slice bell peppers, halve cherry tomatoes, and thinly slice the red onions. Optionally, lightly sauté the vegetables in olive oil for added flavor or serve raw for crispness.
- Assemble the Bowls: Divide the cooked rice among serving bowls. Layer with sliced steak and vegetables. Drizzle generously with chimichurri sauce and finish with a fresh squeeze of lime juice for brightness.
Notes
- Rest the Steak: Allow the steak to rest after cooking to keep it juicy.
- Slicing Tip: Always slice skirt steak against the grain to maximize tenderness.
- Make Chimichurri Ahead: Prepare the sauce a day before to deepen its flavors.
- Rice Choice: Opt for day-old rice if you prefer a firmer texture for the bowl.
- Balance Flavors: Taste and adjust salt, acidity, and heat in your chimichurri for perfect zing.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 bowl
- Calories: 550 kcal
- Sugar: 4 g
- Sodium: 350 mg
- Fat: 22 g
- Saturated Fat: 4 g
- Unsaturated Fat: 16 g
- Trans Fat: 0 g
- Carbohydrates: 45 g
- Fiber: 4 g
- Protein: 35 g
- Cholesterol: 90 mg
Keywords: skirt steak, rice bowl, chimichurri, quick dinner, grilled steak, healthy meal, meal prep, Latin American cuisine