Argentinian Spiced Steak Recipe

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Popular in the pampas of Argentina, Uruguay, and southern Brazil, Argentinian spiced steak is also known by its Spanish name, churrasco. The gauchos, the region’s expert horsemen and cattle herders, are credited with its inception because they popularized the practice of grilling over open flames.

Steak, typically flank or skirt steak, is marinated in a savory blend of spices and herbs before being grilled. Garlic, parsley, oregano, paprika, cumin, and chili flakes are common marinade ingredients that impart a robust, smoky flavor to the meat.

Chimichurri is a sauce commonly served with Argentinian spiced steak; it is comprised of parsley, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and chili flakes. This vibrant green sauce is a nice counterpoint to the smokiness and spice of the steak.

This dish is a mainstay of Argentinean cuisine and is frequently served at asados, the country’s traditional barbecues. Weekends and holidays are prime times for asados, when people can relax and spend time with loved ones while feasting on delicious food and drinking delicious wine.

Argentinian spiced steak has become a global phenomenon, beloved by carnivores everywhere. Anyone looking for a taste of the Argentine countryside will be pleased by this dish, thanks to its robust flavors and rich history.

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3 Reasons People Love the Argentinian Spiced Steak Recipe

1. Bold and Complex Flavors: The Argentinian spiced steak is packed with a variety of spices and herbs that give it a bold, smoky flavor profile. The mix of spices creates a complex taste that many people find irresistible.

2. High-Quality Meat: The steak used in this recipe is usually of high quality, such as flank or skirt steak, which is known for its tenderness and rich flavor. This, combined with the spices, creates a truly delicious meal.

3. Cultural Significance: The dish has a long history in Argentinean culture, and it is often associated with traditional barbecues and gatherings with friends and family. Many people love this dish not only for its flavor but also for the cultural significance it holds.

How To Make Our Argentinian Spiced Steak Recipe

Ingredients: (8 Servings)

2 pounds flank or skirt steak
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/4 cup chopped fresh parsley
6 garlic cloves, minced
2 teaspoons paprika
2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 teaspoon dried oregano
1 teaspoon red pepper flakes
Salt and black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. In a large bowl, whisk together the olive oil, red wine vinegar, chopped parsley, minced garlic, paprika, ground cumin, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper.

2. Add the flank or skirt steak to the marinade, making sure that it is fully coated. Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and marinate the steak in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours.

3. Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat. Remove the steak from the marinade and shake off any excess. Discard the remaining marinade.

4. Grill the steak for 4-5 minutes per side, or until it is cooked to your desired level of doneness.

5. Let the steak rest for 5-10 minutes before slicing it against the grain into thin strips.

6. Serve the spiced steak hot with chimichurri sauce and your favorite side dishes.

Nutritional Information For the Argentinian Spiced Steak Recipe

Calories: 273
Carbohydrates: 2 g
Protein: 31 g
Fat: 15 g
Saturated Fat: 4 g
Cholesterol: 94 mg
Sodium: 93 mg
Potassium: 521 mg
Fiber: 1 g
Sugar: 0 g

Prep Time: Prep Time: 10-15 minutes

Marinating Time: 1 hour to 24 hours

Cooking Time: 8-10 minutes
(depending on desired level of doneness)

Pots, Pans, and Cooking Equipment Needed for the Argentinian Spiced Steak Recipe

Large bowl for marinating
Grill or grill pan for cooking the steak

Best Way to Store Leftovers From the Argentinian Spiced Steak Recipe

Allow the spiced steak to cool to room temperature.
Transfer the leftovers to an airtight container or resealable plastic bag.
Store the leftovers in the refrigerator for up to 3-4 days.

Substitutions For the Argentinian Spiced Steak Recipe

Flank or skirt steak: You can use other cuts of beef such as sirloin or ribeye, or you can substitute with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian version.
Red wine vinegar: You can use white wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar, or lemon juice instead.
Parsley: You can use cilantro or basil instead.
Paprika: You can use smoked paprika or chili powder instead.
Red pepper flakes: You can use cayenne pepper or hot sauce instead.

Substitutions for a Vegetarian Version of the Argentinian Spiced Steak Recipe

Substitute the beef with tofu or Portobello mushrooms.

Tips and Tricks for Easier Creation

Make sure to fully coat the steak with the marinade to ensure the flavors penetrate the meat.
Don’t overcook the steak to ensure it stays tender and juicy.
Let the steak rest for a few minutes before slicing to allow the juices to redistribute.

Side Dishes and Desserts For the Argentinian Spiced Steak Recipe

Chimichurri sauce
Grilled vegetables
Grilled corn on the cob
Salad with a vinaigrette dressing

Dulce de leche dessert

How To Serve the Argentinian Spiced Steak Recipe

Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips.
Serve hot with chimichurri sauce and your favorite side dishes.

FAQs About the Argentinian Spiced Steak Recipe

What cut of meat is best for the Argentinian spiced steak recipe?
The traditional cut of meat used for this recipe is flank or skirt steak, which is known for its tenderness and rich flavor.

Can I use a different type of meat for this recipe?
Yes, you can use other cuts of beef such as sirloin or ribeye, or you can substitute with chicken or tofu for a vegetarian version.

How long should I marinate the steak for?
It is recommended to marinate the steak for at least 1 hour or up to 24 hours for the best flavor.

What are some popular side dishes to serve with this dish?
Grilled vegetables, grilled corn on the cob, and salad with a vinaigrette dressing are all popular side dishes to serve with the Argentinian spiced steak.

Can I make this recipe ahead of time?
Yes, you can marinate the steak up to 24 hours in advance and store it in the refrigerator until ready to cook. The chimichurri sauce can also be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Final Thoughts

A popular dish, the Argentinian Spiced Steak is made from premium cuts of beef and a special blend of spices and herbs. The gauchos of South America are the historical inspiration for this custom, which finds cultural expression in the form of traditional barbecues and get-togethers with friends and family.

Meat eaters all over the world adore this dish because of the bold and complex flavors of the Argentinian spiced steak and the tangy and fresh chimichurri sauce. The dish’s adaptability to different preparations makes it suitable for a wide variety of occasions and tastes, from sandwiches to salads.

Although flank or skirt steak is typically used, other cuts of beef or even tofu for a vegetarian version can be used. The Argentinian Spiced Steak recipe calls for a straightforward marinade and grilling method (or a grill pan).

Chimichurri sauce can be made ahead of time for added convenience, and leftovers can be stored in the fridge for up to 3-4 days. Grilled vegetables, corn on the cob, and salads are common choices for side dishes.

A dish with such a long and storied cultural history as the Argentinian spiced steak deserves to be enjoyed by people all over the world. Its robust flavors and adaptability make it a fantastic addition to the recipe arsenal of any meat lover.