Grilled Flat Iron Steak with Zesty Chimichurri: An Unforgettable Flavor Experience

Transform your next meal into a culinary celebration with this incredible Flat Iron Steak recipe, perfectly complemented by a vibrant, herbaceous Chimichurri Sauce. Ideal for any occasion, from festive holidays to special weekend gatherings, or even a delightful weeknight treat, this dish features steak marinated in a rich, Latin-inspired blend before being expertly grilled and finished with a generous topping of fresh chimichurri.

A Journey to the Heart of Beef Excellence: My Certified Angus Beef® Experience

A few weeks ago, I had the incredible opportunity to visit the Certified Angus Beef® (CAB) culinary education center in Wooster, Ohio. It was an immersive and enlightening experience, bringing together ten bloggers to explore the world of premium beef. Over the weekend, we met with talented chefs, participated in hands-on cooking sessions, and learned an immense amount about beef – from selecting the perfect cut to mastering various cooking techniques and even the art of slicing. The CAB chefs truly spoiled us, preparing an array of exquisite meals that included prime rib, lobster-stuffed beef tenderloin, and irresistible truffle fries. We ate like royalty, and I honestly felt like I wouldn’t need to eat for a week after returning home!

What Makes Certified Angus Beef® Stand Out?

One of the most fascinating facts I learned during my visit is that Certified Angus Beef® doesn’t actually raise cattle. Instead, they operate as an unparalleled quality standard within the beef industry. To earn the prestigious Certified Angus Beef® brand seal, each animal must meet ten stringent quality specifications. These standards are even more rigorous than those set by the USDA, ensuring that when you purchase Certified Angus Beef®, you are truly getting the “best of the best.” This commitment to superior quality guarantees a consistently delicious and tender eating experience, making it an ideal choice for everyday meals and especially deserving of a place on your holiday table.

The 10 Quality Standards: A Mark of Excellence

The ten standards cover everything from marbling and maturity to muscle characteristics and consistent sizing. This meticulous selection process ensures that every cut bearing the Certified Angus Beef® brand delivers exceptional flavor, tenderness, and juiciness. For consumers, this means reliability – you can trust that your steak will be flavorful and cook beautifully every time. Understanding these standards gave me a newfound appreciation for the care and precision that goes into producing top-tier beef, and why investing in quality meat like CAB makes such a difference in your culinary results.

Creating This Latin-Inspired Flat Iron Steak with Chimichurri

During our time in Ohio, we were divided into groups to collaborate with Certified Angus Beef’s four incredible chefs. I had the privilege of working with Chef Peter Rosenberg, and with a Latin theme in mind, he helped me bring this fantastic Flat Iron Steak with Chimichurri Sauce to life as a main dish. This particular cut of beef, the flat iron, is known for its incredible flavor and surprising tenderness when cooked correctly, making it a perfect canvas for bold, vibrant flavors.

Why Choose Flat Iron Steak?

Flat Iron steak, also known as the top blade steak, is cut from the shoulder of the steer. It’s quickly gained popularity for its rich, beefy flavor and tenderness, often compared to more expensive cuts. It’s a fantastic, more economical alternative to pricier options while still delivering a premium eating experience. The key to maximizing its tenderness is proper cooking, often involving high heat grilling and slicing against the grain. Its uniform thickness also makes it ideal for even cooking, ensuring every bite is perfectly done and full of flavor.

The Power of a Flavorful Marinade

For this recipe, we developed a dynamic, Latin-inspired marinade designed to infuse the Flat Iron steak with layers of delicious flavor and help tenderize it even further. A good marinade, especially one featuring acidic components like lemon and lime juice, helps to break down muscle fibers, resulting in a more tender and juicy steak. Combined with aromatic spices such as chili powder, paprika, cumin, and a touch of cayenne, this marinade transforms the beef, making it succulent and incredibly flavorful before it even hits the grill. Allowing the steak to marinate for 6 to 24 hours is crucial for achieving that deep, rich taste profile that truly sets this dish apart.

Mastering the Grill for Perfect Flat Iron Steak

Grilling Flat Iron steak is straightforward once you know the technique. High heat is essential to create that beautiful sear on the outside while keeping the inside perfectly tender and juicy. We aim for a medium-rare finish, which typically means an internal temperature of 130°F (54°C). However, the most critical step after grilling is allowing the steak to rest. This brief resting period, at least 5 minutes, allows the juices to redistribute throughout the meat, preventing them from escaping when you slice it and ensuring maximum juiciness and flavor. Always slice your Flat Iron steak against the grain for optimal tenderness and a delightful mouthfeel.

The Bright & Zesty Chimichurri Sauce

No Latin-inspired steak dish would be complete without a vibrant, fresh Chimichurri sauce. This herbaceous condiment, originating from Argentina and Uruguay, is the perfect counterpoint to rich, grilled beef. Our Chimichurri is a medley of fresh cilantro, parsley, garlic, a touch of lime, red pepper flakes for a subtle kick, and a generous amount of red wine vinegar and olive oil. Blending these ingredients until smooth creates a bright, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that beautifully cuts through the richness of the steak. It’s incredibly versatile and can be made ahead of time, ready to elevate not just this steak but also chicken, fish, or even roasted vegetables with its fresh burst of flavor.

Beyond the Main Course: Creative Uses for Flat Iron Steak & Chimichurri

One of the joys of working with Chef Rosenberg was exploring the versatility of this dish. Beyond serving it as a stellar main course, we also experimented with innovative appetizers. We transformed some of the grilled Flat Iron steak into delicious bites, serving it on crispy tortillas topped with extra chimichurri sauce and a sprinkle of cheese. These quickly became a crowd-pleasing starter, showcasing the adaptability of the flavors.

And for any delicious leftovers? We got creative and fashioned quick, savory empanadas, pairing them with a couple of different dipping sauces. This demonstrates how a high-quality cut of beef, combined with a versatile sauce like chimichurri, can inspire a range of culinary creations. This dish truly is suitable for any day of the week, yet elegant enough to impress guests and grace your holiday table with its incredible taste and presentation.

Exclusive Giveaway: Elevate Your Kitchen and Your Meals!

The wonderful team at Certified Angus Beef® extended their incredible generosity throughout the entire weekend, and I’m thrilled to announce that it continues today with an exciting giveaway for my readers! I had the pleasure of returning home with a beautiful Le Creuset 7-quart roasting pan, and now one lucky reader will have the chance to win their very own!

But that’s not all! To truly set you up for culinary success, we’re also giving away one Certified Angus Beef® Brand Cattleman’s Premium Collection Steak package. This exceptional collection includes a premium selection of four 12-oz. strip steaks, four 8-oz. filet mignons, and four 10-oz. ribeyes. Imagine the holiday feasts or special celebrations you could create with such exquisite cuts! This giveaway is your chance to experience the unparalleled quality of Certified Angus Beef® firsthand and equip your kitchen with a timeless piece of cookware. Don’t miss out on this fantastic opportunity!

Yield: 4

Flat Iron Steak with Chimichurri Sauce

Flat Iron Steak with Chimichurri Sauce is a great meal to serve for the holidays, a special weekend, or even on a weeknight. Steak is marinaded in a latin inspired sauce, and then grilled and topped with Chimichurri Sauce.

Prep Time
15 minutes

Cook Time
10 minutes

Total Time
25 minutes

Ingredients

• Approximately 2 pounds Flat Iron steaks

Marinade

• 1 cup olive oil
• 1 clove garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup cilantro, chopped
• 3 tsp chili powder
• 3 tsp salt
• 3 tsp paprika
• 3 tsp ground cumin
• 1 tsp black pepper
• 1 tsp cayenne pepper
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced
• 1/4 cup onion, finely chopped
• 1/2 lemon, juiced
• 2 lime, juiced

Chimichurri Sauce

• 1 cup cilantro
• 1 cup parsley
• 3 cloves garlic
• 1/2 lime, juiced
• 1 tsp red pepper flakes
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1/3 cup olive oil
• salt and pepper to taste

Instructions

1. Combine all of the ingredients for the marinade in a large bowl. Mix until really well blended.
2. Add the steaks, and toss to coat. Cover and place in the fridge for 6 -24 hours.
3. Preheat grill to high heat.
4. Remove steaks from the marinade. Place in grill, and cook for about 4 minutes per side.
5. For medium rare the temperature should be 130°F (54°C). Remove from the grill, and let stand for at least 5 minutes before slicing and serving.
6. To make the chimichurri sauce, combine all of the ingredients in a blender or food processor. Blend until smooth but still slightly chunky for best texture. Store in an air tight container in the fridge until ready to serve.
7. Serve the perfectly grilled Flat Iron steaks generously topped with the fresh, vibrant chimichurri sauce. Enjoy!

Nutrition Information

Yield

4

Serving Size

1

Amount Per Serving
Calories 1187Total Fat 102gSaturated Fat 22gTrans Fat 1gUnsaturated Fat 74gCholesterol 188mgSodium 2070mgCarbohydrates 9gFiber 3gSugar 2gProtein 59g

Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on dinnersdishesanddesserts.com should only be used as a general guideline.

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  ** I was not compensated for this recipe or this post.  Certified Angus Beef® did offer me an all expenses paid trip to their culinary education center in Ohio.  They did not require that I post about my trip.  I am a huge supporter of this company and brand, that is why I am sharing this with you today.  I hope that you will help support this brand as well.