Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

If you’re craving a meal that’s equal parts vibrant, satisfying, and downright addictive, these Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri Sauce deserve top billing in your kitchen. They combine deeply flavorful, seared skirt steak, fluffy rice, and a punchy cilantro chimichurri for a weeknight dinner that’s so much more than the sum of its parts.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Let’s talk about how a handful of simple ingredients come together to build a stunning meal. Each one plays a role—whether it’s adding umami, vibrant color, or that crave-worthy fresh tang that makes these Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri Sauce unforgettable.

• Skirt steak: The star! Skirt steak is deeply flavorful and cooks in minutes, but you can easily use flank steak or your favorite tender cut if desired.
• Kosher salt & freshly ground black pepper: Don’t skimp—seasoning is key for the juiciest, most savory steak bites.
• Neutral oil (grapeseed, canola, or avocado oil): Makes for a stunning, golden-brown sear without burning at high heat.
• Cooked white rice: The fluffy, neutral canvas that soaks up all those bold steak juices and sauce. Brown rice, quinoa, or even cauliflower rice work as swaps, too!
• Cilantro chimichurri sauce: This herb-packed condiment offers zesty, garlicky punch and loads of fresh flavor—don’t skip it!
• Optional garnishes: Flaky sea salt, pickled red onions, fresh cilantro, and lime wedges add color, crunch, and zing to each bowl.

Variations

One of my favorite things about Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri Sauce is how endlessly adaptable they are. You can easily swap ingredients or adjust toppings to suit what’s in your fridge, your taste buds, or any dietary needs.

• Try a different grain base: Make it more nutritious with brown rice, try cauliflower rice for a low-carb twist, or use chewy farro or quinoa.
• Switch up your protein: Grilled chicken, sautéed shrimp, or crispy tofu are fantastic for steak-free bowls with all the same flavor excitement.
• Add extra veggies: Toss in sautéed zucchini, charred corn, grilled asparagus, or fresh spinach for even more color and nutrition.
• Spice it up: Add thinly sliced jalapeños or a sprinkle of chili flakes over top if you like a little heat with your steak.

How to Make Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri Sauce

Step 1: Season and Rest the Steak

Start by patting the skirt steak dry with paper towels—this simple step helps ensure the best sear. Sprinkle both sides generously with kosher salt and black pepper. Let the steak rest at room temperature for at least 15 minutes; this little pause ensures the steak cooks evenly and locks in juiciness.

Step 2: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce

If you haven’t whipped up the cilantro chimichurri yet, now’s your time! Blend or finely chop your cilantro, add olive oil, a splash of vinegar, garlic, and a pinch of red pepper flakes for heat. This sauce is ultra-fresh and can be made ahead for even deeper flavor.

Step 3: Cook Your Rice

Prepare your rice according to the package, ideally while your steak is coming up to temp and your chimichurri is doing its thing. Keeping things warm and ready means quick assembly later!

Step 4: Sear the Steak

Get your cast-iron skillet blazing hot—about five minutes on high heat—then add your neutral oil. Gently lay the steak in the pan and let it sizzle without moving it for 2–3 minutes per side. Aim for an internal temp of 125–130°F for rare, finishing around 130–135°F as it rests for a perfectly rosy center.

Step 5: Rest and Slice

Remove the steak to a plate and let it rest 5–10 minutes—don’t rush this! Resting seals in the juices. When ready, slice the steak thinly across the grain; this cuts through the muscle fibers and guarantees melt-in-your-mouth bites.

Step 6: Build Your Rice Bowls

Time for the fun part: pile fluffy rice in each bowl, top with those juicy steak slices, and drizzle generously with cilantro chimichurri. Sprinkle on flaky salt, pickled onions, extra cilantro, and a squeeze of lime for restaurant-level flavor right at home.

How to Serve Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri Sauce

Garnishes

A sprinkle of flaky sea salt and freshly chopped cilantro instantly amps up the colors and flavor, while pickled red onions add tangy crunch and a pop of pink. A few lime wedges on the side let everyone add their own extra citrusy zip—delicious and beautiful.

Side Dishes

While your Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri Sauce can absolutely stand on their own, a side of sautéed zucchini or corn, grilled veggies, sliced avocado, or quickly wilted spinach rounds out the meal with more texture and color. If you want something heartier, try serving alongside roasted plantains for a sweet-savory twist.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve the elements family-style and let everyone build their own rice bowls—perfect for picky eaters or gatherings. Or try layering your rice and steak in individual glass jars or meal prep containers for vibrant, ready-to-go lunches. These vibrant bowls also look gorgeous on a big platter for a festive, help-yourself dinner!

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

For best results, store leftover steak, rice, and toppings separately in airtight containers in the fridge. This keeps everything fresh—just assemble your next bowl when you’re ready, and nothing gets soggy! Your steak will stay tasty for up to three days.

Freezing

The chimichurri sauce freezes like a dream; simply portion into small containers or ice cube trays. For the steak, freeze it separately after slicing and let it thaw in the refrigerator for best texture. Assemble fresh bowls when you’re ready to serve for the best flavor and presentation.

Reheating

To reheat, gently warm the steak in a skillet over medium-low heat or in short bursts in the microwave to keep it moist and tender. Warm your rice as you like, then assemble your Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri Sauce and finish with fresh garnishes and a fresh drizzle of sauce to revive the flavors.

FAQs

Final Thoughts

If you’re looking for a dinner that’s fast, full of personality, and guaranteed to bring smiles, you truly can’t go wrong with these Skirt Steak Rice Bowls with Chimichurri Sauce. They’re as easy as they are impressive—so treat yourself (and your lucky eaters!) tonight.

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