Cachaça-Marinated Grilled Beef Skewers with Chimichurri

By , Test Kitchen Director · Reviewed by AislePrompt Editorial · ·

Tender beef skewers marinated in cachaça and garlic, grilled to perfection and served with a vibrant chimichurri sauce. This brazilian-inspired beef ready in about 25 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef sirloin, cachaça, minced garlic cloves for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so it slots cleanly into a weekly meal plan and pairs well with a quick salad or grain on the side. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" below to drop this recipe into your week and send the ingredients straight to Instacart. Nutrition values are approximate, calculated from USDA FoodData Central (fdc.nal.usda.gov) — verify against ingredient labels for any health-driven dietary plan.

Prep: 15 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1/4 cup cachaça, 4 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb beef sirloin cubes and toss to coat. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for 2 hours.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare chimichurri by mixing 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tbsp olive oil, and 1/2 tsp red chili flakes in a small bowl. Season with a pinch of salt and stir well.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated beef cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, leaving small gaps between pieces.
  4. Step 4: Grill beef skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once until nicely charred on edges and cooked to medium-rare or desired doneness.
  5. Step 5: Remove skewers from grill, rest for 5 minutes, then serve hot with chimichurri spooned generously over the top.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Cachaça-Marinated Grilled Beef Skewers with Chimichurri take to make?

Total time is about 25 minutes (15 min prep + 10 min cook). Most home cooks find this fits comfortably into a weeknight; double the batch on Sunday for two dinners.

How do I store leftover Cachaça-Marinated Grilled Beef Skewers with Chimichurri?

Cool to room temperature within 2 hours, then store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 4 days. Reheat covered in a 350°F oven for 10-12 minutes, or microwave at 70% power in 60-second bursts to keep cachaça from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Cachaça-Marinated Grilled Beef Skewers with Chimichurri?

Yes — most ingredients in this recipe have flexible swaps. For oil, use any neutral high-smoke-point oil (avocado, grapeseed, refined coconut). For aromatics, dried herbs at ⅓ the volume of fresh work in a pinch. The full ingredient list is shoppable on Instacart so you can see substitutes in real time.

How do I scale Cachaça-Marinated Grilled Beef Skewers with Chimichurri for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 4 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 4). Cook time stays roughly the same up to 2x; for 3-4x batches, switch from a skillet to a sheet pan or stockpot so the food isn't crowded — overcrowding steams instead of browns.

What goes well with Cachaça-Marinated Grilled Beef Skewers with Chimichurri?

Brazilian beef like this pair well with a simple grain (rice, couscous, or crusty bread), a quick salad with acid (lemon vinaigrette, pickled onions), and a pan sauce or yogurt-based dip. Tap "Plan a meal with the AI" to get specific side suggestions.

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