Grilled Brake Pad Beef Skewers with Spiced Chimichurri

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

Charred beef skewers marinated in a bold smoky sauce paired with a vibrant herbaceous chimichurri inspired by the tough durability of brake pads. This Latin American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 25 minutes, pairs sirloin steak, smoked paprika, ground cumin 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 Latin American cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 1/2 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp ground coriander, 3 minced garlic cloves, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper to create a marinade.
  2. Step 2: Add 1 lb of 1-inch cubed sirloin steak to the marinade and toss to coat thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour, ideally 3 hours.
  3. Step 3: While steak marinates, prepare the chimichurri by mixing 1 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/2 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, 1 tbsp olive oil, 1 tbsp red wine vinegar, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Set aside.
  4. Step 4: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 450°F). Thread the marinated steak cubes onto 8 soaked wooden skewers, dividing evenly.
  5. Step 5: Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until charred edges form and internal temperature reaches 135°F for medium-rare.
  6. Step 6: Remove skewers and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with a generous spoonful of spiced chimichurri on top.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Brake Pad Beef Skewers with Spiced 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 Grilled Brake Pad Beef Skewers with Spiced 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 sirloin steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Brake Pad Beef Skewers with Spiced 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 Grilled Brake Pad Beef Skewers with Spiced 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 Grilled Brake Pad Beef Skewers with Spiced Chimichurri?

Latin American 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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