Grilled Mato Grosso-Style Beef Skewers with Chimichurri

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

Bold and smoky grilled beef skewers inspired by the flavors of Mato Grosso, Brazil, paired with a fresh, herbaceous chimichurri sauce. This brazilian-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 30 minutes pairs cut into 1-inch cubes beef sirloin, olive oil, smoked paprika 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: 20 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Brazilian cuisine 320 cal/serving
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Ingredients

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a bowl, toss 1 lb beef sirloin cubes with 2 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1/2 tsp garlic powder, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper until evenly coated. Let marinate for 15 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare the chimichurri by combining 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil in a small bowl. Stir well and set aside to let flavors meld.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Thread marinated beef cubes onto the soaked wooden skewers, about 4-5 pieces per skewer.
  4. Step 4: Grill the beef skewers for 3-4 minutes per side, turning once, until the beef is charred on the edges and cooked to medium-rare (internal temperature about 135°F).
  5. Step 5: Remove skewers from grill and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with the prepared chimichurri sauce spooned generously over the top.

Equipment for this recipe

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Frequently asked questions

How long does Grilled Mato Grosso-Style Beef Skewers with Chimichurri take to make?

Total time is about 30 minutes (20 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 Mato Grosso-Style 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 olive oil from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Grilled Mato Grosso-Style 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 Grilled Mato Grosso-Style 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 Grilled Mato Grosso-Style Beef Skewers with Chimichurri?

Brazilian bbq & smoked 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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