Grilled Mato Grosso-Style Beef Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce

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

Tender beef skewers marinated in bold regional Mato Grosso flavors, char-grilled and served with a bright, herbaceous chimichurri sauce. This brazilian-inspired bbq & smoked ready in about 85 minutes blends cut into 1-inch cubes beef sirloin, olive oil, minced garlic cloves into a versatile sauce that lifts everything from grain bowls and roasted vegetables to grilled proteins — a small-batch staple worth keeping in the fridge. Each serving lands at about 320 calories and feeds 4, so a small batch covers several meals across the week without taking over the fridge. 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: 75 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 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Add 1 lb beef sirloin cubes and toss to coat evenly. Cover and marinate in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare chimichurri sauce by mixing 1/2 cup chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, 1 minced garlic clove (from ingredients above), 1/2 tsp salt, and 2 tbsp water in a small bowl. Stir well and let sit at room temperature.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 425°F). Thread marinated beef cubes onto skewers and grill for 3-4 minutes per side, until edges are nicely charred and inside is medium rare to medium.
  4. Step 4: Remove skewers from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with the chimichurri sauce spooned over the top for a vibrant finish.

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Frequently asked questions

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

Total time is about 85 minutes (75 min prep + 10 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.

How do I store leftover Grilled Mato Grosso-Style Beef Skewers with Chimichurri Sauce?

Transfer to an airtight jar and refrigerate for up to 5–7 days. Most sauces freeze well for up to 2 months — portion into small containers or freezer bags so you can thaw only what you need. Stir before serving; cream- or yogurt-based sauces may separate on standing.

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

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 Sauce 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 Sauce?

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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