Pan-Seared Beef with Spiced Chimichurri Sauce

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

Tender pan-seared beef steaks served with a vibrant and zesty chimichurri sauce made from fresh herbs and spices. This latin american-inspired beef ready in about 20 minutes pairs beef sirloin steaks, olive oil, salt for a weeknight-friendly dinner that comes together with one pan and minimal cleanup. Each serving lands at about 450 calories and feeds 2, 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: 10 min Cook: 10 min Serves 2 Latin American cuisine 450 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: Pat 2 beef sirloin steaks dry and season both sides with 1 tsp salt and 1/2 tsp black pepper evenly. Heat 3 tbsp olive oil in a cast iron skillet over medium-high heat until shimmering.
  2. Step 2: Place steaks in the hot skillet and sear for 4 minutes per side for medium-rare, flipping once until a golden crust forms. Remove steaks and rest on a cutting board covered loosely with foil for 5 minutes.
  3. Step 3: While steaks rest, combine 1/2 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil in a bowl. Stir well until sauce emulsifies and becomes fragrant.
  4. Step 4: Slice rested steaks against the grain into 1/4-inch strips and drizzle generously with the chimichurri sauce before serving.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Pan-Seared Beef with Spiced Chimichurri Sauce take to make?

Total time is about 20 minutes (10 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 Pan-Seared Beef with Spiced Chimichurri Sauce?

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 beef sirloin steaks from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Pan-Seared Beef with Spiced 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 Pan-Seared Beef with Spiced Chimichurri Sauce for a different number of people?

The recipe is written for 2 servings. Multiply each ingredient by (your serving target / 2). 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 Pan-Seared Beef with Spiced Chimichurri Sauce?

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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