Paraguayan-Style Grilled Beef with Chimichurri Sauce
Juicy grilled flank steak marinated in traditional Paraguayan spices, served with a vibrant chimichurri sauce perfect for a Latin American feast. This latin american-inspired beef ready in about 165 minutes blends pounds flank steak, olive oil, garlic cloves, minced 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.
Ingredients
- 1.5 pounds flank steak
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1.5 tsp salt
- 1 tsp black pepper
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano, chopped
- 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
- 1/4 tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp lemon juice
- 2 tbsp water
Equipment for this recipe
Top-rated tools to make this recipe successfully.
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine 3 tbsp olive oil, 4 minced garlic cloves, 1 tsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1.5 tsp salt, and 1 tsp black pepper in a bowl. Coat the 1.5 pounds flank steak evenly with this marinade, cover, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours.
- Step 2: Prepare the chimichurri by mixing 1 cup chopped fresh parsley, 2 tbsp chopped fresh oregano, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/4 tsp red chili flakes, 1 tbsp lemon juice, 2 tbsp water, and a pinch of salt in a small bowl. Let it sit at room temperature for 30 minutes to meld flavors.
- Step 3: Preheat a grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (about 400°F). Remove the steak from marinade and grill for 5-6 minutes per side until medium-rare and slightly charred at the edges.
- Step 4: Let the steak rest for 5 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain and serve topped with 3-4 tbsp of chimichurri sauce per serving.
Frequently asked questions
How long does Paraguayan-Style Grilled Beef with Chimichurri Sauce take to make?
Total time is about 165 minutes (150 min prep + 15 min cook). A small batch typically covers several meals in the week — store as the recipe directs.
How do I store leftover Paraguayan-Style Grilled Beef 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 Paraguayan-Style Grilled Beef 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 Paraguayan-Style Grilled Beef 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 Paraguayan-Style Grilled Beef with 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.