Smoky South American Grilled Beef Skewers with Chimichurri

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

Juicy, smoky grilled beef skewers paired with a vibrant herbaceous chimichurri sauce for a flavorful Latin American BBQ experience. This Latin American-inspired beef recipe, ready in about 50 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 420 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: 40 min Cook: 10 min Serves 4 Latin American cuisine 420 cal/serving
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Ingredients

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Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a large bowl, combine 1.5 lbs sirloin steak cubes with 1 tbsp smoked paprika, 1 tsp ground cumin, 1 tsp garlic powder, 3 tbsp olive oil, 1 tsp salt, and 1/2 tsp black pepper. Toss to coat evenly and marinate for 30 minutes at room temperature.
  2. Step 2: Meanwhile, prepare chimichurri sauce by mixing 1 cup finely chopped fresh parsley, 1/4 cup finely chopped fresh oregano, 3 tbsp red wine vinegar, 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1/2 cup olive oil in a bowl. Stir well and set aside.
  3. Step 3: Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat (around 400°F). Thread the marinated beef cubes onto skewers, leaving a little space between pieces.
  4. Step 4: Grill the skewers for 3-4 minutes per side until a nice smoky char forms and beef reaches desired doneness.
  5. Step 5: Remove skewers from heat and let rest for 5 minutes. Serve hot with generous spoonfuls of fresh chimichurri sauce drizzled on top or on the side.

Frequently asked questions

How long does Smoky South American Grilled Beef Skewers with Chimichurri take to make?

Total time is about 50 minutes (40 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 Smoky South American Grilled 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 sirloin steak from drying out.

Can I substitute ingredients in Smoky South American Grilled 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 Smoky South American Grilled 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 Smoky South American Grilled Beef Skewers with 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.