If you’re hunting for a bold, crowd-pleasing appetizer or a quick, flavor-packed main, Chimichurri Steak Bites are about to become your new go-to. Each tender cube of seared steak is coated in silky olive oil, tinged with smoked paprika, and tossed with a punchy chimichurri sauce for an irresistible Argentine twist. Whether you serve them hot out of the skillet or pile them onto skewers for a party platter, this savory, herby beef dish guarantees happy faces around your table—and you’ll love how quick and fuss-free it is to prepare.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Chimichurri Steak Bites lies in their simplicity—just a handful of fresh ingredients, each chosen for maximum flavor and brilliant color. You won’t find anything fussy here; every item earns its place, coming together for a dish that looks as wonderful as it tastes.
- Sirloin or Ribeye Steak (1 1/2 pounds, cut into cubes): Choose well-marbled cuts for the juiciest, most tender bites.
- Olive Oil (1 tablespoon): Adds richness and helps the seasoning cling to the steak; use a good-quality variety for extra depth.
- Salt (1/2 teaspoon): Just enough to enhance the beefy flavor and bring out the zingy notes in the chimichurri.
- Black Pepper (1/2 teaspoon): Gives a gentle heat and balances the richness of the meat.
- Smoked Paprika (1/2 teaspoon): Lends a subtle smokiness that works magic with seared beef.
- Chimichurri Sauce (1 batch, about 1 cup, divided): The star condiment—vibrant, herby, and bright—half for coating and half for drizzling or dipping.
- Fresh Parsley (optional, for garnish): A sprinkle of green brings freshness and a pop of color to your platter.
How to Make Chimichurri Steak Bites
Step 1: Season the Steak
Start by placing your steak cubes in a large bowl. Drizzle them with olive oil, then sprinkle on the salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika. Toss everything together until every piece is glistening and well-seasoned. This quick but important step ensures that the crust on your Chimichurri Steak Bites will be full of flavor from the very first sizzle.
Step 2: Sear to Perfection
Heat a large skillet—you want it nice and hot, almost shimmering over medium-high heat. Arrange the steak cubes in a single layer (work in batches if needed for perfect browning) and let them sear undisturbed for 2–3 minutes on each side. The goal is deep, caramelized edges and a juicy interior. Don’t overcrowd the pan; giving each piece room to breathe is your ticket to that steakhouse-quality crust.
Step 3: Rest, Sauce, and Toss
Once your steak bites are gorgeously browned, slide them onto a plate and let them rest for a couple of minutes. This little breather keeps them succulent. Next, drizzle half of your chimichurri sauce over the warm steak and gently toss to coat. The heat opens up the herbs and garlic in the sauce, infusing the meat with dazzling fresh flavor.
Step 4: Serve with Extra Chimichurri
Arrange your steak bites on a serving platter and offer the rest of the chimichurri sauce alongside, perfect for dipping or drizzling. Don’t skip the optional parsley garnish—it’s a simple touch that elevates the whole dish, both visually and in taste.
How to Serve Chimichurri Steak Bites
Garnishes
A flourish of chopped fresh parsley or even a scattering of minced red onion takes your platter of Chimichurri Steak Bites from delicious to dazzling. The contrast of herby green atop juicy beef will tempt everyone to grab a bite. For a hit of brightness, try a few lemon wedges on the side—just a quick squeeze brings every flavor to life.
Side Dishes
These steak bites shine with an array of sides. Serve them over fluffy rice to catch those savory drippings, or pair with crisp roasted potatoes for a hearty, satisfying meal. A simple salad of ripe tomatoes and cucumbers tosses in extra freshness, or pile everything onto warm flatbreads to catch every last bit of sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
You can skewer Chimichurri Steak Bites for a festive party tray, tuck them into slider buns with a spoonful of extra sauce, or make steak-topped toasts for an impressive starter. For a cozy dinner, offer them family-style straight from the skillet. However you present them, they’re guaranteed to steal the show.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
If you have any Chimichurri Steak Bites left after your meal, store them in an airtight container in the fridge. They’ll stay tasty and tender for up to 3 days, making them perfect for quick lunches or next-day snacking.
Freezing
To freeze, cool the cooked steak bites completely, then place them in a freezer-safe bag or container. They’ll keep beautifully for up to 2 months. For best results, freeze the chimichurri sauce separately or make a fresh batch when you’re ready to serve again.
Reheating
Gently reheat your steak bites in a skillet over medium heat or in the microwave at short intervals until just warmed through. For the freshest flavor, add a spoon of chimichurri after reheating to revive those bold, herby notes. Avoid overcooking to keep them juicy and tender.
FAQs
Can I use a different cut of steak for Chimichurri Steak Bites?
Absolutely! While sirloin and ribeye give the juiciest, most tender results, you can use strip steak or even tenderloin if you prefer. Just remember to adjust the cook time based on thickness and marbling.
How spicy is the chimichurri sauce?
The classic chimichurri sauce is more herby and garlicky than spicy, but you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes if you want a touch of heat. The steak bites themselves have only a hint of smoky warmth, so even spice-shy eaters will enjoy them.
Is it essential to marinate the steak beforehand?
Marinating isn’t required for this recipe, but it’s a delicious upgrade! If you have an extra 30 minutes, toss the steak cubes in half your chimichurri sauce before cooking—they’ll soak up incredible flavor and become even more mouthwatering.
Can I make Chimichurri Steak Bites on the grill instead of a skillet?
Yes! Skewering the steak cubes and grilling them over high heat adds another layer of smoky char. Just be sure to monitor closely for doneness and brush with chimichurri as they come off the heat.
What’s the best way to serve Chimichurri Steak Bites at a party?
Thread the cooked steak onto cocktail picks for bite-sized appetizers, pile them onto a platter sprinkled with parsley, and serve the remaining chimichurri sauce in a little bowl for dipping. They’ll disappear quickly, so consider making a double batch if you have a hungry crowd.
Final Thoughts
There’s nothing quite like the sizzle, aroma, and burst of flavor that Chimichurri Steak Bites bring to your table. Whether you’re planning a special gathering or just want a lightning-fast weeknight treat, this dish promises steakhouse-style magic without the fuss. Give it a try—you’ll be amazed by the simplicity, and your friends and family will be asking for seconds!
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Chimichurri Steak Bites Recipe
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 4 servings
- Category: Appetizer
- Method: Searing
- Cuisine: Argentinian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
These Chimichurri Steak Bites are a flavorful and easy-to-make appetizer featuring tender cubes of steak coated in a zesty chimichurri sauce. Perfect for entertaining or as a delicious snack!
Ingredients
Steak Bites:
- 1 1/2 pounds sirloin or ribeye steak (cut into bite-sized cubes)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
Chimichurri Sauce:
- About 1 cup chimichurri sauce (divided)
- Optional: fresh parsley for garnish
Instructions
- Prep the Steak: Toss the steak cubes with olive oil, salt, pepper, and smoked paprika until evenly coated.
- Cook the Steak: Sear the seasoned steak in a skillet over medium-high heat for 2–3 minutes per side until browned to your liking. Rest for a few minutes.
- Coat with Chimichurri: Drizzle half of the chimichurri sauce over the steak and toss gently to coat.
- Serve: Plate the steak bites and serve warm with the remaining chimichurri on the side. Garnish with fresh parsley if desired.
Notes
- Pair these steak bites with rice, roasted potatoes, or serve skewered as appetizers.
- For enhanced flavor, marinate the steak in chimichurri for 30 minutes before cooking.
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