Braai Winter Warmer: Chimichurri Steak

For those lucky enough to have an indoor braai, do try this Chimichurri Steak recipe the next time you get the coals going.

If I could have dinner with anyone, dead or alive, it would most definitely be my grandfather. He never really understood why I wanted to be a chef, coming from a blue-collar background his entire life. He never considered professional cookery or culinary arts as a true career.

I would then prepare a simple twist on a great steak. This specific braai spice, though very basic, is the signature of how my grandfather prepared meat for our family get togethers. The chimichurri dressing is inspired by recent occasions where my dad and I have subsequently taken charge of the customary Sunday braai.

Chimichurri Steak

Ransley Pietersen, Executive Consultant Chef at Circle Senior Living

Prep time: 10 min | Cooking time: 10 min | Total time: 20 min

Ingredients

Chimichurri

• 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped

• ¼ cup fresh coriander, finely chopped

• 4 cloves garlic, minced

• 1 small red onion, finely chopped

• 4 tablespoons red wine vinegar

• ½ cup olive oil

• 1 teaspoon dried oregano

• 1 teaspoon red pepper/chilli flakes

• Salt and pepper to taste

Steak and Seasoning

• 2 x 300 g Ribeye, Sirloin or Fillet (+/- 2.5cm thick)

• 40 g coarse salt

• 20 g paprika

• 10 g sugar

• 10 g coriander seeds, toasted then ground

Butter

• 200 g butter

• 50 g fresh rosemary

• 50g fresh thyme

• 2 garlic cloves

Directions

1. For the chimichurri sauce, combine all the ingredients in a bowl and set aside.

2. Ensure that your fire is hot, and your coals are just turning grey. Preheat your griddle for at least 10 minutes before cooking. Remember the thicker your griddle the better the results you will achieve in grilling your steak.

3. Pat the steak dry with a paper towel and season generously with your seasoning mixture on both sides.

4. Place the steak on the preheated grill and cook for about 3-4 minutes per side for medium-rare or adjust the cooking time to your desired level of doneness.

5. While your steak cooks, prepare your resting butter. Combine all ingredients into a skillet pan over a medium heat and allow all ingredients to marry. The resting butter is ready when the butter solids have formed a sediment at the bottom of the pan, and you have a clarified aromatic liquid.

6. Remove the steak from the grill and let it rest in the butter mixture for a few minutes to allow the juices to redistribute. Pro tip: I usually rest my steak for 30% of the cooking time.

7. Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips. I prefer slicing my steak at a 45° angle to increase the surface area when dressing with the sauce.

8. To serve, drizzle the chimichurri sauce over the sliced steak or serve it on the side as a dipping sauce. You can also serve the steak with some grilled vegetables, roasted potatoes or a fresh salad.