Ingredients
For the Skirt Steak:
- 1½ lbs skirt steak
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- Juice of 1 lime
For the Chimichurri Sauce:
- ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped (optional but recommended)
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- 3 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
For the Rice Bowl:
- 2 cups cooked white rice (or brown rice, quinoa, or cauliflower rice)
- ½ cup pickled red onions (or thinly sliced raw red onions)
- Lime wedges, for serving
- Optional toppings: Sliced avocado, black beans, grilled corn, or crumbled queso fresco.
Instructions
Step 1: Make the Chimichurri Sauce
- In a small bowl, mix chopped parsley, cilantro, garlic, red pepper flakes, oregano, salt, and black pepper.
- Stir in red wine vinegar and slowly whisk in olive oil until well combined.
- Let the sauce sit for at least 10 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
Step 2: Cook the Rice
- Rinse 2 cups of white rice under cold water to remove excess starch.
- In a medium saucepan, bring 4 cups of water to a boil. Add 1 teaspoon salt.
- Stir in the rice, reduce heat to low, cover, and simmer for 15 minutes until tender.
- Fluff with a fork and set aside.
Step 3: Prepare the Skirt Steak
- Pat the skirt steak dry with paper towels.
- Rub with olive oil, salt, pepper, smoked paprika, garlic powder, and lime juice.
- Heat a cast-iron skillet or grill pan over high heat.
- Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side, depending on thickness.
- Remove from heat and let it rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
Step 4: Assemble the Rice Bowls
- Divide the cooked rice into serving bowls.
- Slice the steak against the grain into thin strips and place over the rice.
- Drizzle generously with chimichurri sauce.
- Top with pickled onions and any additional toppings.
- Serve with lime wedges on the side.
Notes
Tips for the Best Skirt Steak Rice Bowls
✔ Use Fresh Herbs for Chimichurri – Fresh parsley and cilantro make a huge difference.
✔ Let the Steak Rest – This keeps the juices inside for the most tender, flavorful slices.
✔ Slice Against the Grain – Cutting against the muscle fibers ensures a tender bite.
✔ Marinate for Extra Flavor – If you have time, marinate the steak for 30 minutes to 1 hour.
✔ Adjust Chimichurri Spice Level – Add extra red pepper flakes for heat or more vinegar for tang.