# 30-Min Steak Grain Bowl with Chimichurri > A quick lunch or weeknight dinner: seared skirt or flank steak over lemony pearled farro with charred corn, blistered cherry tomatoes, peppery arugula and a bright, herb-forward chimichurri. Ready in 30 minutes and easy to prep ahead for weekday lunches or pack for work. Canonical URL: https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/30-min-steak-grain-bowl-chimichurri ## Author Jake Woods https://www.topshelf.recipes/chef/jake-woods Published: August 21, 2026 Last Updated: September 3, 2026 ## About This Recipe This 30-minute steak grain bowl is built around contrasts: the toothsome, lemon-bright chew of pearled farro; the charred, sweet pop of corn and blistered tomatoes; and a herbaceous, garlicky chimichurri that cuts through the steak’s savory crust. Using skirt or flank steak keeps the cook time short and the flavor concentrated — searing at high heat gives you a caramelized exterior while slicing against the grain keeps every bite tender. Pearled (quick) farro is the unsung hero here because it soaks up the chimichurri and lemon without getting soggy, making the bowl perfect for weeknight dinners or packed lunches. This version works because every component can be prepared in parallel: farro simmers while you blitz the chimichurri and heat the skillet for steak; the resting time becomes your window to char corn and blister tomatoes. The result is an easy, composed meal that feels sophisticated without fuss. It’s aimed at cooks who want restaurant-style flavor on a tight timeline, and also at anyone who values make-ahead flexibility — keep the steak and sauce separate and the bowl will taste fresh through the week. ## Recipe Information - Prep Time: 10 minutes - Cook Time: 20 minutes - Total Time: 30 minutes - Servings: 4 - Difficulty: Easy - Category: Dinner ## Ingredients ### Sear the steak - 1 1/2 lb Skirt or flank steak, trimmed ### Cook and finish the farro - 1 cup Pearled (quick‑cooking) farro - 2 cups Low‑sodium chicken broth or water - 1 lemon Lemon (zest + juice of 1 lemon) - 1 1/2 tsp Kosher salt (and freshly ground black pepper) ### Make the chimichurri - 1 batch Fresh herb & garlic mix (1 cup packed flat‑leaf parsley + 2 tbsp fresh oregano + 3 garlic cloves + 1/2 tsp crushed red pepper flakes) - 2 tbsp Red wine vinegar - 1/3 cup Extra‑virgin olive oil ### Char the corn and blister the tomatoes with arugula - 2 ears Corn (2 ears, kernels cut off) - 1 batch Cherry tomatoes (1 pint) and arugula (4 cups) ## Ingredient Guide ### Pearled (quick‑cooking) farro Farro is an ancient hulled wheat grain commonly used in Italian and Mediterranean cooking; 'pearled' means some or all of the outer bran has been removed so it cooks much faster. It has a firm, chewy texture with a nutty, slightly earthy flavor and a mild wheaty aroma. You can find pearled farro in many supermarkets (natural foods or grain aisle), health‑food stores, Italian markets, or online; good substitutes are pearled barley or brown rice for texture, or quinoa/sorghum if you need a gluten‑free alternative. ## Instructions ### 1. Cook and finish the farro Bring the broth (or water) to a boil in a small saucepan. Stir in the pearled farro and 1/2 tsp kosher salt, reduce to a simmer and cook until tender, about 10–12 minutes for quick farro; drain any excess liquid. Return farro to the pot off the heat and stir in lemon zest and juice; adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt and set aside to keep warm. ### 2. Make the chimichurri In a mini food processor or by hand, combine the packed parsley, oregano, garlic, crushed red pepper, red wine vinegar and 1/3 cup olive oil; pulse or whisk until bright and slightly chunky. Taste and season with salt and more vinegar or oil to balance; the sauce should be lively and herbaceous. Reserve a few tablespoons to dress the farro if desired and keep the rest for serving. ### 3. Sear the steak Pat steak dry and season both sides with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper. Heat a large heavy skillet (preferably cast‑iron) over high heat with a tablespoon of oil, then sear the steak 3–4 minutes per side for medium‑rare (adjust time for thickness). Transfer to a cutting board and let rest 6 minutes, then slice thinly against the grain. ### 4. Char the corn and blister the tomatoes with arugula While the steak rests, return the skillet to high heat and add a splash of oil. Add corn kernels and cook, stirring occasionally, until nicely charred, about 3–4 minutes; push to one side and add cherry tomatoes to blister for 2–3 minutes until skins loosen. Toss the charred corn and blistered tomatoes with the arugula just to wilt slightly and season with a pinch of salt. ### 5. Assemble and serve (or pack for lunch) Divide lemony farro among 4 bowls (about 1 cup / 250 g per serving), top with the arugula‑tomato‑corn mix and sliced steak, then spoon chimichurri over the steak. For meal‑prep, pack farro, steak slices and chimichurri in separate containers (veggies on top of farro or separately) and refrigerate up to 3 days; reheat steak briefly or enjoy chilled and add chimichurri just before eating. ## Nutrition Estimated nutrition per serving (1 bowl): - Calories: 787 kcal - Protein: 45 g - Carbohydrates: 73.9 g - Fat: 34.8 g - Saturated Fat: 8.5 g - Trans Fat: 0 g - Fiber: 9.6 g - Sugar: 16.4 g - Added Sugars: 0 g - Cholesterol: 118 mg - Sodium: 1425 mg - Potassium: 1117 mg - Calcium: 90 mg - Iron: 5.6 mg - Vitamin D: 0.2 mcg ## Tips ### Rest steak properly Let the steak rest at least 6 minutes after searing so juices redistribute; slice after resting to preserve moisture and avoid a pooled, floppy presentation. ### Cut against the grain Always slice skirt or flank steak thinly and perpendicular to the muscle fibers to maximize tenderness in each bite. ### Get perfect char Use a very hot, dry skillet and don’t overcrowd the pan; char corn and tomatoes in one batch so they brown rather than steam. ### Adjust chimichurri balance Taste for acidity and salt after blending — add a splash more vinegar for brightness or a little oil to mellow if the garlic is too sharp. ### Cook farro to texture Pearled farro cooks quickly; drain any excess liquid and finish with lemon while hot so the grains absorb flavor without getting gluey. ## Variations and Substitutions ### Make it vegetarian Swap steak for thick-cut, marinated portobello caps or seared extra-firm tofu; increase chimichurri slightly to add punch and toss in toasted chickpeas for protein. ### Alternate grains Use quick-cooking barley, farro’s closest textural cousin, or quinoa for a gluten-free option — adjust liquid and timing according to the package. ### Turn up the heat Add a seeded and minced jalapeño or a dash of smoked paprika to the chimichurri for smoky spice that pairs well with charred corn. ### Summer fruit swap Substitute grilled peaches or nectarines for cherry tomatoes for a sweet-savory take; the fruit’s caramelized juices contrast wonderfully with herbaceous chimichurri. ## Notes This bowl keeps the bold chimichurri spirit of the original kabobs but makes it a fast, portable grain bowl perfect for weekday meals. Prep the chimichurri and farro ahead, then finish steak and veggies in minutes for fast assembly. ### Storage and Make-Ahead Store components separately in airtight containers in the refrigerator for up to 3 days: farro, steak slices, dressed veggies, and chimichurri. Reheat farro and steak briefly in a skillet or microwave — heat steak just until warm to avoid overcooking, or enjoy it chilled straight from the fridge. Chimichurri keeps well but may darken; stir in a little fresh lemon juice before serving if it tastes flat. ### Serving Suggestions Build each bowl with a base of lemon farro, a mound of charred corn and blistered tomatoes, then fan the steak and finish with chimichurri; a wedge of lemon on the side brightens everything. Serve with a crisp green salad or roasted sweet potatoes for extra heartiness, and pair with a medium-bodied red like Malbec or an ice-cold lager to balance the herbaceous sauce. ## Frequently Asked Questions ### Can I use a different cut of steak? Yes — hanger, flat iron, or a thin-cut sirloin also work well; adjust cooking time for thickness and remember to slice thinly against the grain to keep bites tender. ### What if I only have whole farro? Whole farro takes much longer (30–40 minutes) so either start it earlier or use quick-cooking pearled farro for the 30-minute timetable; parboiled farro can be a shortcut alternative. ### How can I tell when the steak is done? Use an instant-read thermometer: 125–130°F for medium-rare, 135°F for medium; remember residual carryover will raise the temp a few degrees during the 6-minute rest. ### Can I make the chimichurri ahead? Yes — chimichurri actually benefits from a few hours in the fridge for flavors to meld and will keep up to 4–5 days; bring it to room temperature or stir in a little olive oil before serving. ### How should I reheat a packed bowl for lunch? If packed separately, reheat farro and steak gently in the microwave or a skillet until just warm and assemble with cold or room-temperature veggies and chimichurri to preserve texture and flavor. ## Related Recipes and Guides - [Classic Bacon Carbonara](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/classic-bacon-carbonara) - [Al Pastor Tacos](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/al-pastor-tacos) - [Jamaican Jerk Chicken Marinade for Smoking or Grilling](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/jamaican-jerk-chicken-smoking) - [Air Fryer Chicken Sliders](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/air-fryer-chicken-sliders-sticky-glaze) - [Smoked Chicken Burger](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/smoked-chicken-burger-sweet-savory-onion-jam) - [Beer-Can Grilled Whole Chicken](https://www.topshelf.recipes/recipes/beer-can-grilled-whole-chicken) - [Weeknight Grill Roundup: 18 Recipes Under 30](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/weeknight-grill-roundup-18-under-30) - [Trending Backyard Dinner Parties for 2026: 8 Outdoor Dining Formats, Ready‑Made Menus & Host Workflows](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/trending-backyard-dinner-parties-2026) - [Trending Backyard Dinner Parties for 2026: 8 Outdoor Dining Formats, Plug‑and‑Play Menus & Host Workflows](https://www.topshelf.recipes/articles/trending-backyard-dinner-parties-2026-8-formats-menus-workflows)