Chimichurri Steak Kabobs with Grilled Peppers
Juicy steak kabobs brushed with vibrant Argentinian chimichurri and paired with charred bell peppers for a smoky, herb-forward grilling experience. These skewers are bright, bold, and perfect for backyard dinners or weekend entertaining.
Jake's note
"This recipe brings Argentina's signature chimichurri to handheld kabobs — great for dinner parties or a flavorful weeknight treat. Home cooks will love the make-ahead sauce and quick grill time."
Chimichurri Steak Kabobs with Grilled Peppers
These chimichurri steak kabobs are built around a simple truth: big herb flavor and high heat do most of the work. Slicing flank steak across the grain into uniform 1½-inch cubes gives you tender, chewable bites that take on the bright, garlicky punch of Argentinian chimichurri without becoming mushy, while quick grilling leaves the interior juicy and the exterior nicely charred. Red and yellow bell peppers add sweet contrast and a smoky note when blistered, and reserving a portion of the sauce to brush on at the end keeps the herbs tasting fresh rather than cooked through.
This version balances speed and depth—marinating for as little as 20 minutes infuses flavor without over-softening the steak, and emulsifying the oil and vinegar helps the sauce cling to meat and vegetables. It’s ideal for backyard dinners, a casual weekend crowd, or anyone who wants bold, herb-forward grilling that’s impressive but not fussy. Follow a few timing and heat cues and these skewers will offer bright acidity, a garlicky backbone, and the satisfying char that makes outdoor cooking so rewarding.
Plan your timing
Ingredients
Instructions
Make the chimichurri
For this step
- 1 cupFlat-leaf parsley, packed
- 2 tbspFresh oregano leaves
- 3 cloveGarlic cloves, peeled
- 2 tbspRed wine vinegar
- 0.5 cupExtra-virgin olive oil
- 0.5 tspCrushed red pepper flakes
- 1.5 tspKosher salt
Cut and marinate the steak
For this step
- 1.5 lbFlank steak, trimmed
Prepare the peppers
For this step
- 1 largeRed bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1½-inch pieces
- 1 largeYellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1½-inch pieces
Assemble the kabobs
Grill the skewers
Rest and serve
Tips from the kitchen
Slice Against the Grain
Cutting the flank steak across the grain into equal cubes shortens the muscle fibers and yields a noticeably more tender bite after grilling.
Don’t Overmarinate Flank
Keep the marinating window to 20 minutes–2 hours; longer lets the acid break down the meat too much and can create a mushy texture.
Soak Wooden Skewers
If using bamboo skewers, soak them in water for at least 30 minutes to prevent burning and to help stabilize the pieces on the grill.
Leave Space on Skewers
Thread pieces with a little gap between them so hot air can circulate for even charring and predictable cooking times.
Brush at the End
Reserve a third of the chimichurri and brush it on during the last minute of grilling so the herbs stay bright and don’t blacken.
Variations & substitutions
Chicken or Shrimp Swap
Use boneless chicken thighs cut into 1½-inch pieces or large shrimp; reduce grilling time and marinate shrimp only 15–30 minutes to avoid firming from the acid.
Vegetarian Portobello & Halloumi
Replace steak with firm cubes of halloumi and meaty portobello chunks for a vegetarian option that still benefits from chimichurri’s herbiness and grill char.
Citrus-Shallot Chimichurri
Add a tablespoon of orange or lime juice and a finely minced shallot to the chimichurri to introduce bright citrus notes that pair beautifully with the peppers.
Smoky Paprika Twist
Stir 1 teaspoon smoked paprika into the chimichurri or dust the steak lightly before skewering for a deeper, smoky flavor without extra smoke from the grill.
Storage & make-ahead
Store leftover skewers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days; keep any extra chimichurri in a separate jar to preserve its fresh herbal flavor for up to 5 days. Reheat gently on a medium grill or in a hot skillet for a couple of minutes per side so the steak warms through without overcooking. Chimichurri also freezes well in ice cube trays for up to 3 months—thaw and stir before serving.
What to serve with it
Serve these kabobs over a bed of cilantro-lime rice, warm grilled flatbreads, or a simple salad of arugula and thinly sliced red onion to cut the richness. Offer extra chimichurri on the side, and finish with flaky sea salt and a squeeze of lemon if desired; a glass of Malbec or a crisp, citrus-forward lager complements the herbaceous, peppery profile nicely.
Frequently asked questions
Can I use a different cut of steak?
Yes—skirt or sirloin work well; if using a thicker cut like ribeye, slice into uniform cubes so they cook evenly, and adjust grilling time for thickness. Avoid very lean cuts that can become tough when grilled quickly.
How do I know when the steak is done?
Use an instant-read thermometer—120–125°F for rare, 130–135°F for medium-rare, and 140–145°F for medium; because cubes cook quickly, check a representative piece after 8 minutes and adjust as needed.
Can I make chimichurri ahead of time?
Yes—the chimichurri flavors deepen after a few hours in the fridge and will keep up to 5 days. Reserve a portion before marinating so you have bright, uncooked sauce for finishing.
How do I prevent peppers from slipping on the skewer?
Cut peppers into firmer, slightly larger pieces and thread two parallel pieces on the skewer when possible; alternatively, place pepper pieces between steak cubes to help hold them in place while grilling.
Can I grill these indoors?
Yes—use a very hot, well-oiled cast-iron grill pan or broiler, turning often to mimic the quick high heat of an outdoor grill; watch closely to avoid burning the chimichurri when finishing under direct heat.
About the author
JakeHello, I'm Jake. I started this recipe site with the idea that I hated recipe websites that overwhelm you with long stories and ads just to see plain content that's not helpful. My goal is to provide you with quality recipes, simple ideas and a fun cooking experience. There's lots of fun things to cook, and I think as you browse the site you'll find that TopShelf.Recipes is the place for quality recipes on the web.
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Ingredients
- Flat-leaf parsley, packed1 cup
- Fresh oregano leaves2 tbsp
- Garlic cloves, peeled3 clove
- Red wine vinegar2 tbsp
- Extra-virgin olive oil0.5 cup
- Crushed red pepper flakes0.5 tsp
- Kosher salt1.5 tsp
- Flank steak, trimmed1.5 lb
- Red bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1½-inch pieces1 large
- Yellow bell pepper, seeded and cut into 1½-inch pieces1 large
Nutrition Facts
Per serving: 6 oz steak
Nutrition values are estimated from USDA ingredient data and may vary based on preparation, brands, and portion sizes. Values are provided for informational purposes only.
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