Bistec Argentino al Chimichurri (Steak with Chimichurri Sauce)

Chimichurri is the national condiment of Argentina, a tangy herb paste that's used as both a marinade and a sauce. Here, chef Ulises Santiago replaces traditional parsley with cilantro. Notes: You can make the chimichurri sauce in step 1 up to 1 day ahead; cover and chill. If you don't have adobo seasoning (found in Latin markets and some supermarkets), use 1/2 teaspoon garlic salt, 1/2 teaspoon onion powder, and 1/4 teaspoon dried red chile flakes. Prep and Cook Time: about 35 minutes.

Yield: Makes 4 servings

Ingredients

• 1/2  cup  packed chopped fresh cilantro
• 6  tablespoons  balsamic vinegar
• 2  tablespoons  olive oil
• 2  cloves garlic, peeled and minced
• 1  teaspoon  adobo seasoning (see notes)
• 1/2  teaspoon  dried oregano
• 1/2  teaspoon  pepper
• 1/4  teaspoon  dried red chile flakes
• 2  boned beef rib-eye or top loin (New York strip) steaks (1 1/2 in. thick, 1 1/2 to 2 lb. total), fat trimmed
• 2  teaspoons  steak herb seasoning mix or salt and pepper
• About 2 tablespoons butter

Preparation

1. To make chimichurri, combine cilantro, vinegar, oil, garlic, adobo, oregano, pepper, and chile flakes.

2. Rinse beef, pat dry, and rub all over with steak seasoning mix.

3. In a 10- to 12-inch nonstick frying pan over medium-high heat, melt 1 teaspoon butter. Lay steaks in pan and cook, turning as needed, to brown all sides, including edges, about 10 minutes total for very rare (red in center, cut to test). For medium rare, cook 2 or 3 minutes more. To reduce spattering, wipe fat from pan with paper towels.

4. Transfer steaks to a platter; keep warm. If dark charred bits are present in pan, wipe out with a paper towel. Add remaining butter to pan and stir; when melted, add chimichurri sauce.

5. Cut meat into 4 portions and set on plates. Pour meat juices from platter into frying pan, then ladle sauce over steaks.

Wine Pairing: A slightly spicy red wine with ripe plums and cherry, such as La Boca 2003 Malbec from Argentina.

Nutritional Information

Calories:

396 (61% from fat)

Protein:

35g

Fat:

27g (sat 10)

Carbohydrate:

2.4g

Fiber:

0.3g

Sodium:

896mg

Cholesterol:

116mg