If you are ready to elevate your grilling game, the Grilled Steak Skewers with Chimichurri, Mint Yogurt, and Sundried Tomato Pesto Dipping Sauces Recipe is a showstopper that delivers big on flavor and variety. This dish masterfully combines perfectly charred, juicy skirt steak skewers with a trio of vibrant sauces that each bring their own personality to the plate. The fresh herbs in the chimichurri add brightness and a little tang, the cool mint yogurt offers refreshing creaminess, and the sundried tomato pesto provides rich, nutty depth. It’s a fantastic way to enjoy steak with exciting dipping sauces that will have everyone reaching for another skewer and dipping eagerly into each sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this recipe is thoughtfully chosen to build layers of flavor, texture, and color that make these grilled steak skewers irresistible. From the fresh herbs to the quality steak, each element shines through, keeping this dish vibrant yet approachable.
- Skirt steak (1.5 – 2 lb): Known for its rich flavor and perfect for quick grilling, skirt steak makes tender, juicy skewers.
- Kosher salt (1 tbsp + extra): Essential for seasoning to enhance the steak’s natural flavors and balance the sauces.
- Cracked black pepper (1 tbsp + extra): Adds a sharp, fragrant kick that complements the grilled meat.
- Fresh parsley (1/2 cup): Brightens the chimichurri with its herby freshness.
- Fresh cilantro (1/2 cup): Brings a slightly citrusy note to the sauces.
- Fresh oregano (2-3 tbsp): Adds an earthy depth to chimichurri’s herbal profile.
- Garlic (6 cloves for chimichurri, 4 cloves for pesto): Infuses savory warmth and pungency essential to both sauces.
- Shallot (1): Gives a mild, sweet onion flavor that rounds out the chimichurri.
- Jalapeno (1, optional): Provides a subtle spicy edge to the chimichurri, adjustable to your heat preference.
- Red wine vinegar (1/3 cup): Adds acidity and bite, sharpening the chimichurri’s flavors.
- Extra virgin olive oil (1/2 cup + 1/3 cup for pesto): Creates smooth, luscious textures and rich mouthfeel in all sauces.
- Lemon juice (2 tbsp + juice from 1 lemon): Brings brightness and freshness to the sauces and marinade.
- Red pepper flakes (1 tsp): Adds a gentle heat to the chimichurri to awaken taste buds.
- Full fat Greek yogurt (1 cup): The base for the mint yogurt sauce delivering creamy coolness.
- Fresh mint leaves (1 cup, minced): Provide fragrant, refreshing lift to the yogurt sauce.
- Lemon zest (from 1 lemon): Adds aromatic citrus oils that make the mint yogurt sauce pop.
- Sundried tomatoes in oil (8 oz, strained): Bring a sweet, intense richness central to the pesto.
- Walnuts (1/3 cup, toasted & chopped): Give crunch and earthiness to the sundried tomato pesto.
- Fresh basil (1 cup): Adds fragrant herbal notes to the pesto’s complex flavors.
- Parmesan cheese (1/3 cup): Imparts sharp, nutty flavor essential for the pesto’s balance.
How to Make Grilled Steak Skewers with Chimichurri, Mint Yogurt, and Sundried Tomato Pesto Dipping Sauces Recipe
Step 1: Prepare the Chimichurri Sauce
Start by combining fresh parsley, cilantro, oregano, garlic, shallot, and jalapeno into a food processor. Pulse until everything is finely diced but still retains a bit of texture. Stir in red wine vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. This bold, herby sauce bursts with fresh flavors and will add vibrant color and zest to your skewers. Feel free to make it a day ahead to let the flavors meld beautifully.
Step 2: Whisk Up the Mint Yogurt
For a creamy contrast, mix Greek yogurt with minced mint leaves, fresh lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and cracked black pepper. Whisk until smooth, then chill. This sauce provides a cooling counterpoint to the grilled steak and spicy chimichurri and is wonderfully refreshing on a warm day. It keeps well refrigerated for a couple of days.
Step 3: Make the Sundried Tomato Pesto
Begin by toasting walnuts in a hot pan until fragrant and slightly browned, which intensifies their flavor. In a food processor, combine the strained sundried tomatoes, toasted walnuts, fresh basil, parmesan, and garlic. Pulse to blend, then slowly drizzle in olive oil while the processor runs until you get a smooth, thick pesto. Season to taste. This rich, savory pesto is the perfect intense umami dip for your grilled steak skewers and can be stored in the fridge for up to a week.
Step 4: Grill the Steak Skewers
Preheat your grill to high heat. Let the skirt steak come to room temperature so it cooks evenly. Trim any excess fat and pat the meat dry. Cut the steak against the grain into 1-inch strips, then thread onto skewers. Generously season with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Grill for 3-4 minutes per side until you reach medium rare or desired doneness. Allow the meat to rest for a few minutes off the heat to lock in juices before serving. Each skewer promises a smoky, juicy bite.
How to Serve Grilled Steak Skewers with Chimichurri, Mint Yogurt, and Sundried Tomato Pesto Dipping Sauces Recipe
Garnishes
To elevate the presentation and flavor, scatter freshly chopped parsley or cilantro over the plated skewers. Thin lemon slices or wedges on the side allow your guests to add an extra splash of brightness. A sprinkle of toasted walnuts on the pesto or a touch of red pepper flakes on the chimichurri can also bring subtle texture and color, making the dish feel thoughtfully finished and irresistible.
Side Dishes
These grilled steak skewers are a meal on their own but pair wonderfully with light, fresh sides. Think crisp green salads tossed with vinaigrette, grilled seasonal veggies, or fluffy couscous to soak up those delectable sauces. Roasted potatoes or a simple quinoa salad can also balance the richness of the steak while complementing the vibrant dips beautifully.
Creative Ways to Present
For a festive touch, serve the skewers stacked on a wooden board surrounded by small bowls of chimichurri, mint yogurt, and sundried tomato pesto to encourage dipping and sharing. Alternatively, lay the skewers over a bed of mixed greens or roasted vegetables for a colorful, appetizing platter. If you want a unique twist, turn this into a casual hand-held meal by serving the skewers alongside pita or flatbreads and encouraging guests to build their own bites with the sauces.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Refrigerate any leftover grilled steak skewers in an airtight container for up to 2 days to maintain juiciness and flavor. Store each dipping sauce separately in sealed jars or containers to preserve their freshness and distinct flavors. This way you can enjoy flavorful bites over the next couple of days without any compromise.
Freezing
While the steak skewers taste best fresh, you can freeze cooked skirt steak slices (off skewers) in a freezer-safe bag for up to 3 months. The sauces, especially the yogurt mint dip, do not freeze well due to their texture, so it’s best to make those fresh. The chimichurri and pesto may freeze but can lose some vibrancy and texture upon thawing.
Reheating
To reheat your steak skewers, gently warm them in a skillet over medium-low heat or use a grill pan to keep that charred flavor without overcooking. Avoid the microwave as it can dry out the meat. Bring sauces back to room temperature before serving for best flavor and texture.
FAQs
Can I use other cuts of steak for this recipe?
Absolutely! While skirt steak is ideal for its flavor and quick cooking, flank steak or sirloin strips can also work well. Just adjust cooking times slightly based on thickness.
How spicy is the chimichurri sauce?
The chimichurri has a mild kick from jalapeno and red pepper flakes, but it’s easily adjusted by reducing or omitting these ingredients based on your spice tolerance.
Can I prepare the sauces ahead of time?
Yes, the chimichurri and sundried tomato pesto can be made up to a day or more in advance, which actually lets the flavors meld more deeply. The mint yogurt sauce is best made the same day or the day before to maintain freshness.
What if I don’t have a grill?
You can use a grill pan or broiler to cook the steak skewers. Just make sure to preheat well and keep a close eye to get that nice sear without overcooking.
Are these sauces good for other dishes?
Definitely! Chimichurri pairs beautifully with chicken or roasted vegetables, mint yogurt is excellent as a dip for grilled lamb or veggies, and the sundried tomato pesto is great stirred into pasta or spread on sandwiches.
Final Thoughts
Once you try the Grilled Steak Skewers with Chimichurri, Mint Yogurt, and Sundried Tomato Pesto Dipping Sauces Recipe, it’s hard to go back to plain old steak. The combination of bold flavors, fresh herbs, and that satisfying grilled char makes this a real crowd-pleaser perfect for any gathering or family dinner. Don’t hesitate to get creative with the sauces and sides – this dish invites you to savor every bite. Fire up your grill and enjoy an unforgettable meal bursting with color, texture, and tangy, creamy, nutty goodness!
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Grilled Steak Skewers with Chimichurri, Mint Yogurt, and Sundried Tomato Pesto Dipping Sauces Recipe
This recipe features flavorful grilled skirt steak skewers served with three vibrant dipping sauces: a fresh chimichurri, a refreshing mint yogurt, and a rich sundried tomato pesto. Perfect for summer grilling, these skewers are tender and juicy, complemented by the bold, herbaceous, and tangy sauces that elevate every bite.
- Total Time: 50 minutes
- Yield: 8 servings
Ingredients
Steak Skewers
- 1.5 – 2 lb skirt steak
- 1 tbsp kosher salt
- 1 tbsp cracked black pepper
Chimichurri Sauce
- 1/2 cup fresh parsley
- 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
- 2–3 tablespoons fresh oregano
- 6 cloves garlic
- 1 shallot
- 1 jalapeno (optional)
- 1/3 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 cup unfiltered extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice from a fresh lemon
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt to taste
- Fresh ground pepper to taste
Mint Yogurt Dip
- 1 cup full fat Greek yogurt
- 1 cup fresh mint leaves (minced)
- 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
- 1/2 tsp kosher salt
- 1/2 tsp cracked black pepper
Sundried Tomato Pesto
- 8 oz sundried tomatoes in oil (strained)
- 1/3 cup chopped walnuts (toasted)
- 1 cup fresh basil
- 1/3 cup parmesan cheese
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1/2 – 1/3 cup olive oil
- 1 tsp kosher salt
- 1 tsp cracked black pepper
Instructions
- Prepare Chimichurri: Toss all chimichurri ingredients into a food processor or blender. Pulse 8-10 times until the herbs and alliums are finely diced and the ingredients are well incorporated. Alternatively, finely mince the parsley, cilantro, oregano, garlic, shallot, and jalapeno. Place minced ingredients in a lidded jar, add vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper. Shake vigorously until combined. Chill and use within one day for optimal freshness.
- Make Mint Yogurt: In a bowl, combine Greek yogurt, minced fresh mint leaves, lemon juice, lemon zest, salt, and pepper. Whisk the mixture until smooth and evenly mixed. Chill for up to two days until ready to serve to retain freshness.
- Prepare Sundried Tomato Pesto: Strain oil from the sundried tomatoes. Heat a small sauté pan over high heat and dry toast the chopped walnuts, stirring continuously, until lightly browned and fragrant (about 8-10 minutes). In the bowl of a food processor, combine the sundried tomatoes, toasted walnuts, fresh basil, parmesan cheese, and garlic. Pulse 8-10 times to incorporate, scraping sides as necessary. Turn the processor to continuous and slowly drizzle in olive oil through the feed tube until a paste forms. Season with salt and cracked black pepper to taste. Chill and consume within one week.
- Grill Steak Skewers: Heat the grill on high and cover to preheat. Meanwhile, bring the skirt steak to room temperature by leaving it on the counter for about 30 minutes. Trim any excessive fat and sinew, then pat the steak dry using paper towels. Slice the skirt steak into three equal portions, then cut each portion across the grain into 1-inch wide ribbons to ensure tenderness. Thread the ribbons onto skewers and generously season each skewer with kosher salt and cracked black pepper. Grill the skewers over high heat for 3-4 minutes per side for medium rare, turning once. Remove from the grill and let rest for a few minutes before serving immediately with the dipping sauces.
Notes
- Cutting the steak across the grain is crucial for tender bites.
- The jalapeno in chimichurri is optional and adds heat.
- Chill the sauces separately and serve cold for best flavor contrast with warm skewers.
- Use soaked wooden skewers or sturdy metal skewers to prevent burning on the grill.
- Skirt steak is ideal for quick, high-heat grilling due to its texture and flavor.
- Prep Time: 20 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Category: Main Course
- Method: Grilling
- Cuisine: Latin American
