Q1: Can I cook this recipe without a grill, and what alternatives can I use?

Yes, you can absolutely make this recipe without the grill listed in the Equipment. A cast-iron skillet or grill pan on your stovetop works excellently as an alternative. Heat the pan over medium-high heat until very hot, then follow the same cooking times from Steps 6-7 (4-5 minutes per side for medium-rare). You can also use your oven's broiler by placing steaks on a broiler pan 3-4 inches from the heat source, though you may need to adjust timing slightly. The chimichurri sauce preparation in Steps 2-3 remains exactly the same regardless of your cooking method.

Q2: How do I know when my steak is done to my preferred level, and what temperatures should I aim for?

Step 7 mentions using a meat thermometer (listed in Equipment) to check for medium-rare at 130-135°F, which is the most reliable method. For rare, remove steaks at 120-125°F; for medium, aim for 140-145°F; and for medium-well, target 150-155°F. Insert the thermometer into the thickest part of the steak, avoiding fat or bone. Remember that Step 8 instructs you to let the steaks rest for 5-10 minutes, during which the internal temperature will rise another 5 degrees, so remove them from heat about 5 degrees before your target temperature. The timing in Step 7 (4-5 minutes per side) works well for 1-inch thick steaks, but thicker cuts will need more time.

Q3: Can I substitute the fresh herbs in the chimichurri sauce, and will dried herbs work?

While the recipe calls for 1 cup fresh parsley and 1/2 cup fresh cilantro in Step 2, substitutions will significantly change the flavor and texture of traditional chimichurri. If you can't find cilantro, you can use 1 1/2 cups of parsley total for a more traditional Argentinian version. Dried herbs are not recommended as chimichurri relies on the bright, fresh flavor and texture of raw herbs. If you absolutely must use dried herbs, use only 2-3 tablespoons total (since dried herbs are more concentrated) and add extra olive oil and red wine vinegar to compensate for the lost moisture, though the result will be quite different from authentic chimichurri.

Q4: Is this recipe truly gluten-free, and are there any hidden gluten concerns I should watch for?

This recipe is naturally gluten-free as written, with all the core ingredients (steak, olive oil, fresh herbs, garlic, red wine vinegar, salt, pepper, and spices) being inherently gluten-free. However, you should verify that your red wine vinegar and any pre-ground spices like oregano and red pepper flakes mentioned in Step 2 are certified gluten-free, as some brands may have cross-contamination during processing. The kosher salt and black pepper used in Step 5 are naturally gluten-free. If you're serving this to someone with celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity, always check labels on all packaged ingredients and ensure your grill grates are clean if they've previously been used to cook gluten-containing foods like regular bread or marinated meats with gluten-containing sauces.

Gluten-Free Grilled Steak with Chimichurri

This Gluten-Free Grilled Steak with Chimichurri is a celebration of bold, vibrant flavors that brings the essence of Argentine cuisine to your dinner table. Perfectly grilled steak—whether you choose ribeye, sirloin, or New York strip—is topped with a zesty, herbaceous chimichurri sauce that cuts through the richness of the meat with its bright combination of fresh parsley, garlic, and red wine vinegar. The result is a restaurant-quality meal that's naturally gluten-free and incredibly satisfying.

Chimichurri, Argentina's beloved condiment, is traditionally served alongside grilled meats at asados (barbecues) and has become a global favorite for its versatility and fresh taste. Made with simple ingredients like fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar, this green sauce adds a punch of flavor that elevates any cut of beef. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity—high-quality steak needs little more than salt, pepper, and a hot grill to achieve perfection.

This dish is ideal for weeknight dinners when you want something special without spending hours in the kitchen, yet impressive enough for entertaining guests. The chimichurri can be made ahead and actually improves in flavor as it sits, making meal prep a breeze. Pair this steak with roasted vegetables, a crisp salad, or gluten-free grilled potatoes for a complete and memorable meal.

Whether you're following a gluten-free diet or simply appreciate bold, fresh flavors, this grilled steak with chimichurri delivers on all fronts. It's a protein-packed, nutrient-dense dinner that proves gluten-free eating can be both delicious and satisfying without any compromise on taste or texture.

Julia

Recipe Author: Gluten-Free & Specialty Diet Chef

Nutrition

30 minutes

None servings

485 calories

Fat 38.00g

Carbs 3.00g

Protein 48.00g

Ingredients

4 pieces	ribeye or sirloin steaks, about 8 oz each, at room temperature
2 tsp	kosher salt
1 tsp	black pepper, freshly ground
2 tbsp	olive oil, for steaks
1 cup	fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/2 cup	fresh cilantro, finely chopped
4 cloves	garlic cloves, minced
1/4 cup	red wine vinegar
1/2 cup	extra virgin olive oil, for chimichurri
1/2 tsp	red pepper flakes
1 tsp	dried oregano
1/2 tsp	salt, for chimichurri

Equipment

Cutting board

paper towels

tongs

aluminum foil

chef's knife

medium mixing bowl

grill (gas or charcoal)

meat thermometer

Clean Eating

Perfectly aligned with clean eating principles, this recipe uses minimally processed, whole food ingredients like grass-fed steak, fresh herbs, and olive oil, avoiding refined sugars, artificial additives, and processed foods.

Gluten-Free Diet

Naturally gluten-free, this recipe uses whole food ingredients like steak, fresh herbs, and olive oil without any gluten-containing grains or processed additives, making it completely safe for those avoiding gluten.

Low-Carb Diet

Ideal for low-carb diets with zero net carbs, this recipe focuses on high-quality protein and healthy fats from steak and olive oil, completely avoiding carbohydrate-rich ingredients.

Paleo Diet

This recipe perfectly aligns with Paleo principles, featuring grass-fed steak, fresh herbs, and olive oil while avoiding grains, legumes, and processed ingredients. The chimichurri sauce uses only whole food ingredients that would have been available to hunter-gatherers.

Primal Diet

An excellent Primal Diet option featuring grass-fed steak, healthy fats from olive oil, and fresh herbs, while avoiding grains, legumes, and processed ingredients. The chimichurri sauce provides additional nutrient-dense flavor.

Instructions

Remove steaks from refrigerator and let them sit at room temperature for 20-30 minutes before grilling. This ensures even cooking.

Make the chimichurri sauce by combining the chopped parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, red pepper flakes, oregano, and salt in a medium bowl.

Stir the chimichurri ingredients together until well combined. Set aside at room temperature to allow flavors to meld while you prepare the steaks.

Preheat your grill to medium-high heat (about 400°F). If using a gas grill, preheat for 10-15 minutes with the lid closed. For charcoal, wait until coals are covered with white ash.

10 min

Pat the steaks dry with paper towels. Rub both sides of each steak with olive oil, then season generously with kosher salt and freshly ground black pepper.

2 min

5 min

Place steaks on the hot grill and cook for 4-5 minutes without moving them, allowing a nice crust to form.

5 min

Flip the steaks using tongs and cook for another 4-5 minutes for medium-rare (internal temperature of 130-135°F), or adjust time based on your preferred doneness.

Remove steaks from the grill and transfer to a cutting board. Tent loosely with aluminum foil and let rest for 5-10 minutes to allow juices to redistribute.

5 min

Slice steaks against the grain if desired, or serve whole. Top each steak generously with chimichurri sauce and serve immediately with extra sauce on the side.

2 min

Gluten-Free Grilled Steak with Chimichurri

Nutrition

Ingredients

Equipment

On Diet

Clean Eating

Gluten-Free Diet

Low-Carb Diet

Paleo Diet

Primal Diet

Instructions

Frequently Asked Questions

Q1: Can I cook this recipe without a grill, and what alternatives can I use?

Q2: How do I know when my steak is done to my preferred level, and what temperatures should I aim for?

Q3: Can I substitute the fresh herbs in the chimichurri sauce, and will dried herbs work?

Q4: Is this recipe truly gluten-free, and are there any hidden gluten concerns I should watch for?