By Bill Ohaire | Published: April 2026 | Last Updated: April 2026

Flavourful BBQ marinade with fresh herbs

Photo by Jonathan Borba on Pexels

Quick Answer

Chimichurri Beef Marinade: Combine 1 cup flat-leaf parsley (finely chopped), 4 cloves garlic (minced), 2 tbsp fresh oregano (or 1 tbsp dried), and more. Marinate 4 hours to 24 hours. Grill until internal temp reaches 54-63°C (130-145°F) depending on preference.

About This Marinade

This chimichurri marinade brings a herby, garlicky, vibrant flavour profile to your beef. An Argentine classic. Use as both a marinade and a finishing sauce. Best made fresh.

Prep Time

10 minutes

Marinate Time

4 hours - 24 hours

Flavour Profile

herby, garlicky, vibrant

Best Cuts

rump steak, sirloin, skirt steak, flank steak, kebab cubes

Ingredients

IngredientAmount
flat-leaf parsley (finely chopped)1 cup
garlic (minced)4 cloves
fresh oregano (or 1 tbsp dried)2 tbsp
olive oil80ml
red wine vinegar2 tbsp
chilli flakes1 tsp
salt and pepperAs needed

Tougher cuts like skirt and flank benefit most from marinating. Premium cuts like eye fillet need less time.

How to Make Chimichurri Beef Marinade

  1. Combine: Mix all marinade ingredients in a bowl or ziplock bag until well combined.
  2. Prep the beef: Pat the beef dry with paper towel. Trim any excess fat if needed.
  3. Marinate: Add the beef to the marinade, making sure every piece is well coated. Refrigerate for 4 hours minimum, up to 24 hours for deeper flavour.
  4. Bring to temp: Remove from the fridge 20-30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off. This helps it cook more evenly.
  5. BBQ: Shake off excess marinade and grill over high heat (220-260°C / 425-500°F) until the internal temperature reaches 54-63°C (130-145°F) depending on preference.
  6. Rest: Let the beef rest for 5-10 minutes before serving.

Tips for the Best Chimichurri Beef

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Best Beef Cuts for Chimichurri Marinade

The best cuts of beef for this marinade are: rump steak, sirloin, skirt steak, flank steak, kebab cubes.

Tougher, more flavourful cuts like skirt and flank steak benefit most from marinating. The acid helps break down connective tissue.

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Frequently Asked Questions

How long should I marinate beef in chimichurri marinade?

Marinate beef in chimichurri marinade for 4 hours minimum for noticeable flavour, or up to 24 hours for deeper penetration. Overnight in the fridge is ideal for most cuts.

Can I use chimichurri marinade on other meats?

Yes! Chimichurri marinade works well on chicken and lamb too. Adjust the marinating time based on the protein — prawns only need 15-30 minutes.

Should I marinate beef in the fridge or at room temperature?

Always marinate in the fridge for food safety. Bacteria multiply rapidly at room temperature. Take the meat out 20-30 minutes before cooking to take the chill off for more even cooking.

What temperature should I BBQ chimichurri marinated beef?

Grill chimichurri marinated beef over high heat (220-260°C / 425-500°F). Cook until the internal temperature reaches 54-63°C (130-145°F) depending on preference.

Related BBQ Guides

Sources & References

1
How to BBQ Right (YouTube)
Malcom Reed's championship-winning BBQ techniques and tutorials.
Video
2
Mad Scientist BBQ (YouTube)
Jeremy Yoder's detailed BBQ experiments and science-based cooking methods.
Video
3
Food Standards Australia New Zealand
Official Australian food safety guidelines and safe cooking temperatures.
Government
4
America's Test Kitchen (YouTube)
Rigorously tested steak cooking methods with scientific precision.
Video