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Vietnamese Chimichurri on Ribeye Steak

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There are few things in life more satisfying than a perfectly seared ribeye steak, but drizzling it with Vietnamese chimichurri? That’s when fireworks go off. This dish takes a steakhouse classic and flips it on its head with bold herbs, zesty heat, and the unmistakable punch of Southeast Asian flavors. It’s steak night, but with a passport stamp to Vietnam.

Traditional chimichurri is already a flavor bomb with parsley, garlic, and vinegar, but this Vietnamese twist turns up the excitement. Think loads of fresh cilantro, scallions, mint, Thai basil, fish sauce for umami depth, and a kiss of lime for brightness. It’s vibrant, tangy, and just spicy enough to keep each bite interesting. Basically, it’s the kind of sauce that steals the show. Sorry ribeye, you’re sharing the spotlight.

The magic is in the contrast. You’ve got that rich, juicy ribeye with all its buttery marbling, and then this herb-packed chimichurri cutting through with freshness and zing. Every bite feels balanced, like a little dance between indulgent and refreshing. You can drizzle it generously over your steak, or go wild and dunk each slice like you’re at a backyard party.

And let’s be real, this sauce isn’t just for ribeye. Once you taste it, you’ll want to spoon it over grilled chicken, toss it with shrimp, or even mix it into roasted veggies. It’s that versatile. Make a big jar and keep it in the fridge. You’ll thank yourself later when dinner feels a little boring and you need an instant flavor upgrade.

So if you’re ready to elevate steak night and impress your friends (or just yourself), fire up the pan, sear that ribeye until it’s got a gorgeous crust, and let the Vietnamese chimichurri do the rest. It’s fresh, it’s bold, and it’s absolutely unforgettable.

Vietnamese Chimichuri on Ribeye Steak

Recipe by Julia Vuong
5.0 from 1 vote
Course: MainCuisine: Vietnamese, Argentinian
Servings

2

servings
Prep time

25

minutes
Cooking time

10

minutes
Total time

35

minutes

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup 1/2 chopped cilantro

  • 1/4 cup 1/4 chopped mint

  • 1/4 cup 1/4 chopped thai basil

  • 1 1 minced shallot

  • 1/4 cup 1/4 sliced green onions

  • 3 3 thai chilis

  • 1 1 head of garlic

  • 1/4 cup 1/4 fried shallots (store bought in a container)

  • 3/4 cup 3/4 extra virgin olive oil

  • 3 tbsp 3 neutral oil (to fry the garlic)

  • 1 tbsp 1 fish sauce

  • 3 tbsp 3 vinegar

  • 1 1 lime

  • 1 tbsp 1 sugar

  • pinch of salt

  • Ribeye Steak
  • 1 1 14oz ribeye steak

  • 1 tsp 1 kosher salt

  • 1/2 tsp 1/2 black pepper

  • 2 tbsp 2 unsalted butter

  • 4 4 smashed garlic cloves

  • 1.5 tbsp 1.5 neutral oil (canola, avocado, or grapeseed)

Directions

  • Make the Vietnamese Chimichurri
    In a mixing bowl, combine cilantro, mint, basil, green onions, shallots, and chili. Stir in fish sauce, vinegar, lime juice, sugar, and olive oil until well mixed. Heat up neutral oil in a pan, fry minced garlic on medium-low heat until crispy and slightly browned. Make sure to mix often to prevent burning. Turn off the heat and add in pre-fried shallots to make them extra crispy and fragrant. Mix crispy garlic and shallots into the chimichurri. Taste and adjust seasoning (add more lime for brightness, fish sauce for umami, or chili for heat). Set aside to let the flavors mingle while you cook the steak.
  • Prep the Ribeye
    Pat the ribeye steaks dry with paper towels. Season generously on both sides with salt and black pepper. Let the steaks sit at room temperature for about 20 minutes before cooking.
  • Cook the Steak
    Heat a heavy skillet over medium-high heat until very hot. Add oil and swirl to coat. Lay the steak in and sear 3–4 minutes on the first side until a deep golden crust forms. Flip and add butter and smashed garlic to the pan. Tilt the pan and spoon the melted butter over the steak for 1-2 minutes for medium-rare. Add more time of basting to adjust for your doneness preference.
  • Rest the Steak
    Remove steaks from the skillet and let them rest on a cutting board for at least 5 minutes before slicing. This locks in the juices.
  • Serve with Chimichurri
    Slice steak against the grain into strips. Spoon the Vietnamese chimichurri generously over the top, and serve extra sauce on the side for dipping.
  • Enjoy!