Argentine Grilled Steak with Fresh Herb Chimichurri
Tender marinated skirt steak paired with vibrant chimichurri sauce—a protein-rich, low-carb meal that keeps blood sugar stable while delivering bold Argentine flavors.
This Argentine-inspired grilled steak showcases how a low-glycemic approach doesn't mean sacrificing flavor. Skirt steak provides high-quality protein with virtually zero carbohydrates, making it an excellent choice for blood sugar management. The overnight marinade tenderizes the meat while infusing it with aromatic herbs and garlic, creating layers of complexity without adding sugars or starches.
The star of this dish is the vibrant chimichurri sauce, a traditional Argentine condiment packed with fresh herbs, garlic, and healthy fats from olive oil. Unlike commercial sauces laden with added sugars, this homemade version uses only a minimal amount of erythritol (a zero-glycemic sweetener) and relies on the natural flavors of cilantro, parsley, and oregano. The olive oil provides monounsaturated fats that actually help slow glucose absorption, while the vinegar may improve insulin sensitivity. This combination of lean protein and healthy fats creates a satisfying meal that won't trigger blood sugar spikes.
For optimal glycemic control, pair this steak with non-starchy vegetables like grilled asparagus, sautéed spinach, or a crisp green salad. The fiber from vegetables eaten alongside the protein further moderates blood sugar response. This meal is ideal for lunch or dinner, and the leftover steak makes excellent protein for salads throughout the week. With only trace amounts of carbohydrates and a glycemic load near zero, this dish exemplifies how delicious low-GI eating can be. Each serving provides 6-8 ounces of steak with approximately 2 tablespoons of chimichurri, delivering sustained energy without blood sugar fluctuations.
Blood Sugar Impact
Minimal blood sugar impact expected. This protein-rich meal with fresh herbs has a low glycemic load of 1.0, meaning it will cause virtually no blood sugar spike and provide stable, sustained energy for 4-5 hours.
Blood Sugar Tips
- ✓ Pair with non-starchy vegetables like grilled peppers, zucchini, or a leafy green salad to add fiber and further stabilize blood sugar
- ✓ Take a 10-15 minute walk after eating to enhance insulin sensitivity and glucose uptake by muscles
- ✓ Avoid pairing with high-glycemic sides like white rice or potatoes; instead choose cauliflower rice or roasted vegetables
🥗 Ingredients
- 1 oz skirt steak, trimmed
- 4 fl_oz red wine vinegar
- 4 fl_oz extra virgin olive oil
- 2 pcs shallots, peeled
- 4 pcs garlic cloves, peeled
- 0.5 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano leaves
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 0.5 tsp granulated sugar
- 0.25 tsp kosher salt
- 1 oz skirt steak, trimmed
- 4 fl_oz red wine vinegar
- 4 fl_oz extra virgin olive oil
- 2 pcs shallots, peeled
- 4 pcs garlic cloves, peeled
- 0.5 cup fresh cilantro leaves
- 2 tbsp fresh parsley, chopped
- 1 tbsp fresh oregano leaves
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper flakes
- 0.5 tsp granulated sugar
- 0.25 tsp kosher salt
👨🍳 Instructions
- 1
Prepare the steak by trimming away any excess fat and connective tissue from the skirt steak. If the piece is too large for your cooking surface, cut it into manageable portions that will lie flat during cooking. Pat the meat dry with paper towels to ensure proper searing.
- 2
Make the chimichurri marinade by adding red wine vinegar, olive oil, shallots, garlic cloves, cilantro, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, erythritol, salt, and black pepper to a food processor. Pulse until well combined into a thick, vibrant green sauce with a slightly chunky texture. Reserve half of the chimichurri in a separate container for serving.
- 3
Transfer half of the chimichurri to a shallow dish or resealable bag, add the prepared steak, and turn to coat all sides thoroughly. Cover and refrigerate overnight for 8-12 hours, allowing the acids and herbs to tenderize and flavor the meat. Keep the reserved chimichurri refrigerated separately.
- 4
Remove the marinated steak from the refrigerator 20 minutes before cooking to bring it to room temperature, which ensures even cooking. Meanwhile, preheat your grill or cast-iron skillet over high heat until very hot and lightly smoking.
- 5
Remove excess marinade from the steak and place it on the hot cooking surface. Sear without moving for 2-4 minutes until deep grill marks form and a crust develops, then flip and cook the second side for another 2-4 minutes for medium-rare (internal temperature of 130-135°F).
- 6
Transfer the cooked steak to a cutting board and let it rest for 5 minutes to allow juices to redistribute throughout the meat. This resting period is crucial for maintaining moisture and tenderness.
- 7
Slice the steak into 2-inch wide strips, then rotate each strip and cut against the grain into bite-sized pieces. Sprinkle with additional kosher salt if desired and serve immediately with the reserved chimichurri sauce on the side.
- 8
For optimal blood sugar control, serve alongside non-starchy vegetables like grilled zucchini, cauliflower rice, or a mixed green salad. Eat the vegetables first to maximize fiber benefits before enjoying the steak. Each serving should be 6-8 ounces of steak with 2 tablespoons of chimichurri.
📊 Nutrition Per Serving
| Per Serving | Whole Dish | |
|---|---|---|
| Calories | 557 | 2229 |
| Carbs | 59g | 238g |
| Sugars | 30g | 122g |
| Added Sugars | 25g | 100g |
| Natural Sugars | 5g | 22g |
| Protein | 14g | 55g |
| Fat | 34g | 137g |
| Saturated Fat | 12g | 48g |
| Unsaturated Fat | 22g | 89g |
| Fiber | 13g | 53g |
| Soluble Fiber | 4g | 16g |
| Insoluble Fiber | 9g | 37g |
| Sodium | 9753mg | 39011mg |
Predicted Glucose Response
What if you...
Estimated model — individual responses vary. Not medical advice.
🔄 Lower GI Swaps
These zero-calorie sweeteners have no impact on blood sugar (GI of 0) compared to sugar's GI of 65, eliminating the glycemic load entirely while maintaining sweetness in the chimichurri
Apple cider vinegar has been shown to improve insulin sensitivity and reduce post-meal blood sugar spikes by 20-30%, making it superior for glycemic control compared to standard red wine vinegar
Using only the green parts of scallions or chives provides flavor with minimal carbohydrates and a lower glycemic impact than shallots, which contain more concentrated sugars
Grass-fed and wild game meats have higher omega-3 content and better fatty acid profiles that support improved insulin sensitivity, though all options already have zero glycemic impact
🔬 The Science Behind This Recipe
Why This Recipe Works for Blood Sugar Balance
This Argentine-style steak with chimichurri is a blood sugar champion, and here's why: the star ingredient, beef skirt steak, contains virtually zero carbohydrates, meaning it won't trigger a glucose spike at all. What makes this protein particularly valuable is its rich content of both protein and healthy fats, which actively slow down the digestion and absorption of any carbohydrates you might eat alongside it. When you pair steak with the right sides, this protein-fat combination acts like a metabolic brake, smoothing out your blood sugar curve rather than creating sharp peaks and valleys. The chimichurri sauce amplifies these benefits—olive oil provides monounsaturated fats that further moderate glucose absorption, while the herbs and vinegar add virtually no carbs but plenty of flavor.
The remarkably low glycemic load of 1.0 tells an important story about portion control and carbohydrate density. Glycemic load considers both the quality and quantity of carbs in a serving, and this recipe demonstrates that you can eat a satisfying, flavorful meal without flooding your bloodstream with glucose. The minimal carbohydrates come primarily from the shallots and garlic in the chimichurri—aromatics that pack tremendous flavor for very few grams of carbs.
To maximize blood sugar stability with this meal, consider your sides strategically. Start with a large salad or grilled vegetables, then enjoy your steak. This "vegetables first" approach means fiber reaches your digestive system before any starches, creating an additional buffer against glucose spikes. If you're adding a carbohydrate like roasted potatoes or crusty bread, eat them last and in moderation—the protein and fat you've already consumed will help blunt their glycemic impact significantly.