Whether used as a marinade or as a sauce, a versatile chimichurri complements most any grilled fish, chicken, or meat.
Ingredients
1/2 cup distilled white vinegar
1/4 cup vegetable oil
3/4 cup chopped sweet onion
1/2 cup chopped cilantro
2 tablespoons finely chopped garlic
2 teaspoons thyme leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons oregano leaves
1 1/2 teaspoons ground cumin
1 1/2 pounds beef tenderloin, cut into 1 1/2-inch pieces
1/4 cup olive oil
1/4 cup red-wine vinegar
1/4 cup finely chopped onion
2 tablespoons minced red bell pepper
1 1/2 teaspoons minced garlic
2 tablespoons chopped flat-leaf parsley
1 1/2 teaspoons oregano leaves
1/4 teaspoon hot red-pepper flakes
1 fresh bay leaf (optional), finely chopped
5 (12-inch) metal skewers
Directions
Stir together all ingredients for beef with 1 1/2 teaspoons each of salt and pepper. Marinate, covered and chilled, 4 hours.
Meanwhile, stir together all chimichurri ingredients with 3/4 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper and let stand at least 2 hours.
Prepare a grill for direct-heat cooking over medium-hot charcoal (medium-high heat for gas); see grilling procedure. Remove beef from marinade and rub off excess (discard marinade).
Skewer beef, leaving about 1/2 inch between pieces. Oil grill rack, then grill (covered if using a gas grill), turning occasionally, 4 to 5 minutes for medium-rare. Serve beef with chimichurri sauce.
