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Sándwich de vacío
Sándwich de vacío: slow-grilled flank steak, sliced thin into crusty bread with chimichurri
ArgentinianVacío, the flank cut with its layer of fat and membrane, is grilled slowly for a long time at Buenos Aires parrillas, and at the street grills near football grounds and the weekend fairs of Mataderos it ends up sliced into crusty bread for a hearty midday sandwich. Cooked gently, it turns tender and very juicy, with a crisp, salty layer of fat. Chef's tip: grill it membrane side down first for most of the time and do not trim that membrane off; it protects the meat and turns crisp.
- Total time
- 120 min
- Difficulty
- medium
- Serves
- 6
Ingredients
- 1 tbsp coarse salt
For the chimichurri
- 1 oz flat-leaf parsleyleaves finely chopped
- 3 garlic clovesvery finely chopped
- 2 tsp dried oregano
- 1 tsp dried chilli flakes
- 3 tbsp red wine vinegar
- ½ cup olive oil
- ½ tsp salt
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Method
0/6 doneStep 1: Take 3 ⅓ lb beef flank (vacío), in one piece out of the fridge 30 minutes before cooking. Mix 1 oz flat-leaf parsley, 3 garlic cloves, 2 tsp dried oregano, 1 tsp dried chilli flakes, 3 tbsp red wine vinegar, ½ cup olive oil and ½ tsp salt and set aside.
10 minStep 2: Light a charcoal grill and let it burn down to a medium-low heat (you can hold your hand above it for 8 seconds), or heat the oven to 325°F (275°F fan).
20 minStep 3: Cook the beef membrane side down for 60 minutes, until the fat is crisp and beads of juice appear on top. Common mistake: a hot grill; flank seizes up and turns tough if rushed.
60 minStep 4: Turn, scatter with 1 tbsp coarse salt and cook for 25–30 minutes more, until tender and well browned (about 149°F inside for juicy, pink-free meat). If using the oven, finish it in a very hot pan for 2 minutes a side.
30 minStep 5: Rest for 10 minutes, then slice thinly across the grain.
10 minStep 6: Split and warm 6 crusty bread rolls on the grill, fill with the beef and spoon over chimichurri.
Nutrition per serving
- Calories
- 650 kcal
- Protein
- 50 g
- Carbs
- 36 g
- Fat
- 34 g
- Fibre
- 2 g
Nutrition values are estimates.
KrazyBadal
Good to know
- How long does sándwich de vacío take?
- About 120 minutes in total: 15 minutes to prepare and 105 minutes to cook.
- How many people does it serve?
- 6 as written. Change the servings above the ingredients and every amount scales to match.
- What can I use instead of flat-leaf parsley?
- Curly parsley or coriander, same amount.
- What can I use instead of garlic cloves?
- ½ tsp garlic paste or ⅛ tsp garlic powder per clove.
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