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Keto Tri-Tip with Creamy Avocado Chimichurri 🥑

Cast Iron Keto
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4.75 from 4 votes

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Get ready for a classic comeback with a delicious twist! Our crowd-pleasing Keto Chimichurri is back, but this time it's joining forces with a juicy tri-tip steak to introduce...hold onto your forks...the Keto Tri-Tip with Creamy Avocado Chimichurri.

This tasty twist on a classic is sure to spice up your keto routine. Imagine a tender, succulent steak enveloped by a zesty, aromatic sauce - that's what you're about to create in your own kitchen.

sliced tri-tip steak on a platter drizzled with creamy avocado chimichurri
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Preparation and cooking overview

Whipping up this Keto Tri-Tip with Creamy Avocado Chimichurri is a breeze! Simply blend the sauce ingredients, then sizzle up your tri-tip steak in a skillet. You'll be all done in about half an hour. The real test? Resisting the urge to dive into that mouth-watering sauce right away. We recommend letting it chill in the fridge for at least an hour after you've made it to really let those flavors come together. Trust us, it's worth the wait!

Chef's note

As a keto enthusiast, you might often find yourself in search of a tasty yet healthy sauce to complement your meals. Our avocado chimichurri is here to put an end to that search. This sauce isn't just creamy and delicious - it's a blast of flavors that can be paired with pretty much anything. Feel free to put your own spin on it, too. Add a dash of your favorite spices or maybe switch up the herbs in the chimichurri. Cooking is all about experimenting, and this recipe is a perfect place to start. So get into your kitchen and let the fun begin!

  • Prep Time: 30 minutes
  • Cooking Time: 20 minutes
  • Total Time: 1 hour and 50 Minutes
  • Difficulty Level: Easy
  • Recipe Makes 4 Servings

For more inspiration check out our Beef recipe.

🥑 Ingredients for this keto tri-tip with creamy avocado chimichurri recipe

Tri-tip

  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1.5 lb tri-tip
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Creamy avocado chimichurri

  • 1 cup cilantro
  • ¼ cup of fresh parsley
  • 1 avocado
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 serrano pepper
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar

Ingredient substitutions

Do you see something on the ingredients list that you'd rather skip? No worries! Here are a few keto-friendly substitutions:

  • Avocado oil: Don't have any on hand? Try coconut oil instead. It can handle the heat and its unique flavor plays nicely with the chimichurri's tropical vibes.
  • Tri-tip steak: If you're not a tri-tip fan, a fatty ribeye or skirt steak can step up to the plate. Both cuts are tasty and rich, a make a great match for our creamy chimichurri.
  • Fresh cilantro and parsley: Not a fan of cilantro? Go for a mix of fresh oregano and thyme. It's a different taste for sure, but still totally yummy.
  • Serrano pepper: If fresh peppers are a bit too spicy for you, sprinkle on some red pepper flakes for a more controlled heat.
  • Red wine vinegar: Out of this? Use apple cider vinegar. It's a touch sweeter but still brings that crucial tang to your chimichurri.

Additional ingredients

Spice things up with these additional ingredients:

  • Lime zest: Enhance the freshness of the sauce with a bit of lime zest. The zing contrasts beautifully with the richness of the steak.
  • Smoked paprika: A sprinkle of smoked paprika on the steak before cooking can add a hint of smokiness that complements the grilled meat wonderfully. Rub it onto the steak along with the salt and pepper.
  • Ground cumin: If you crave a richer flavor profile, toss some ground cumin into the chimichurri sauce. It adds a deep, earthy note that'll take your sauce to a new level.

Cooking tools required

To make this Keto Tri-Tip with Creamy Avocado Chimichurri recipe, you'll need the following tools:

  • Food processor
  • 10.5" or larger cast iron skillet
  • Heat-resistant spatula
  • Meat thermometer
  • Aluminum foil
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Measuring cups and spoons

Tools substitute options

  • Food processor: If you don't have a food processor, an immersion blender will do the trick. Just remember not to blend it too much.
  • Cast iron skillet: A cast-iron skillet or an iron grill pan is best for even heat, but if you don't have one, a regular frying pan will do just fine. Just keep an eye on the heat.
  • Heat-resistant spatula: Use a wooden or plastic spatula if you don't have a heat-resistant spatula at hand. Just be mindful not to leave the plastic one in the hot pan for too long.
  • Regular foil: If you don't have any aluminum foil in your kitchen drawer, it's okay to let your steak rest without it. Keep in mind that using foil is recommended to keep your steak warm and juicy.

How to make Keto Tri-Tip with Creamy Avocado Chimichurri: step-by-step guide

Cooking methods

  • Pan-searing
  • Blending

Preparation steps

  1. Round up all the ingredients.
  2. Carefully measure out the ingredients using measuring spoons and cups for accurate results.
  3. Give your fresh herbs, cilantro, and parsley a good rinse under cold water and pat them dry.
  4. Cut your avocado in half, remove the seed, and scoop out the flesh. 
  5. Prepare your food processor and have your skillet or grill pan at the ready. It's time to get started!

Cooking instructions

  1. Prepare the chimichurri sauce: Combine all the ingredients in a food processor. Pulse until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Season with salt to taste and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.
  2. Pan-sear the tri-tip steak: Heat one tablespoon of avocado oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place the steak in the skillet and cook for approximately 5 minutes. Flip it and continue cooking for another 5 minutes (or until it reaches your desired temperature.) Once cooked, remove the steak from the heat and cover it with foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes before thinly slicing it.
  3. Serve: Serve the tender steak with the avocado chimichurri.

Note

Cooking times can change based on the thickness of your steak and how well done you prefer it. The beauty of cooking your own steak is that you decide how it's done. To ensure it's cooked to your liking, consider using a cooking thermometer. It's a handy tool that can guide you in achieving the perfect doneness for your steak.

Chef's pro tip

Mastering the sauce is the key to bringing this dish to life! And to do that, you need to get the consistency just right. So here's a helpful tip: take your time and don't rush it!

Blending all the ingredients for the chimichurri at once can lead to a sauce that's too thin or unevenly blended. Instead, start by first pulsing the herbs, avocado oil, garlic, and serrano pepper. Once nicely combined, gradually add olive oil and vinegar while the food processor runs. This step-by-step method allows you to control the thickness of your sauce and achieve that creamy, dreamy consistency we're aiming for.

What to serve with keto tri-tip with creamy avocado chimichurri?

Pair this delicious steak dinner with the following low-carb dishes for a well-rounded experience:

  • Roasted asparagus: This keto-friendly asparagus pairs beautifully with the steak and chimichurri.
  • Cauliflower mash: It's creamy, comforting, and a perfect low-carb replacement for mashed potatoes.
  • Grilled Brussels sprouts: Add charred brussels sprouts to increase the fiber content of your meal.
  • Keto-friendly salad: Pair your beef steak with a crisp green salad dressed in vinaigrette for a refreshing contrast. You can also use this classic sauce as a salad dressing. Thin it with water or add the chimichurri to a large salad bowl, toss it with the greens, and enjoy with your beef steak.

Nutritional facts

Amount per serving

  • Fat: 44g (68% Daily Value)
  • Saturated Fat: 9g (56% Daily Value)
  • Cholesterol: 111mg (37% Daily Value)
  • Sodium: 677mg (29% Daily Value)
  • Potassium: 588mg (17% Daily Value)
  • Carbohydrates: 1g (0% Daily Value)
  • Fiber: 1g (4% Daily Value)
  • Sugar: 1g (1% Daily Value)
  • Protein: 35g (70% Daily Value)
  • Vitamin A: 600IU (12% Daily Value)
  • Vitamin C: 7mg (8% Daily Value)
  • Calcium: 49mg (5% Daily Value)
  • Iron: 3mg (17% Daily Value)ca

Please note that nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

Creamy Avocado Chimichurri in a black bowl

How to make it healthier

This keto tri-tip recipe is a complete meal providing you with a depth of flavor and nutrition at the same time. Here's how to make it even healthier:

  • Use organic products: Opt for organic avocados, herbs, and spices as well as grass-fed beef to reduce exposure to pesticides and antibiotics.
  • For API diet: Exclude black and serrano peppers to keep the dish within AIP guidelines.
  • Choose extra virgin olive oil: Choose a high-quality extra-virgin olive oil. It's rich in healthy fats and will add depth to your chimichurri.

Time-saving tips

  • Use pre-minced garlic: This is a time-saving alternative to mincing your own, and it's just as flavorful.
  • Use kitchen gadgets: Take advantage of your kitchen gadgets to speed up tasks like chopping and blending.

What can I prepare ahead of time?

  • Pre-make the chimichurri: Make the sauce a day in advance and keep it refrigerated. This saves time and allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
  • Marinade the steak: Season your beef steak and let it sit in the fridge (1-24 hours). This will allow the seasoning to penetrate deeper into the meat.

Storage and reheating instructions

This recipe is a classic comfort food. Enjoy it on busy weeknight dinners when you're short on time to cook everything from scratch.

Storage tips

  • Allow the leftover steak and chimichurri sauce to cool down completely.
  • Transfer the steak pieces to an airtight container. Put the chimichurri sauce in a separate airtight container.
  • Pop the containers in the refrigerator. They'll stay good for up to 3-4 days.

Reheating tips

Reheating leftovers can be just as easy, but be careful to maintain the quality of the chimichurri flank steak. Here's what we recommend:

  • The beef steak is best reheated in a skillet over medium heat. Add oil to the pan, and warm it until heated, flipping once. Be careful not to overcook, as the steak can become tough.
  • For the chimichurri sauce, we recommend letting it come to room temperature on its own rather than reheating it. The heat causes the herbs to lose their freshness.

Recipe wrap-up and conclusion

For seasoned keto followers and steak aficionados alike, this Keto Tri-Tip with Creamy Avocado Chimichurri recipe is straightforward and enjoyable to prepare. But the best part? It's not just about adhering to a diet, it's about savoring food that tastes great and does wonders for your well-being.

So, get ready for a delightful culinary journey that promises to turn your average dinner into a festive feast. Remember to share this masterpiece with your dear ones, although we should warn you, they might request an encore.

Frequently asked questions

Absolutely! Other cuts like ribeye, flank, or sirloin steak would also work well. Just adjust the heat and time based on the thickness of your meat.

Of course! You can finely chop the herbs, avocado, garlic, and serrano pepper by hand and then mix them with olive oil and vinegar. It won't be as creamy, but it'll still be delicious! In fact, traditional chimichurri sauce was made by the chopping by hand method rather than using gadgets. At the end of the day, it's your preference to choose what you want with this amazing sauce.

Sure, feel free to adjust the recipe to your taste. If you're not into spicy foods, omit the serrano pepper.

While there's no specific brand we endorse, we do recommend a digital instant-read thermometer for the most accurate results.

If cilantro isn't your cup of tea, you can replace it with fresh flat-leaf parsley or a combination of parsley and fresh oregano. This will give your chimichurri a different but equally delicious flavor profile.

📖 Recipe

sliced tri-tip steak on a platter drizzled with creamy avocado chimichurri

Keto Tri-Tip with Creamy Avocado Chimichurri

This Tri-Tip with Creamy Avocado Chimichurri is a perfect recipe for summertime grilling season or any time of the year using a cast iron grill pan! Serve it up with grilled veggies for a complete meal. 
4.75 from 4 votes
Print Rate Pin Recipe
Course: Main Course
Cuisine: American
Keyword: keto steak dinner
Prep Time: 6 hours 20 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 6 hours 30 minutes
Servings: 4
Calories: 541kcal

Ingredients

  • 1 tablespoon avocado oil
  • 1.5 lb tri-tip
  • 1 teaspoon sea salt
  • ½ teaspoon black pepper

Creamy Avocado Chimichurri:

  • 1 cup cilantro
  • ¼ cup parsley
  • 1 avocado
  • 1 clove garlic
  • 1 serrano pepper
  • ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
  • 1 tablespoon red wine vinegar
US Customary - Metric

Instructions

Chimichurri Sauce

  • Combine all the ingredients in a food processor. Pulse until you achieve a smooth and creamy consistency. Season with salt to taste and refrigerate until you're ready to serve.

Tri-Tip Steak

  • Heat one tablespoon of avocado oil in a large cast iron skillet over medium-high heat. Place the steak in the skillet and cook for approximately 5 minutes. Flip it and continue cooking for another 5 minutes (or until it reaches your desired temperature.) Once cooked, remove the steak from the heat and cover it with foil. Let it rest for 10 minutes before thinly slicing it.

Serve

  • Serve the tender steak with the avocado chimichurri.

Notes

Steak preference
Pull off the heat at this temperature
 Final temperature after resting
Rare
130 to 135°F
130 to 140°F
Medium-Rare
140°F
145°F
Medium
155°F
160°F
Well-Done
165°F
170°F
 

Nutrition

Nutrition Facts
Keto Tri-Tip with Creamy Avocado Chimichurri
Amount Per Serving
Calories 541 Calories from Fat 396
% Daily Value*
Fat 44g68%
Saturated Fat 9g56%
Cholesterol 111mg37%
Sodium 677mg29%
Potassium 588mg17%
Carbohydrates 1g0%
Fiber 1g4%
Sugar 1g1%
Protein 35g70%
Vitamin A 600IU12%
Vitamin C 7mg8%
Calcium 49mg5%
Iron 3mg17%
*

Nutritional values are estimates only and do not include carbs from sugar alcohols.

# Hashtag with us!Don't forget to mention @castiron_keto or tag #castironketo on Instagram with your creations! We love seeing what you're making.
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4.75 from 4 votes (4 ratings without comment)

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