Grilled Strip Loin Steak With Bacon Chimichurri

From an old issue of Food & Wine magazine, a tasty marinated steak with a classic South American sauce with a slight twist - bacon! It has been pointed out that this is still a tasty recipe if you want to leave out the added flavours (& fat) of the bacon - thank you PanNan! NOTE - prep time does not include minimum 4 hour marinating time

• Ready In: 45 mins
• Serves: 8

Ingredients

• 8  garlic cloves, smashed
• 4  fresh thyme sprigs, coarsely chopped
• 2  rosemary sprigs, coarsely chopped
• 1  cup dry red wine (recommend a Chilean Cabernet )
• 1  medium red onion, very finely chopped
• 2  tablespoons olive oil
• 8  beef  strip steaks
•  salt & pepper
• 4  garlic cloves, quartered (remove middle germ)
• 1⁄2 cup parsley, packed
• 1⁄2 cup oregano leaves, packed
• 1⁄4 cup rice vinegar
• 1  lemon, juice of
• 1  cup olive oil
•  salt & pepper
• 1⁄2 lb bacon

Directions

1. Marinate the steak: In a large, shallow dish (or large ziplock bag), combine the garlic, thyme, rosemary, wine, onion and olive oil. Ad the steaks and turn to coat thoroughly with the marinade. Cover and refrigerate for at least 4 hours or overnight.
2. Chimichurri Sauce:
3. In a food processor, pulse the garlic, parsley, oregano, vinegar, lemon juice and olive oil until the herbs are pureed. Scrape into a bowl and season with salt & pepper.
4. In a large skillet, cook the bacon in 2 batches over moderate heat until crisp, about 8 minutes. Drain on paper towels, and let cool, the finely chop. Pour excess bacon fat out of skillet keeping 2 Tbsp in it.
5. Cooking:
6. LIght a grill. Remove steaks from marinade and season with salt & pepper. Grill the steaks over high heat until charred all over, about 7 - 8 minutes per side. Transfer to a cutting board and sit at rest for 5 minutes.
7. Meanwhile, heat the bacon fat in the skillet. Add the chimichurri and bring to a simmer over high heat. Remove from the heat and stir in the bacon. Pour the sauce into a serving bowl.
8. Carve the steaks crosswise into thick slices and serve immediately with the chimichurri.
9. Serve with a Chilean Cabernet which echoes the herbal marinade for these flavourful steaks.