The Enchanted Emerald Cut: A Wicked-Inspired Skirt Steak with Chimichurri

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Because Nothing Says Broadway Like a Perfectly Seared Steak

If you didn’t already know, I was a theater kid long before I was a Disney adult. I grew up singing my heart out, dreaming of moving to New York and making it on Broadway. (Wicked was my everything). Idina Menzel was my queen ever since RENT, and when she became a full-fledged Disney girlie, it felt like the universe was speaking directly to me.

But let’s be honest—no one thought Elphaba could ever be played better than Idina. And then Cynthia Erivo stepped in and said, “Hold my broomstick.”

So, in honor of the Wicked movie release and my deep love for Broadway, I wanted to create a dinner inspired by the musical. This meal is filled with playful nods to the story, and the star of the show? The Enchanted Emerald Cut—a beautifully seared skirt steak with vibrant, herby chimichurri, an ode to the Emerald City itself.

This dish is bold, dramatic, and packed with flavor—much like Elphaba herself. And the best part? It’s deceptively simple to make.

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Setting the Scene: A Wickedly Good Date Night

I kept things low-key for this one. No Broadway-themed decor, no over-the-top Emerald City lighting—just a cozy date night at home, letting the food and the movie do the talking (and singing). And oh, it talked.

We served this steak buffet-style, sliced up with a generous drizzle of chimichurri, so everyone could build their own plate. (And by everyone, I mean my husband and me, but I like to keep things theatrical.)

For the full Wicked experience, this was part of a Broadway-worthy menu:
✨ One Short Day Fruit Platter – A colorful rainbow fruit platter (because, ya know, Oz).
✨ I’m Not That Guac – A sassy homemade guacamole with blue corn chips, a tiny broomstick, and a witch’s hat.
✨ Defying Broccolini – Because broccolini deserves its moment, too.
✨ Popular Sweet Treats – A pink dessert spread inspired by Glinda (because “Pink goes good with green!”).
✨ Pink Goes Good with Green Cocktail – A layered pink and green drink honoring the ultimate Broadway frenemies.

But today, we’re focusing on the main event: this perfectly cooked skirt steak with chimichurri.

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The Enchanted Emerald Cut (Skirt Steak with Chimichurri)

This steak is everything you want in a leading role—tender, juicy, and packed with character. It’s cooked simply, seared in a cast iron pan (aka my HexClad pan, because I’m fancy like that), basted with butter, smashed garlic, and rosemary for that irresistible, steakhouse-style flavor.

Now, let’s talk about HexClad for a second. I had my eye on these pans from the second Gordon Ramsay started selling them. — but I kept asking myself “are they really worth it?” Then, two Christmases ago, my husband finally pulled the trigger, and let me tell you, they are hands down the best kitchen investment I’ve ever made. I use them every single day, and now I can’t imagine cooking without them. I even got my mom one because, well… I’m pushy like that. First, I got the full fan set, then last year, I added the pot set, and I’m just as obsessed. I’ve linked the sets that they offer below – I linked the bundles because they are the best value – but if i had to choose just one – I’d go with the 12″ frying pan with lid to get me started!

If you’ve been debating whether they’re worth the hype—they absolutely are. Make the investment – and thank me later. <3

But back to the steak. Enter chimichurri—our nod to the Emerald City. It’s bright, herby, garlicky, and a little spicy, the perfect contrast to the rich, buttery steak.

And let’s be real: this meal might look like a Broadway production, but it’s weeknight-friendly—no crazy marinating, no overcomplicated techniques, just solid ingredients and a flawless execution.

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How to Cook the Perfect Skirt Steak

Ingredients:

• 1.5 lbs skirt steak
• Kosher salt and black pepper (to taste)
• 2 tbsp olive oil
• 2 tbsp butter
• 3 cloves garlic, smashed
• 1 sprig fresh rosemary

Chimichurri Sauce:

• 1 small shallot, finely chopped
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
• ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
• ½ tsp red chili flakes
• ¼ cup olive oil
• 2 tbsp red wine vinegar
• Salt and black pepper (to taste)

Instructions:
1️⃣ Take the skirt steak out of the fridge and let it come to room temp (about 30 minutes). This helps it cook evenly.
2️⃣ Season generously with salt and pepper. Simple, but effective.
3️⃣ Heat a cast iron skillet (or a superior HexClad pan—just saying) over high heat. Add olive oil.
4️⃣ Sear the steak for 3-4 minutes per side until deeply browned.
5️⃣ Drop in butter, smashed garlic, and rosemary. Baste the steak with the melted butter for extra flavor.
6️⃣ Remove from the pan and let it rest for at least 5 minutes before slicing against the grain.
7️⃣ Meanwhile, mix all the chimichurri ingredients in a bowl. Let it sit for at least 10 minutes so the flavors can meld.
8️⃣ Drizzle the chimichurri over the sliced steak and serve.

This dish is as dramatic as a Broadway finale, but trust me—it’s ridiculously easy to pull off.

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Pair It With a Broadway-Worthy Movie Night

What’s a meal this good without the perfect entertainment? Whether you’re rewatching the 2013 Wicked Tony performance for the 100th time (guilty) or prepping for the Wicked movie release, this dinner is the perfect way to celebrate.

And if you’re loving this idea of elevated, cinematic meals, you have to check out my Epic Eats Cookbook—a full collection of movie-inspired feasts, from Jurassic Park to Harry Potter to Hook. Every meal is an experience, just like this one.

👉 Grab your copy of Epic Eats [here]!

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Final Act: Your Turn to Take the Stage

If you make this Wicked-inspired skirt steak, I want to see it! Tag me on Instagram [@thefairytalefoodie] so I can cheer you on from the audience.

And let me know in the comments: Are you more of an Elphaba or a Glinda in the kitchen? (Translation: Are you bold and experimental, or do you like to keep things classic and elegant?)

Either way, this dish is going to defy gravity in your kitchen. 😏