Name: Authentic Chimichurri Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Argentinian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup parsley, finely chopped; 2-3 cloves garlic, minced; 1 medium or 2 small red chilies (such as Fresno chilies), seeds and ribs removed, and finely diced; 3/4 tsp dried oregano; 1 tsp kosher salt; 1/2 tsp pepper; 1/3 cup olive oil; 2 tbsp red wine vinegar

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Chimichurri sauce originated in Argentina and is used as a marinade, an ingredient in cooking, or as a condiment for grilled meats. It’s a delicious mixture of olive oil, vinegar, fresh and dried herbs, chili pepper, garlic, and parsley. Make this authentic chimichurri recipe for your next summer BBQ!

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I can’t remember the first time I ever had chimichurri, but I do remember the first time I had Argentinian cuisine. While traveling in Berlin, I went to a very large outdoor market with artists and fleas and many foods carts. An Argentinian food cart caught my eye because I loved the sound of an Argentinian beef sandwich. The sandwich came on this perfectly baked roll, stuffed with slices of delicious beef, topped with melty provolone, and drizzled with a vibrant chimichurri sauce. The sandwich itself was so simple, but the chimichurri added so much flavor and brightness. It was one of my favorite things I ate on my mini Euro-trip!

How to Make an Authentic Chimichurri Sauce

Ever since my trip to Berlin, I’ve been a bit obsessed with that Argentinian sandwich with chimichurri. I often make chimichurri at home and use it as a marinade, a dip, or a condiment to serve with grilled meat. It’s so good, I could bathe in it.

I even went to Argentina a year after that Berlin trip so I could experience the authentic chimichurri straight from its birthplace. The meat I ate in Argentina was seriously some of the best meat I’ve ever had in my life, and I don’t say that lightly. The meat is often cooked in such a simple way to allow the condiments like chimichurri to shine. I dream of the day I can go back to Buenos Aires or Patagonia to eat endless plates of meat again!

Why you’ll love this recipe

It’s simple. It takes about 5 minutes to make and is made with easy-to-find ingredients.
It elevates your cooking. If you tend to cook simple meals, like a meat + a carb + a vegetable side, this chimichurri recipe is the perfect sauce to add vibrance and zing to an otherwise boring dish! Chimichurri dresses up your protein and add lots of bold flavor!
It doubles as a marinade. Not only is chimichurri a delicious sauce or condiment to drizzle on your meat or dip your bread in, but it makes a great marinade! Let your favorite cut of meat sit in chimichurri for a few hours before grilling for the ultimate flavor infusion.
It’s a versatile recipe. You can make some swaps based on your taste and what’s available in your pantry or grocery store.

Ingredients for Authentic Chimichurri

Extra virgin olive oil: I always reserve my highest quality extra virgin olive oil for condiments and dressings!
Red wine vinegar: Chimichurri typically calls for red wine vinegar for its rich taste and deep color.
Parsley: Chimichurri traditionally uses flat-leaf parsley, but I have always been a curly parsley girl. Either is fine!
Oregano: Typically, dried oregano is used in chimichurri because of its stronger flavor and availability. Fresh oregano can also be used.
Red chili pepper: I use Fresno peppers for my chimichurri sauce because of its medium heat level. It is also pretty easy to find at my grocery store. Check out my ingredient substitutions in this post for other options if you can’t find Fresno peppers!
Garlic: Everything is better with garlic!

How to Make Authentic Chimichurri Sauce

Finely dice or mince all ingredients. Chimichurri is best made with finely diced ingredients. You’ll want to finely mince your parsley so there aren’t big chunks of parsley leaves in the sauce. Slice the Fresno pepper in half lengthwise, then remove the seeds and ribs (this is where most of the heat lives in the pepper–keep some of this if you prefer a very spicy sauce). Finely dice the Fresno chili. Finely mince or grate the garlic.
Add all ingredients to a bowl. Combine the parsley, chili pepper, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, red wine vinegar, and olive oil.
Mix and serve. Mix the ingredients together, taste for seasoning and adjust as needed. Then serve with your dinner!

A bowl full of ingredients needed to make authentic chimichurri, including parsley, garlic, oregano, salt, pepper, red chilies, red wine vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil — Add all chimichurri ingredients to a bowl.

a close up on a bowl ful of authentic chimichurri sauce — Mix all of the chimichurri ingredients together. Taste for seasoning.

Recipe Variations and Substitutions

Add a shallot: While onion is not traditionally used in a chimichurri, some people like to add a finely diced white onion or shallot to their chimichurri.
Use a different pepper: Red chili pepper variations can sometimes be hard to find in a grocery store. I used a Fresno pepper, but you can use jalapeños, serrano peppers, or red pepper flakes.
Vinegar swap: If you don’t have red wine vinegar, white wine or apple cider vinegar can be used as a substitute. Some people also like to add some lemon juice in place of vinegar, or a combination of lemon juice and red wine vinegar.

Storing Chimichurri

Refrigerator: You can store chimichurri in an air-tight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks for maximal freshness.
Freezer. You can also use ice cube trays or freezer-safe containers to freeze cubes of chimichurri. Store them in a freezer bag or freezer-safe container for up to 3 months. Thaw the frozen chimichurri cubes in the refrigerator overnight, then bring to room temperature before use.

FAQs

What is chimichurri?

Chimichurri is a vibrant, fresh Argentinian sauce that’s tangy, flavorful, and can be made spicy. It’s best used as a condiment for grilled meats, but it absolutely tastes delicious with vegetarian or vegan dishes as well! It’s a delicious sauce that spruces up any dish and can be used as a marinade or dipping sauce, too. Chimichurri sauce is a great way to use up leftover parsley you have in your fridge!

What is authentic chimichurri made of?

Chimichurri is typically made with flat-leaf parsley, red chili pepper (like a Fresno chili), dried oregano, garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Some variations on chimichurri include onion or shallot, or swap out chili peppers for red pepper flakes.

What do you eat chimichurri sauce with?

Chimichurri sauce is famously paired with grilled steak, but it can be eaten with just about any protein, from fish and lamb to chicken and beef. Chimichurri is also great as a dip for some toasted bread, served with beans, or drizzled over grilled vegetables.

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