Homemade Chimichurri Sauce is a classic Argentinian condiment that super easy to make and adds zesty flavor to any meal. A bright and herby sauce is delicious as a steak sauce or marinade. Fresh herbs with a hint of heat is the perfect accompaniment to your summer bbq.
What is Chimichurri?
Chimichurri is a herby green sauce, enjoyed as a condiment or marinade. Originating in Argentina, and popular in Uruguay and South America. There are many ways to make Argentinian Chimichurri, but most commonly made from finely chopped fresh parsley, garlic and oregano. Served with Churrasco or Asado (grilled meats).
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Easy - only take minutes to make from herbs you probably already have
- Fresh - fresh herbs eaten alongside meat adds freshness to your meal
- Packs a Punch - this sauce is perfect for garlic lovers, it has bite!
- Versatile - you'll find a million ways to use it, not only on grilled meats!
Chimichurri Ingredients
- Parsley - flat leaf or curly parsley, clean and earthy flavor
- Garlic - the powerful flavor of raw garlic that you love
- Oregano - strong aromatic herb
- Olive Oil - Extra Virgin is best
- White Vinegar and Lemon Juice - acids to balance the olive oil
- Hot Chili Flakes - optional but adds a bit of heat
How to Make Easy Chimichurri Sauce
Homemade Chimichurri is an easy recipe with 5 basic ingredients, all chopped together and mixed. Only take minutes to prepare.
- Prepare Herbs - chop parsley and oregano finely. Minced garlic cloves.
- Mix - add olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, black pepper and chili flakes. Taste. Adjust flavours if needed.
- Refrigerate - serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat
Flavor Variations
While Parsley Chimichurri is the most common, you can change to use your favorite herbs, or use what's in season in your garden. Be creative and mix it up.
- Mint - mix through fresh mint, perfect with bbq lamb chops
- Cilantro - make Cilantro the hero, add twice as much cilantro as parley
- Mexican Chimichurri - add Jalapeños and a squeeze of lime to your Cilantro and Parsley for a Southwest flavor boost
- Add Nuts - finely chop Pine Nuts, Macadamia or Almonds to add texture
- Basil - add fresh basil to your parsley, it's won't taste like pesto!
Chimichurri Seasonings
There's a reason why classic seasonings work, all you need is salt and pepper to elevate the herb flavors. However, you can add creative license to your favorite spices and personalize your recipe.
- Cumin
- Paprika
- Onion Powder
- Garlic Powder
- Ground Fennel Seeds
Chimichurrri Marinade Ideas
Not only is this a condiment, it's perfect as a marinade. Enjoy these great ideas to marinade meats. Marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Shrimp
- Chicken Tenderloins
- Fish Fillets
- Pork Steaks
- Beef Steak
Recipe Tips and FAQs
- Room Temperature - remove sauce from fridge and bring to room temperature, room temperature Chimichurri complements hot steak
- Food Processor - instead of chopping by hand, throw it all inside a food processor, be careful not to over process (texture is good but you decide)
- Garlic Breath - garlic packs a punch, start with ½ of the amount of garlic in the recipe, taste and adjust
Storage
- Fridge - place in an airtight container, keep refrigerated and use within 1 week
- Freezer - place in an ice cube tray and freeze small portions, use within 6 months
Can You Make Chimichurri Dip?
It's super easy to make a creamy Chimichurri dip. It tastes amazing mixed together with Sour Cream and Mayo or with spreadable Cream Cheese. Just mix into your creamy sauces until your happy with the flavor and dip away!
Can Chimichurri Sauce be Made in Advance?
Yes, and it tastes even better! Make this sauce the night before and keep it refrigerated until the flavors to meld together. If making a marinade, there is no need to prepare in advance.
Chimichurri Serving Ideas
- Served with Grilled Asado (the classic) with sausages or over barbecued beef like a Tomahawk Steak
- Mix through Mashed Potatoes for a huge flavor boost
- Spoon it on a Chicken Burger
- Serve with Grilled Fish or Grilled Chicken or with Grilled Shrimp
- Toss through a Pasta Salad
- Elevate your slow roasted Prime Rib
- Drizzle over Roasted Potatoes (try these Moroccan Potatoes)
- Add to a Broccoli Cauliflower Salad for a flavor boost
- Mix through Garlic Butter Green Beans to elevate flavors
Homemade Chimichurri gives your grilled meats a great boost of flavor and freshness. Whether barbecuing on a grill, enjoying a Churrasco or Asado over and open fire, this easy Chimichurri recipe won't let you down. Bon Appetit! Приятного аппетита!
Equipment
- food processor or cutting board to chop
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh parsley firmly packed (de-stemmed)
- 4 garlic cloves minced
- 2 tablespoons fresh oregano chopped
- ½ cup olive oil
- 2 tablespoons white vinegar
- 2 tablespoons lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon hot chili flakes optional
Instructions
- Finely chop the parsley and oregano. Mix in the minced garlic.
- Mix in the olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, salt, black pepper and chili flakes. Taste. Adjust flavours if needed. (Blend in a food processor if you prefer).
- Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to eat (served at room temp).
©PetersFoodAdventures.com *originally posted September 2015, updated April 2023
