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This authentic chimichurri recipe is the best accompaniment to grilled meats. Made with fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, red wine vinegar, and olive oil, the incredibly bright flavors will have your taste buds doing the tango.
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What is Argentine Chimichurri Sauce?
When it comes to grilling, Argentinians have mastered the art of the perfect barbecue.
Accompanying grilled meats is the ubiquitous chimichurri sauce. This popular sauce is made with parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar.
Red pepper flakes, salt, and pepper give it an additional punch.
Contrary to what some may think, Argentine chimichurri sauce never includes cilantro, only parsley. It’s a versatile condiment used mostly with grilled meats, and can also be used as a marinade.
Chimichurri sauce is also found in Uruguay, a top beef producing country that rivals Argentina.
Discovering Chimichurri Sauce in Argentina
Learning the secrets of Argentine grilling was our mission, on our food travels to Argentina. We wanted to learn more about Argentine grilling in a country that prides itself on its beef.
During our three month stay in the country, we shared and enjoyed many asados or barbecues.
We connected with locals and ate at several parrillas or steakhouses where grilling was at the forefront.
It was through these experiences we discovered the famous Argentine chimichurri sauce.
Unlike grilling in the US, where barbecue sauce is a favorite, most meats in Argentina are simply salted before grilling.
Once cooked, the final touch is added. Chimichurri sauce is served alongside the grilled meats and the feast begins.
We fell in love with the bright and fresh flavors of this delightful sauce and even learned how to make the chimichurri sauce.
When you make this authentic chimichurri recipe and pair it with grilled meat, you’ll be singing its praises too.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: To ground ourselves deeper into the Argentinian grilling culture, we had the pleasure of meeting Argentine top chef, Francis Mallmann. Known for his techniques of ‘cooking with fire’, he shared fascinating insights about grilling in Argentina In his book Seven Fires: Grilling the Argentine Way, Francis Mallmann shares grilling recipes and techniques adapted for the home cook. Make your summer grilling fun and tasty.
Origins and History of Argentine Chimichurri Sauce
No one really knows the origin of this Argentina’s grilling staple. There are several explanations and the most common one is attributed to its inventor, Jimmy McCurry.
Alongside indigenous troops, Jimmy McCurry, an Irish or English soldier, fought for Argentine independence in the 19th century.
His name “Jimmy McCurry” was difficult for locals to pronounce, so they are said to have called him ‘Chimichurri’.
Other stories credit Basque settlers who came to Argentina in the 19th century. They are said to have called the sauce tximitxurri, which means jumble or mixture.
My favorite story is attributed to gauchos or Argentine cowboys. Chimichurri sauce is said to have been concocted and used for flavoring meat cooked in open fires in the pampas.
Regardless of the origin story, a bowl of chimichurri sauce is indispensable in Argentina, especially where meat is being served.
RELATED: Argentina Food Guide – Top 15 Authentic Foods You Must Try
How to Use Argentine Chimichurri Sauce
Chimichurri Argentina’s Versatile Sauce
In Argentina, ketchup, mustard, or barbecue sauces are never found at any asado. The only acceptable sauce for grilling is chimichurri sauce. And, the sauce is added to the meat as a final touch.
Typically, at an asado, there is a wooden bowl of chimichurri sauce that is passed around to flavor the meats.
Besides grilled meats, chimichurri sauce is a versatile sauce that has other uses. While it matches the richness of the beef, it is also a tasty sauce for grilled chicken or fish.
You can also lightly grill thick crusty bread and slather it with chimichurri sauce.
Also tasty is chimichurri sauce with roasted vegetables.
And, you can also mix it in with boiled potatoes for a side dish with a bite.
READ MORE: Argentines love adding chimichurri sauce to grilled meats. Get the Argentine barbecue tips with these 9 Argentinian grilling techniques
Argentina Chimichurri Recipe Pairing with Steak & Malbec Wine
Argentine chimichurri sauce is the perfect complement to a piece of great grass-fed beef.
Equally delicious is a full-bodied Malbec wine, which makes a great partner to grilled beef topped with chimichurri sauce.
AUTHENTIC FOOD QUEST TIP: Get an amazing Argentina Malbec wine from the famous Uco Valley directly from the winemaker. Have the wine delivered to your home and accompany your meat dishes with this elegant Malbec wine from Uco Valley, Argentina
How To Make Chimichurri Sauce At Home
Chimichurri sauce accompanies grilled meats in Argentina. The main ingredient is fresh parsley and it elevates your meat dishes to incredible heights.
Argentine chimichurri gets better with age, and as they say in Argentina, “today it is good, tomorrow, it’s even better.”
There are two ways of making this authentic chimichurri recipe. One uses fresh herbs while the other uses dried herbs. Both use oil as the medium.
Chimichurri sauce is bright and zesty. The fresh herbs are fragrant and the garlic and vinegar cut through the richness of the meat. Argentine chimichurri sauce is generally not spicy but rather, herbaceous.
Chimichurri Sauce Ingredients
- Fresh Italian parsley leaves
- Garlic cloves peeled
- Fresh oregano leaves (or dried oregano)
- Red wine vinegar
- Red pepper flakes
- Kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper
- High-quality extra-virgin olive oil
Authentic Chimichurri Recipe Tips
Authentic Chimichurri Recipe with High-Quality Ingredients
We recommend using fresh herbs for a flavor-packed chimichurri sauce. Equally important is the use of high-quality olive oil, which goes a long way to enhance the flavors.
One often overlooked and important component is the quality of the salt. Choose kosher salt versus iodized salt.
Kosher salt has a coarse and flat grain size, making it pinchable and easy to crumble. It is ideal for crumbling over dishes and meats.
How to Make Chimichurri Sauce Using Boiling Method
Many in Argentina, including chef Francis Mallmann, like to add an extra step to their chimichurri sauce preparation.
This step involves bringing one cup of water to a boil in a small saucepan. Add the salt, and stir until it dissolves. Remove from heat, and allow to cool.
Once cooled, add this mixture to the rest of the ingredients just before adding the olive oil.
This process helps tame the pungency of the garlic and parsley yielding a more mild and smooth chimichurri sauce.
Try this if you are short on time and want a well-balanced chimichurri sauce. This method works if you don’t have time to let it sit for at least 24 hours before serving.
Argentine Chimichurri Recipe Step by Step Instructions
Chopped parsley & garlic Add red pepper flakes
Chop up the garlic into fine pieces. Clean the fresh parsley by rinsing it under cold running water. Shake the parsley to remove the excess water and chop.
Add in clean and chopped oregano. Mix the three together and then add in red pepper flakes.
Add red wine vinegar Add high-quality olive oil
Now, move into the liquids phase and begin by adding red wine vinegar.
Mix thoroughly with garlic and fresh herbs.
Next, add the olive oil slowly, mixing as you go along.
Finally, add salt and pepper to taste.
Argentine Chimichurri Recipe
This authentic chimichurri recipe is the best accompaniment to grilled meats. Bright, tangy and flavorful, it will have your taste buds doing the tango.
Ingredients
- 2 cups packed fresh Italian parsley leaves
- 4 medium garlic cloves, peeled and smashed
- 1/4 cup packed fresh oregano leaves (or 4 teaspoons dried oregano)
- 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
- 1/2 teaspoon kosher salt
- Freshly ground black pepper to taste
- 1 cup of high-quality extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- Mince the garlic very finely, and put in a medium bowl
- Mince the parsley and oregano, and add to the garlic, along with red pepper flakes.
- Whisk in the red wine vinegar, then the olive oil.
- Transfer into a bowl or jar with a tight-fitting lid, and place in the refrigerator to allow the flavors to blend.
- Refrigerate at least 2 hours or up to 1 day to allow the flavors to meld.
- Chimichurri sauce can be kept refrigerated for up to 3 weeks
Notes
Chimichurri sauce can last up to 3 weeks in the fridge or 6 months in the freezer. In Argentina, many keep a jar of chimichurri sauce in the refrigerator. As it ages, it’s vibrant color mellows, but it is still good. Argentine chimichurri sauce does not need to be made fresh at each serving.
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Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1Amount Per Serving: Calories: 254Total Fat: 27gSaturated Fat: 4gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 23gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 143mgCarbohydrates: 3gFiber: 2gSugar: 0gProtein: 1g
Nutritional information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information is generated by an online API and makes calculations based on serving sizes. These figures are only estimates and results may vary.
When you make this recipe, take a pic and tag @authenticfoodquest on Instagram (Or hashtag #authenticfoodquest ).
We’d love to see what you cook up. Don’t forget to give a Star Rating on the recipe and let us know your comments.
Looking for More Argentinian Local Food Experiences?
Our book, Authentic Food Quest Argentina takes you on a journey through food in four main regions of Argentina. Buenos Aires, Mendoza & the Wine Regions, the Andean Northwest, and Patagonia & the Lake Region.
In it, you’ll find descriptions of the typical dishes, desserts, beverages, street food, and unique produce not to miss. Also included is an overview of the farmer’s markets and local stores, restaurants, wineries, and local producers worth visiting.
Throughout the guide, are stories and insights shared by local experts including Argentina’s most renowned Chef, Francis Mallmann.
By combining storytelling with local information, this unique guidebook that inspires intrepid and armchair travelers to savor their adventures in Argentina.
Available at Amazon and Barnes & Noble
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Rosemary, ex-marketing and advertising strategist, is a digital nomad and content creator at Authentic Food Quest. Since 2015, with her partner, Claire, they travel the world in search of the best local food experiences. Their mission is to help you enjoy the best local specialties on your travels or via recipes in your home kitchen. Favorite country for food: Peru. Favorite local dish: Bacalhau. Favorite way to keep fit: Running. Rosemary is the chief content writer and strategist on Authentic Food Quest. She is also co-author of Authentic Food Quest Argentina and Authentic Food Quest Peru, available on Amazon.
Hi! Welcome to Authentic Food Quest. We are Claire and Rosemary. Our goal is to help you explore local culture through food. As digital nomads, we travel to share authentic food recipes and food guides from around the world so you can savor them during your travels or in your home kitchen.
Lovely reading how the name originated – and that it is debated. I liked the first version, that it took the name of an actual person whose name was too difficult to pronounce. I haven’t been to Argentina, but my husband has been several times and he still praises the chimichurri he used to get there. I’m curious to check if I make him your version if he’ll finally be happy to finally get to taste the original, as he’s pretty disappointed in the chimichurri he gets served at steakhouses here in Sweden.
Thank you, Eva and so glad you enjoyed the article. Who knows the true origins of the name ?? What’s most important is “that taste” your husband craves. Do give this recipe a try and let us know how it turns out. Can’t wait to hear. Cheers.
This was perfect one our steak bites last night for Father’s Day! Thanks for sharing
You are most welcome, Noelle. Happy to hear you had wonderful steaks 🙂 Cheers.
So much flavor in this sauce! I need it on everything!
You are right, so flavorful and works for all meats 🙂 Cheers.
I love the flavors of chimichurri sauce. I can’t wait to give your recipe a try!
Great!! Can’t wait to hear what you think about our version, Erika. Keep us posted. Cheers.
I recently discovered this recipe and have been making it ever since. Love it
Wonderful to hear. We love it as well. Thanks for stopping by.