Chimichurri (Argentine Parsley and Garlic Sauce)
In short: Finely chopped parsley, garlic, oregano and chili flakes in oil and red wine vinegar, the classic green sauce for grilled meat. It takes about 15 min in total and makes 8 servings.
- Prep
- 15 min
- Cook
- 0 min
- Resting
- 1 h
- Total
- 15 min
- Servings
- 8
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Calories
- 130 kcal
Chimichurri is the sauce on every Argentine grill table, spooned over steak, sausages, provoleta and bread. Its base is simple: plenty of parsley, garlic, oregano, chili flakes, oil and red wine vinegar. The texture is chopped, not blended, so the herbs stay bright and the sauce clings to the meat. Make it at least an hour ahead, since the flavors need time to meld. It keeps for a week in the fridge.
Instructions
- Chop the parsley very finely by hand, using a sharp knife. Spread the chopped parsley and the minced garlic in a bowl.
- Add the oregano, chili flakes, salt and pepper and stir.
- Stir in the vinegar and warm water, which wakes up the dried herbs.
- Pour in the olive oil and stir well.
- Let the sauce rest at room temperature for at least 1 hour. Stir again and taste, adding more salt or vinegar if you like. Serve with grilled meat.
Tips
- Chop by hand. A blender or food processor turns the herbs into a dull, muddy paste, while hand-chopped parsley keeps its color and texture.
- Use leftover chimichurri as a marinade for chicken or vegetables, or stir a spoonful into rice, white beans or roasted potatoes.
Questions and answers
How long does chimichurri keep?
Up to 1 week in a covered jar in the fridge. The oil may thicken when cold, so let it come to room temperature and stir before serving.
Can I use a food processor?
You can pulse it briefly, but the sauce gets muddy and loses texture if you overdo it. Hand chopping gives the best color and the classic loose, chunky consistency.
What do you serve chimichurri with?
Grilled steak, sausages, provoleta and empanadas are the classics. It is also good on roasted vegetables, grilled fish, chicken and boiled potatoes.
How long does it take to make Chimichurri (Argentine Parsley and Garlic Sauce)?
About 15 min in total: 15 min of preparation and 0 min of cooking.
How many calories are in Chimichurri (Argentine Parsley and Garlic Sauce)?
About 130 kcal per serving, with 1 g of protein, 2 g of carbohydrates and 14 g of fat. These values are estimates.
Nutrition per serving
| Calories | 130 kcal |
|---|---|
| Protein | 1 g |
| Carbohydrates | 2 g |
| Fat | 14 g |
| Fiber | 1 g |
| Sugar | 0 g |
| Sodium | 290 mg |
Estimated values, calculated from the ingredients.
