Traditional Argentinian Chimichurri Sauce

Name: Traditional Argentinian Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 20 min
Total time: 20 min
Cuisine: Argentinian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup of Olive Oil (Extra Virgin preferred); 3 tablespoons of Red Wine Vinegar; 3 to 4 Garlic Cloves (finely crushed or minced); 1/4 cup of finely Chopped Flat Italian Parsley; 1 teaspoon of Red Chili Pepper Flakes; 1 tablespoon of Dried Oregano; 1 tablespoon of Water; 1 and 1/2 level teaspoon of coarse Salt (like Kosher); 1/2 teaspoon of Black Pepper; 1/2 teaspoon of Sugar (optional)

June 18, 2022 by Juyali (ju-ja-lee) 50 Comments

Print Recipe· 5 from 22 reviews

A Traditional Argentinian Chimichurri Sauce (Aderezo Chimichurri) that it’s so flavorful it will become one of your go-to sauces!

Chimichurri sauce is casual yet elegant. It’s vibrant, tangy, easy to prepare, and goes well on just about anything. One of those sauces that upgrade your foods and burst your taste buds. As a bonus, Chimichurri is also packed with healthy ingredients.

Chimichurri is Delish and Healthy. Pura Perfeccion!

chimichurri sauce in a white bowl with parsley around

More on what is Chimichurri

Authentic or traditional Chimichurri sauce recipe is a simple uncooked sauce found in Argentinian and Uruguayan cuisines. It is a table sauce or condiment used for topping grilled meats, but it is so versatile; Chimichurri shines on seafood, elevates vegetables and salads, and even makes a crusty bread look and taste like it's dressed up for a fancy party!

Traditional Chimichurri has two versions, Chimichurri Verde (Green Chimichurri) like this recipe and Chimichurri Rojo (Red Chimichurri) with added smoked paprika and roasted red bell peppers like my Smoky Red Chimichurri Sauce (Chimichurri Rojo).

Original Chimichurri ingredients include finely chopped parsley, minced garlic, oregano, olive oil, and red wine. While Chimichurri isn't usually spicy, this recipe adds some red pepper flakes for extra flavor and heat kick, making it just the right Tangy and Spicy Chimichurri Sauce.

What else is Chimichurri good on?

Chimichurri also makes a great dipping sauce for empanadas and arepas or as a marinade for meats both grilled or pan-cooked like these delightful recipes:

Grilled Skirt Steak with Chimichurri Sauce recipe, and my Chimichurri Steak Tacos recipe.

How to Make a Traditional and Authentic Argentinian Chimichurri sauce step-by-step
(el Mejor Chimichurri Argentino Tradicional!)

(a printable version of the recipe is also below).

Jump to:

More on what is Chimichurri
Ingredients
Instructions
Substitutions
Variations
Equipment
Storage
Other Latin sauces and spreads you may like
Lusciously sweet Latin desserts to complement
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Ingredients

What is in Chimichurri Sauce?

See printable recipe card at the bottom of this post for quantities

Olive Oil (Extra Virgin preferred)
Red Wine Vinegar - Do not skip the Red Wine Vinegar! Chimichurri can only be called Chimichurri if it contains vinegar, especially red wine. The acidity of the vinegar is critical to the Chimichurri flavor and how it reacts with meats.
Garlic
Flat Italian Parsley
Red Chili Pepper Flakes
Dried Oregano is also a vital ingredient of a well-rounded Chimichurri. Do not substitute with fresh oregano because Dried Oregano's more robust flavor and texture is a hallmark of Chimichurri.
Water
Coarse Salt (like Kosher) - Can be adjusted to your taste. Add a little more or a little less if needed because the right balance of salt and acidity is critical in the perfect Chimichurri. Make it YOUR perfect Chimichurri.
Black Pepper
Sugar - Optional in this recipe, but I included it because a touch of sweetness can offset any possible bitterness from the herbs and even the olive oil. This can happen at times in Chimichurri. If your Chimichurri does not have bitter notes, great! Skip the sugar.

Instructions

Crushed garlic in a white bowl for chimichurri sauce

Crush the garlic with a garlic presser (best method to get the best flavor) or finely mince them.

Chopped parsley on cutting board and garlic in white bowl for chimichurri sauce

Finely chop the parsley and then measure until you have 1/4 cup.

Chimichurri ingredients added in a white bowl over a woodboard and a knife

Combine with all remaining ingredients in a medium-sized bowl.

Mix well with a spoon.

Allow it to sit for 10 minutes to let the flavors meld. Ideally, let it sit for an hour if time allows before serving.
Save any remaining sauce in an air-tight container or glass jar.

overhead view Chimichurri sauce in a glass jar and a spoon

Expert Tip

The Chimichurri can be made ahead but should be kept refrigerated. It is best if used within 24-48 hours for the freshest flavors.
Chimichurri can marinate or baste meats (chicken, pork, or steaks) while grilling or barbecuing.
On seafood, you can use it for basting or add it as a topping. I don’t recommend marinating seafood in Chimichurri because the acid from the vinegar may toughen the delicate seafood.

Substitutions

Red wine vinegar is the best vinegar for Chimichurri!
You may substitute red wine vinegar with Apple Cider Vinegar or Lemon Juice in a pinch. I do not recommend balsamic vinegar.

Variations

Food processor: I know, I know, some people (myself included) will say that traditional Chimichurri is not made in a food processor. But if you don’t have time for chopping, go right ahead and use your lovely machine. Pulse 2-4 times or for 20 seconds, just enough to chop the ingredients. Do not over-blend, or it will impact the flavors.
Like it spicier? Increase the red pepper flakes or add a fresh red chili pepper.

Equipment

• Cutting board
• Large chopping knife
• Garlic presser (optional)
• Mixing bowl

Storage

Chimichurri is best stored in an airtight container or glass jar in the refrigerator. It will keep for 3-4 weeks. Note that Chimichurri may harden in the fridge, bring to room temperature before serving.
Chimichurri may be frozen for up to 6 months. Defrost in the refrigerator overnight for best results or at room temperature. Do not apply heat.

sideview of chimichurri sauce in a glass jar with a spoon

Other Latin sauces and spreads you may like

See more Sauces, Dips, Spreads, and Salsas →

Lusciously sweet Latin desserts to complement

See more Desserts →

📖 GET THE RECIPE! 🍽️

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