Chimichurri Recipe (VIDEO) (2024)

This traditional Chimichurri recipe is so fresh, vibrant, and loaded with parsley, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. It is excellent as a topping for Grilled Steak, Chimichurri Chicken, vegetables, shrimp, and just about anything.

It requires just a few simple ingredients and 5 minutes to make Chimichurri sauce, but the way you prepare the ingredients is key. We’re sharing all of our secrets to make the best, authentic chimichurri sauce. Watch the easy video tutorial and you’ll see just how easy it is.

Chimichurri Recipe (VIDEO) (1)

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What is Chimichurri Sauce?

Chimichurri is a sauce made with fresh parsley, garlic, some acidity (usually red wine vinegar), and olive oil. We also add oregano and crushed red pepper which is considered optional but they definitely elevate this sauce. It is essentially the Argentinian version of a pesto sauce. Authentic Chimichurri originates from Uruguay and Argentina and there are endless variations of chimichurri.

Chimichurri Recipe Video

Watch Natasha make this easy Chimichurri recipe, then grab the ingredients below and make this sauce. You’ll fall in love with the flavors here and it will elevate your grilling recipes.

Chimichurri Ingredients

  • Parsley – you’ll need 1 cup of finely chopped parsley which is about 1 medium bunch of parsley.
  • Garlic – adds tons of punchy flavor. Do not skimp on the garlic.
  • Extra virgin olive oil – use high-quality olive oil with tons of flavor since this sauce is not cooked.
  • Red wine vinegar – adds acidity and helps to tame the fresh garlic flavor.
  • Oregano – you can add this fresh or dried.
  • Salt – we use fine sea salt in 99% of our cooking.
  • Black pepper – freshly ground is best.
  • Red pepper flakes – adds a touch of heat and spice to the sauce
Chimichurri Recipe (VIDEO) (2)

How to Make Chimichurri

  1. Finely chop parsley leaves, and mince fresh garlic clove. Add both to a small bowl.
  2. Add remaining ingredients: oil, vinegar, oregano, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes then stir to combine.
  3. Marinate – Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours or overnight.
Chimichurri Recipe (VIDEO) (3)

Tips for the Best Chimichurri

Here is our best advice for making a more authentic and traditional chimichurri sauce. Even if you’re chopping up the parsley and garlic by hand, it literally takes 5 minutes.

  • Chop by Hand – For the best flavor and texture in chimichurri, you’ll want to chop through the leaves without crushing them in a food processor.
  • Use Fresh Garlic – fresh cloves of garlic will give the chimichurri sauce the spicy kick that you expect in chimichurri. The garlic will really shine after resting at least 2 hours. Mince freshly peeled garlic cloves for the best flavor.
  • Let it Marinate – the sauce will taste best if you let it rest for at least 2 hours or even overnight. The flavors will meld and the garlic will infuse the oil.
Chimichurri Recipe (VIDEO) (4)

Common Questions

How much parsley is in 1 cup of parsley?

You will need 1 bunch of fresh parsley, large stems removed, and finely chopped. Make sure to finely chop the parsley and not use the food processor.

Can I substitute the red wine vinegar?

You can substitute with white wine vinegar or lemon juice.

Can I use cilantro?

If you want to use cilantro, try using equal amounts (1/2 cup each) of cilantro and parsley.

Is Chimichurri spicy?

The fresh garlic and red pepper flakes in this recipe are what make chimichurri seem spicy. If you prefer a milder chimichurri, omit the red pepper flakes.

Can I use a food processor?

For authentic chimichurri, we do not recommend using a food processor. It is more likely to crush or bruise your parsley whereas chopping by hand with a sharp knife will produce cleaner cuts through the herbs.

Chimichurri Recipe (VIDEO) (5)

Make-Ahead Tips

Not only is this an easy sauce to make, but you will also love that chimichurri keeps really well in the refrigerator or freezer.

  • Refrigerate – place in a mason jar or tupperware, cover, and refrigerate for at least 1 week.
  • To Freeze – you can put chimichurri sauce in ice cube trays and freeze for up to 3 months. Once the cubes are frozen, you can transfer them to freezer-safe zip bags. Thaw before serving.
  • To Serve – The oil can solidify in the refrigerator. If that happens, bring chimichurri to room temperature before serving.
Chimichurri Recipe (VIDEO) (6)

How to Serve Chimichurri

This is one of the most versatile sauces and here are our favorite ways to serve it. I’d love to know how you serve this Chimichurri Sauce in the comments below.

  • Steak – Add sauce over sliced Carne Asada, or Pan-Seared Steak.
  • ChickenChimichurri Chicken will become your new favorite.
  • Salmon – brush over Grilled Salmon and even Grilled Shrimp.
  • Pork – top Grilled Pork Chops with sauce
  • Potatoes – Drizzle over Roasted Potatoes or Boiled Potatoes.
  • Vegetables – spoon over grilled vegetables or roasted vegetables.

Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

4.97 from 63 votes

Author: Natasha Kravchuk

Chimichurri Recipe (VIDEO) (8)

This chimichurri recipe is so fresh and vibrant. It is excellent as a topping for Grilled Steak, chicken, vegetables, and just about anything.

SavePinReviewPrint

Prep Time: 10 minutes mins

Resting Time: 2 hours hrs

Total Time: 2 hours hrs 10 minutes mins

Ingredients

Servings: 8 people as a condiment

Instructions

  • Finely chop parsley and garlic cloves with a knife (do not use a food processor) and transfer to a bowl.

  • Add remaining chimichurri ingredients and stir to combine.

  • Cover with plastic wrap and refrigerate at least 2 hours or overnight before serving. Store chimichurri for up to one week in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Per Serving

86kcal Calories1g Carbs0.3g Protein9g Fat1g Saturated Fat1g Polyunsaturated Fat7g Monounsaturated Fat151mg Sodium53mg Potassium0.4g Fiber0.1g Sugar653IU Vitamin A10mg Vitamin C16mg Calcium1mg Iron

  • Full Nutrition Label
  • Nutrition Disclosure

Nutrition Facts

Easy Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

Amount per Serving

Calories

86

% Daily Value*

Fat

9

g

14

%

Saturated Fat

1

g

6

%

Polyunsaturated Fat

1

g

Monounsaturated Fat

7

g

7

%

Potassium

53

mg

2

%

Carbohydrates

1

g

%

Fiber

0.4

g

2

%

Sugar

0.1

g

%

Protein

0.3

g

1

%

Vitamin A

653

IU

13

%

Vitamin C

10

mg

12

%

Calcium

16

mg

2

%

Iron

1

mg

6

%

* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2000 calorie diet.

Course: Condiments, Sauce

Cuisine: Argentinian

Keyword: chimichurri recipe, chimichurri sauce

Skill Level: Easy

Cost to Make: $

Calories: 86

Natasha Kravchuk

Chimichurri Recipe (VIDEO) (9)

Welcome to my kitchen! I am Natasha, the blogger behind Natasha's Kitchen (since 2009). My husband and I run this blog together and share only our best, family approved and tested recipes with YOU. Thanks for stopping by! We are so happy you're here.

Read more posts by Natasha

Chimichurri Recipe (VIDEO) (2024)

FAQs

Chimichurri Recipe (VIDEO)? ›

This simple but flavorful bright green sauce from Argentina is made from a handful of pantry ingredients such as red wine vinegar, garlic, and crushed red pepper, plus fresh herbs like parsley and oregano.

What is traditional chimichurri made of? ›

This simple but flavorful bright green sauce from Argentina is made from a handful of pantry ingredients such as red wine vinegar, garlic, and crushed red pepper, plus fresh herbs like parsley and oregano.

How do you get the bitterness out of chimichurri? ›

Chimichurri can become bitter if the ingredients aren't balanced properly. Thankfully, there are a few easy ways to fix bitter-tasting chimichurri. Adding more acidity, like citrus or vinegar, can counteract bitter flavors. You can also add a touch of sweetness in the form of honey or sugar.

What is the difference between Mexican chimichurri and Argentinian chimichurri? ›

The Argentinian chimichurri uses parsley and cilantro. It has a slight tinge of spice, but nothing like the extremely spicy Mexican chimichurri. The Argentinian version also uses vinegar and is more like an infused oil than a “sauce”.

How long does homemade chimichurri last? ›

Chimichurri sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it! I like to portion it into ice cube trays so that I can thaw a little at a time. The cubes will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

How healthy is chimichurri? ›

And from a health standpoint, chimichurri is loaded with good-for-you benefits, including calcium, carotenes, iron, and vitamins A and C (from the parsley) and calcium, fiber, iron, and vitamins E and K (from the oregano), as well as heart-healthy garlic and the monounsaturated fat found in olive oil, which may help to ...

Why is my chimichurri brown? ›

The vinegar browns the herbs over time making the appearance of the chimichurri dull.

What are the ingredients in Gaucho Ranch chimichurri sauce? ›

Garlic, Parsley, Soybean Oil, Vinegar, Salt, Crushed Red Pepper, Spices, Oregano and Less Than 0.1% Xanthan Gum.

Does chimichurri have onion in it? ›

Authentic chimichurri verde is made with parsley, garlic, red onion, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. These simple ingredients yield a spectacularly delicious green sauce. Some chimichurri recipes call for fresh cilantro in addition to parsley.

Does chimichurri taste better the next day? ›

But for an even better chimichurri, let it sit at room temperature for a few hours (or overnight). This will give it some time to let the flavors meld together!

What's the difference between pesto and chimichurri? ›

Pesto and chimichurri are both herb sauces made with garlic and olive oil, but they are very different. Pesto is an Italian sauce made with basil, Parmesan cheese, pine nuts, garlic, and olive oil. Chimichurri is an Argentine sauce made with parsley, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and red chili peppers or flakes.

Can you eat old chimichurri? ›

The fresh stage lasts about 2 to 3 weeks when refrigerated, and about 7 days if not. Chimichurri sauce is usually served aged. The ingredients cause a natural pickling process. We recommend that it is consumed within 6 months and be kept in cool dry place.

Is chimichurri inflammatory? ›

Health benefits: Chimichurri seasoning is made with fresh herbs, such as parsley and oregano, which are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the garlic in chimichurri is known to have immune-boosting properties.

How long does chimichurri last in the fridge? ›

Chimichurri can be stored in the fridge for 2-3 weeks. But I guarantee you're going to use it all WAY before then! Can you freeze chimichurri? I recommend putting the chimichurri sauce in an ice cube tray and freezing individual cubes.

Can you use parsley stems in chimichurri? ›

When you're cutting your herbs up, remember you can cut the parsley and cilantro stems and all- just give them a rough chop to measure, but for the oregano, you'll want to pull those little stems off the woody stem. It all goes in a food processor and gets chopped up more.

Is chimichurri a Brazilian or Argentinian? ›

Chimichurri is also a South American staple. A tangy, garlicky sauce with a deep, herbaceous flavor, it can be used as a condiment or marinade. It is traditionally attributed to Argentinian and Uruguayan cuisine, but Brazilians (and the rest of the world, for that matter) also enjoy it with their meat dishes.

Does chimichurri contain cilantro? ›

But, authentic chimichurri has no cilantro in it. The authentic chimichurri recipe is prepared with fresh parsley, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar, with variations that also include spices, herbs and pepper flakes.

Why is chimichurri so popular in Argentina? ›

Chimichurri is a popular recipe in countries such as Argentina, Uruguay and Paraguay and, as mentioned above, is an excellent accompaniment of the meat cuts and vegetables, because it adapts perfectly to different plates and makes them even more delicious.

What is the difference between red and green chimichurri? ›

Green chimichurri is made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, finely chopped parsley, oregano, garlic, and seasonings. Red chimichurri, the spicier of the two, additionally includes smoked paprika and dried red chili, cayenne pepper, or pepper flakes. Some recipes also add red bell pepper.

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