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A vibrant bowl of fresh homemade Chimichurri Sauce, rich with finely chopped herbs, red peppers, and white onions in oil.
Maryam

Classic Argentine Chimichurri Sauce

A vibrant, herbaceous, and garlicky sauce perfect for grilled meats, vegetables, or as a tangy dressing. This authentic recipe balances fresh herbs with a zesty kick, creating an unforgettable flavor.
Prep Time 15 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Servings: 8 servings
Course: Condiment, Sauce, Side Dish
Cuisine: Argentine, Latin American, South American
Calories: 170

Ingredients
  

  • 1 cup fresh Italian flat-leaf parsley packed, destemmed
  • 1/2 cup fresh cilantro packed, destemmed (optional, for a nuanced flavor)
  • 4-6 cloves garlic peeled
  • 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
  • 1 tsp dried oregano
  • 1/2 tsp red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
  • 1/2 tsp sea salt (or to taste)
  • 1/4 tsp black pepper freshly ground
  • 2 tbsp cold water (optional, for thinning consistency)

Equipment

  • Food processor
  • Cutting board
  • Sharp knife
  • Mixing Bowl
  • Airtight Container

Method
 

  1. Wash parsley and cilantro (if using) thoroughly under cold water. Pat them completely dry with paper towels to avoid a watery sauce. Destem the parsley and cilantro, discarding any thick, woody stems. Peel the garlic cloves.
  2. In the bowl of a food processor, add the destemmed parsley, cilantro (if using), peeled garlic cloves, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and freshly ground black pepper. Pulse a few times until the ingredients are finely chopped but still retain some texture. Avoid over-processing into a smooth paste.
  3. Pour in the red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil. Pulse again a few times until all ingredients are well combined and emulsified. The sauce should have a slightly rustic, chunky consistency. If the chimichurri appears too thick for your preference, add cold water one tablespoon at a time, pulsing after each addition, until the desired consistency is achieved.
  4. (If not using a food processor): Finely chop the parsley and cilantro. Mince the garlic cloves very finely. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the chopped herbs, minced garlic, dried oregano, red pepper flakes, sea salt, and black pepper. Pour in the red wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil and stir thoroughly until all ingredients are well mixed.
  5. Taste the chimichurri and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want more salt, pepper, red pepper flakes for extra heat, or a bit more vinegar for tang, depending on your preference.
  6. For the best flavor, transfer the chimichurri to an airtight container, cover it, and let it rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes, or ideally 2 hours, to allow the flavors to meld and deepen. Before serving, allow the sauce to come to room temperature and give it a good stir.

Notes

Storage: Store leftover chimichurri in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. The olive oil may solidify when chilled; simply let it come to room temperature (about 20-30 minutes) and stir well before serving.
Serving Suggestions: This versatile Chimichurri Sauce is fantastic with grilled steak, chicken, pork, or fish. It also makes an excellent dressing for roasted vegetables, a vibrant dip for crusty bread, or a flavorful addition to scrambled eggs.