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Chimichurri

Argentinean chimichurri is made with chopped fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, vinegar, and red pepper flakes. A colorful and flavorful addition, chimichurri sauce takes just 10 minutes to make!

Elise Bauer

Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.

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Elise Bauer
Updated June 02, 2021
Elise Bauer
Chimichurri
Elise Bauer

What is Chimichurri?

Have you ever made a chimichurri sauce? It's an Argentinean sauce or condiment, similar to pesto, that is popular throughout South America. This basic version uses fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, oil and vinegar and a little bit of chili pepper, though the variations on this theme are endless.

What I love about it is that it makes use of the parsley that is growing like crazy in our garden, and everything else we are either growing or have in our pantry.

Ingredients for Chimichurri Sauce on wood cutting board
Elise Bauer

Uses for Chimichurri Sauce

In Argentina, chimichurri is used both as a marinade and a sauce for grilled steak, but you can use it also with fish, chicken, lamb, or even pasta. Check out the links at the bottom of the recipe for some different takes on how to make chimichurri sauce from fellow food bloggers.

If you have a favorite dish with which you use chimichurri sauce, please let us know about it in the comments.

Easy chimichurri sauce in a bowl
Elise Bauer

Chimichurri

Prep Time 8 mins
Total Time 8 mins
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup firmly packed fresh flat-leaf parsley leaves

  • 3 to 4 garlic cloves

  • 2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves (can sub 2 teaspoons dried oregano)

  • 1/3 cup extra virgin olive oil

  • 2 tablespoons red or white wine vinegar

  • 1/2 teaspoon sea salt

  • 1/8 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes

Method

  1. Finely chop the parsley, fresh oregano, and garlic (or process in a food processor several pulses). Place in a small bowl.

  2. Stir in the olive oil, vinegar, salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes. Adjust seasonings.

    Serve immediately or refrigerate. If chilled, return to room temperature before serving. Can keep for a week or two.

Links:

Mint Chimichurri here on Simply Recipes

Chimichurri with parsley, cilantro, and oregano from Andrea's Recipes

Grilled flat-iron steak with chimichurri sauce from Kalyn of Kalyn's Kitchen

Chimichurri with pasta from Tea of Tea and Cookies

Chimichurri
Elise Bauer