Homemade Chimichurri Sauce | Quick & Easy Argentinian Recipe

1. Why your chimichurri sauce will rock

Looking for that kick-ass touch to enhance your BBQ grills or veggie dishes? Chimichurri , this ancestral sauce from Latin America, is ultra simple and ultra fresh. It's THE sauce that will make your taste buds and those of your friends swoon.

The cool thing? You control everything, from ingredients to quantities, and no more pre-made sauces full of weird stuff. Plus, it's quick to prepare, super versatile, and so good you'll want to dab it on everything.

Flavor bonus: fresh herbs, punchy garlic, a hint of acidity, and fruity olive oil: it's a shot of sunshine that will liven up barbecues, salads, burgers, wraps, and more. We promise, it's addictive.

2. Ingredients & alternatives

2.1. The essential team

For top-notch chimichurri, plan on:

• Fresh flat-leaf parsley – the green star
• Fresh coriander – for those who want a twist
• Garlic , raw and powerful
• Red wine vinegar – acidity and pep
• Extra virgin olive oil – velvety base
• Fresh red chili pepper (optional) – for those who like mild heat
• Salt & pepper – to adjust

2.2. And if you don't have...

• Flat-leaf parsley? ➜ Replace with coriander or a nice dose of basil.
• Red wine vinegar? ➜ a lemon or lime will do the job very well.
• Olive oil? ➜ grapeseed or sunflower oil for more neutrality.
• Fresh chili? ➜ chili flakes or a hint of Tabasco.

3. Calories and Nutritional Information

4. Steps to make your chimichurri sauce a success

1. ✂️ Finely chop the parsley and cilantro using a good knife. The idea is to keep a little chewiness, not to blend into a puree.
2. 🧄 Crush the garlic then cut it into small cubes. Not too big so that it spreads well.
3. 🌶️ If you use chili peppers, chop them finely and remove the seeds if you want them to be less spicy.
4. 🥄 Put the herbs, garlic, chili, salt and pepper in a bowl . Mix well.
5. 🍷 Add the olive oil and vinegar . Mix gently to combine.
6. ⏳ Let stand for at least 20 minutes in the refrigerator, so that the flavors blend wonderfully.
7. 👌 Adjust the seasoning to your taste : salt, vinegar or more oil according to your taste.

5. Variations & tips

5.1. Chimichurri without chili (mild)

Just skip the chili and add a little more cilantro. It works great in salad dressing too.

5.2. Lemon and fresh version

Replace the vinegar with fresh lemon juice and add a hint of zest. It goes great with grilled fish.

5.3. Smoky Twist

Add a teaspoon of smoked paprika for an effortless, natural barbecue flavor. Perfect for pairing with your favorite grilled foods from the Neary BBQ collection !

6. Conservation & batch cooking

Your chimichurri sauce stores very well:

• In the fridge in a sealed jar, 5 to 7 days max – the oil may solidify a little, just let it return to room temperature.
• You can freeze in small portions (ice cube tray) for 3 months, practical for your next express meal.

Tip: Prepare it ahead of time; it will improve in flavor over time. It's also perfect for saving time in the kitchen.

7. Quick ideas to vary the pleasures

• 🧆 Perfect marinade: coat steaks, chicken or tofu before cooking.
• 🥗 Boosted salads: Use it as a green and tangy dressing.
• 🫓 Dip for pita bread or homemade chips , it's great.
• 🍔 Burger topping: replaces mayo or ketchup for a fresh and tangy taste.
• 🍟 Homemade mayonnaise: mix 1 spoonful of chimichurri with your mayo for revisited fries, why not try it with an Air Fryer .

8. Chimichurri FAQ

9. Pro tips & mistakes to avoid

• Mistake: Adding the oil too early and mixing. ➜ The oil is best mixed at the end and by hand to maintain the texture.
• Tip: Always taste and adjust salt and acidity, that's what will make all the difference.
• Pro hack: prepare it the day before and take it out of the fridge 15 minutes before eating for more character.

10. Anti-waste & budget

Use parsley stems to infuse a salad or broth, nothing goes to waste!

Approximate cost: less than €1.20 for 4 people — unbeatable for livening up any dish.

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Recipe proposed by Lou Chardin

Also check out our tips for the best Air Fryer 2025 and everything for the barbecue season at Neary!