Chimichurri Sauce

Argentinean chimichurri makes a flavorful-forward addition to grilled meats and more.

By
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise Bauer
Elise founded Simply Recipes in 2003 and led the site until 2019. She has an MA in Food Research from Stanford University.
Learn about Simply Recipes' Editorial Process
Updated September 29, 2023
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.

A bowl of chimichurri with a spoon in it

Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

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.

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.

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

A cutting board with sliced steak and a bowl of chimichurri to the side

Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

How to Store (and Freeze!)

You might want to consider double this chimichurri recipe because the sauce keeps quite well. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks or freeze it for up to a few months. If frozen, just let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight and let it come to room temperature before using.

Other Vibrant Herb Sauces to Try

From the Editors Of Simply Recipes

Chimichurri Sauce

Prep Time 8 mins
Total Time 8 mins
Servings 4 servings

Ingredients

  • 1 cup firmly packed fresh flat-leaf parsley, trimmed of thick stems

  • 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.

    An open food processor with unchopped garlic and herbs

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
    An open food processor with finely chopped garlic and herbs

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek

  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.

    Did you love the recipe? Give us some stars and leave a comment below!

    A bowl of chimichurri sauce with a spoon in it

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
    An open jar of chimichurri sauce with a spoon in it

    Simply Recipes / Mihaela Kozaric Sebrek
Nutrition Facts (per serving)
164 Calories
18g Fat
1g Carbs
0g Protein
×
Nutrition Facts
Servings: 4
Amount per serving
Calories 164
% Daily Value*
Total Fat 18g 23%
Saturated Fat 2g 12%
Cholesterol 0mg 0%
Sodium 266mg 12%
Total Carbohydrate 1g 0%
Dietary Fiber 0g 1%
Total Sugars 0g
Protein 0g
Vitamin C 4mg 20%
Calcium 11mg 1%
Iron 0mg 2%
Potassium 25mg 1%
*The % Daily Value (DV) tells you how much a nutrient in a food serving contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
Nutrition information is calculated using an ingredient database and should be considered an estimate. In cases where multiple ingredient alternatives are given, the first listed is calculated for nutrition. Garnishes and optional ingredients are not included.