What Is Chimichurri?

What is Chimichurri Sauce?

Chimichurri is an Argentinian uncooked herb sauce made two ways: green chimichurri and red 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.

Chimichurri sauce is easy to make in a food processor with standard pantry ingredients and a great way to use up extra parsley you may have in your fridge. In the original Argentinian chimichurri, parsley and garlic are the two dominant flavors, but there are many variations, such as green chimichurri with cilantro.

What is Chimichurri Sauce Used For?

Chimichurri is often served with steak and other meats such as fish, chicken, or roast beef. It's also delicious mixed with pasta, slathered on garlic bread, or blended into rice to make a fragrant herb pilaf. Using chimichurri as a marinade in grilled dishes — like beef skewers — is also popular as it adds incredible flavor.

What is Chimichurri Seasoning?

If you don't have fresh herbs on hand, you can make or buy chimichurri seasoning. Also labeled as a dry rub or dry marinade, chimichurri seasoning contains dried parsley, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, and other herbs and spices.

You can even make chimichurri sauce from dry seasoning. Add olive oil, water, vinegar, and lemon or lime juice as directed on the package.

VIDEO: How to Make Chimichurri Sauce

"Chimichurri is a fabulous green sauce that's been steadily growing in popularity across the American restaurant landscape," says Chef John. "This herby, garlicky, tangy, spicy, and very green condiment is great on all kinds of grilled meats."

Our Favorite Recipes with Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri Baked Chicken

"Chimichurri is a dish from Argentina that is usually served over grilled chicken or steak," says Bren. "This is my version, which may or may not be authentic."

Chimichurri Sauce for Steaks

"Use this great Argentinean sauce on grilled meats, such as T-bone, porterhouse, or skirt steak," says Ty Robbins. "The sauce is best if used immediately but will keep in the refrigerator for a couple of days."

Lentil Salad with Chimichurri Sauce

"This recipe is a favorite in our home on baked Yukon gold potatoes or stuffed in a whole wheat pita with sliced cucumbers," says Kim luvscooking. "You will most likely find a favorite way to enjoy this healthy, high-fiber salad."

Saturday Breakfast Salad with Poached Egg and Chimichurri

"This is an amazingly good-for-you salad, packed full of fiber and nutrients to make up for any cheating that might happen on the weekend!" says Kate Y. "The best part is that you can really have fun with it by adding a variety of ingredients (ground flax, black beans, sausage, nuts, peppers). Have fun with it, and please your palate! It's great for breakfast but could easily be eaten for lunch or dinner as well."

Chimichurri Roasted Potatoes

"These potatoes are a great side dish all year round," says JennCrippen. "They stand up to grilled and roasted meats very well. Sometimes I add a chopped cherry pepper to the chimichurri to add a little heat and color."

Argentine Chimichurri Bread

"A spicy bread with lots of herbs and tons of flavor," says Tom Pampas. "This is a great bread for meat sandwiches."