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Chimichurri | Traditional Sauce From Argentina | TasteAtlas
Chimichurri | Traditional Sauce From Argentina | TasteAtlas
Chimichurri | Traditional Sauce From Argentina | TasteAtlas
Chimichurri | Traditional Sauce From Argentina | TasteAtlas

Chimichurri

(Chimmichurri)

What harissa is to Moroccan cuisine and what mustard is to hot dogs in the USA, chimichurri is to steaks in Argentina. It is an aromatic mixture of parsley, garlic, oregano, sunflower oil, vinegar, and hot red pepper flakes, although additional ingredients such as coriander or chopped tomatoes are sometimes also included in the combination, while others may be omitted as there are numerous variations on chimichurri.


This vibrant green sauce (sometimes used as a marinade) is typically served alongside grilled beef steaks, but it also does wonders for grilled pork, chicken, lamb, fish, or duck, and it is quite common to pair it with Malbec wine. There are two theories about the origin of the name–one says that it was invented (and aptly named) by a British meat dealer called Jimmy Curry, and the other one says that it stems from the phrase "che mi curry", spoken by captive English soldiers who requested to eat curry after their unsuccessful attempt to invade Argentina, a Spanish colony at the time.


The origin of the name may be unknown, but it is a known fact that chimichurri will spark up any dish that it is added to.

Chimichurri-infographic

Part of

Sandwich

Choripán

Choripán is the ultimate in Argentine street food, a sandwich consisting of a chorizo sausage and a variety of condiments in a crusty bun. It is usually ... Read more

Sandwich

Sandwich de lomo

This is an extreme version of a steak sandwich – filled with thinly sliced lomo steak, tomatoes, onions, lettuce, mayonnaise, chimichurri sauce, ham, cheese, and ... Read more

Pairing tips

Wine Variety

Malbec Argentina

Malbec originally comes from southwest France, but recently it has become one of the most important grape varieties in Argentina, where it developed an entirely ... Read more

Serve with

Barbecue

Parrilla

Parrilla is an Argentine word with two meanings – it can be used to describe a typical Argentine steakhouse restaurant, or it can denote a metal grill used for preparing ... Read more

Barbecue

Churrasco

Churrasco is a Brazilian barbecue method where juicy pieces, slices, steaks, and chops of beef, veal, lamb, pork, and chicken are placed on big skewers and grilled over ... Read more

Recipe variations

  • 4.6

    Traditional Chimichurri

    READY IN 15min

    Made with just parsley, oregano, garlic, oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and red pepper flakes, this is considered the basic and traditional recipe for the Argentine chimichurri.

  • 4.6

    Chimichurri Rojo

    READY IN 15min

    Surprisingly, there is no parsley in this variant of chimichurri rojo, or red chimichurri. Instead, the bulk of the sauce is olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, hot paprika, and cayenne, resulting in a hot and smokey sauce. Additionally, the sauce is seasoned with cumin, bay leaf, salt, and pepper.

  • 4.6

    Extra-flavored Chimichurri

    READY IN 3h 15min

    In this variant, the tradition is followed for the most part, except for the addition of smoked paprika and bay leaves, which also flavor and color the sauce. If you have any leftovers, refrigerate them, and they will keep for a few days.

Chimichurri Authentic recipe

PREP 15min
READY IN 15min

Made with just parsley, oregano, garlic, oil, red wine vinegar, salt, and red pepper flakes, this is considered the basic and traditional recipe for the Argentine chimichurri.

WHERE TO EAT The best Chimichurri in the world (according to food experts)

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