What Is Chimichurri? Argentina's Favorite Sauce and How to Use It

If you've ever had a perfectly grilled steak in Argentina, chances are it came with a little bowl of something bright green on the side. That's chimichurri: a fresh, garlicky, herb-packed sauce that makes grilled food taste even better. Here at Alinar Foods in Southern California, chimichurri is what we do, so we put together this simple guide to what it is, where it comes from, and our favorite ways to use it.

What Is Chimichurri?

Chimichurri is an uncooked sauce made mainly from chopped parsley, garlic, oregano, olive oil and lemon juice, often with a pinch of red chili flakes for gentle heat. It's not a smooth purée. Good chimichurri is a little loose and oily, with plenty of chopped herbs and garlic you can see. The flavor is herby, tangy and garlicky, with a bit of warmth. It cuts through rich, smoky grilled meat beautifully.

A Quick Note on Where It Comes From

Chimichurri is closely tied to the asado, the traditional barbecue of Argentina and Uruguay, where it's served alongside grilled beef, sausages and more. You'll hear plenty of colorful stories about how it got its name, but nobody really knows for sure. What everyone agrees on is that it's a staple at the Argentine table, and that every family thinks their version is the best.

Ways to Use Chimichurri

Steak. The classic. Season your steak with our Argentine Steak Rub, grill it the way you like it, slice it, and spoon chimichurri over the top just before serving.

Chicken. Use some chimichurri as a marinade before grilling or roasting, then keep a fresh batch on the side for serving. It's great on chicken thighs, wings and kebabs.

Vegetables. Toss grilled or roasted zucchini, peppers, potatoes, corn or mushrooms with a spoonful of chimichurri. It turns simple vegetables into a side dish people go back for.

Bread. Brush it onto bread before toasting, or just put out a bowl for dipping crusty bread. Mixed into mayo, it also makes a great spread for sandwiches and burgers.

Once you have a jar in the fridge, you'll find more uses for it: drizzled over eggs, stirred into rice, or spooned onto grilled fish or shrimp.

Freeze Fresh Chimichurri, Garlic, Lemon Juice and Herbs

Have more than you need? Bought too many herbs at the market? Our Fresh Herb & Chimichurri Freezer Cube Tray makes it easy to save them for later. Spoon in fresh chimichurri, minced garlic, lemon juice, or chopped herbs topped with a little olive oil, then freeze. Pop out a cube whenever you need one. Toss it into a hot pan, thaw it to top a steak, or add it to soups, sauces and marinades. You get less waste, and fresh flavor is ready on a busy weeknight.

Come Say Hello

Ready to bring a little Argentina to your kitchen? Shop online for our Dry Chimichurri Mix, Argentine Steak Rub and Freezer Cube Tray, or come see us in person at the farmers markets. We're at Carlsbad on Wednesdays from 2:30 to 7 pm and San Clemente on Sundays from 9 am to 1 pm. You can also find our products at The Butchery and Billy's Meats. We'd love to hear how you use your chimichurri. ¡Buen provecho!