The Secret Chimichurri Recipe
The Secret Chimichurri Recipe is a easy Argentine recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Get Cooking! Italia on YouTube.
Prep: 17 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 25 min
Cost: $3.84 total, $0.96 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Fresh Parsley (loosely packed, finely chopped)
- 1 clove Garlic (peeled, halved)
- 1 tsp Salt (kosher or sea salt)
- 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes (adjust to taste; can use fresh chopped chili)
- 2 tbsp Red Wine Vinegar (quality vinegar)
- 0.5 tsp Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- 0.5 cup Extra Virgin Olive Oil (prefer high‑quality Olistico from Paso del Palomba)
- 1 tbsp Lemon Juice (juice of half a lemon)
Instructions
Chop Parsley
Rinse the parsley, pat dry, and finely chop it. Transfer the chopped parsley into the jar.
Time: PT3M
Make Garlic Paste
Halve the garlic clove, sprinkle a pinch of salt over it, and mash it with the flat side of the knife to form a paste. Add the paste to the jar.
Time: PT2M
Add Chili
Stir in the red pepper flakes (or chopped fresh chili) to the jar, adjusting the amount to your preferred heat level.
Time: PT1M
Season with Vinegar, Salt & Pepper
Pour in the red wine vinegar, then add the remaining salt and freshly ground black pepper. Mix briefly.
Time: PT1M
Emulsify Olive Oil
Slowly drizzle the olive oil into the jar while stirring continuously until the mixture becomes a cohesive, slightly thickened sauce.
Time: PT3M
Finish with Lemon Juice
Add the juice of half a lemon, stir, then taste and adjust salt, pepper, or lemon as needed.
Time: PT2M
Rest and Serve
Let the chimichurri sit for about 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld, then serve with grilled meat, vegetables, or as a dip.
Time: PT5M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 0g
- Carbohydrates
- 2g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 1g
Dietary info: Vegetarian, Vegan, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Fresh Parsley: Cilantro (will change flavor)
- Instead of Garlic: Garlic powder (1/8 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: Soy sauce (reduce other salt)
- Instead of Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne pepper (½ tsp)
- Instead of Red Wine Vinegar: White wine vinegar, Apple cider vinegar
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Grapeseed oil, Avocado oil
- Instead of Lemon Juice: Lime juice
Equipment Needed
- Jar with Lid
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Measuring Spoons
- Spoon or Small Whisk
- Citrus Juicer (optional) (optional)
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Finely chopping the parsley for texture
- Mashing the garlic with salt to create a smooth paste
- Slowly emulsifying the olive oil to achieve a cohesive sauce
Chef Tips from the Video
- Use a high‑quality extra‑virgin olive oil for the best flavor; cheap oils can make the sauce bitter.
- For extra freshness, add a handful of fresh cilantro alongside parsley.
- Let the sauce rest for at least 10 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to marry.
Troubleshooting
Sauce separates after sitting.
Whisk in a little more olive oil gradually until it recombines.
Flavor is too sharp or salty.
Add a bit more olive oil or a pinch of sugar to balance the acidity.
Sauce is too thick.
Stir in a teaspoon of water or extra lemon juice to loosen it.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight jar for up to 7 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture may change.
Room temperature: Can sit at room temperature for up to 2 hours while serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
- Chimichurri improves after resting; make it the day before and refrigerate.
- If the sauce thickens too much after chilling, stir in a splash of olive oil before serving.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of Chimichurri in Argentine cuisine?
Chimichurri is a traditional Argentine condiment that dates back to the 19th‑century gauchos, who mixed herbs, garlic, vinegar and oil to flavor grilled meats. It has become a national staple, symbolizing the country's love for simple, fresh flavors paired with asado.
What are the traditional regional variations of Chimichurri in Argentina?
In the northern provinces, chimichurri often includes oregano and red wine, while in the central Pampas region it is greener and more garlic‑forward. Some regions add paprika or use lime instead of lemon for a brighter note.
How is Chimichurri traditionally served in Argentine households?
It is typically served at the table as a topping for grilled steak (asado), chicken, or sausages, and also used as a dipping sauce for bread. In many Argentine homes, a small bowl of chimichurri sits alongside the meat for guests to add as they like.
During which celebrations or occasions is Chimichurri commonly used in Argentine culture?
Chimichurri appears at family barbecues, national holidays like Independence Day, and festive gatherings such as birthdays and weddings where grilled meats are the centerpiece.
What other Argentine dishes pair well with Chimichurri?
Chimichurri complements classic Argentine asado, grilled chorizo, empanadas de carne, and even roasted vegetables like provolone cheese topped with herbs.
What makes Chimichurri special compared to other green sauces in world cuisines?
Its bright, herbaceous flavor comes from a high parsley‑to‑oil ratio, raw garlic, and a splash of vinegar, creating a raw, uncooked sauce that stays vibrant and aromatic, unlike pesto which is blended with nuts and cheese.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chimichurri?
Common errors include over‑processing the herbs (which turns the sauce bitter), using too much oil which drowns out the herbs, and not letting the sauce rest, which prevents the flavors from fully developing.
Why does this Chimichurri recipe use lemon juice instead of additional vinegar?
The lemon juice adds fresh acidity and a citrus note that balances the richness of the olive oil, while keeping the traditional vinegar base from becoming overly sharp.
Can I make Chimichurri ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, you can prepare it up to 3 days in advance. Store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator; bring it to room temperature and stir before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Get Cooking! Italia specialize in?
The YouTube channel Get Cooking! Italia focuses on Italian and Mediterranean home cooking, offering clear step‑by‑step tutorials, ingredient sourcing tips, and cultural background for each recipe.
How does the YouTube channel Get Cooking! Italia's approach to Argentine recipes differ from other cooking channels?
Get Cooking! Italia emphasizes authentic ingredient quality—like recommending Olistico olive oil—and provides detailed, hands‑on demonstrations while highlighting the cultural story behind each dish, setting it apart from channels that only present the recipe steps.
Last updated: August 30, 2026
