This Chimichurri Sauce Will Make Your Meats Taste So Much Better
This Chimichurri Sauce Will Make Your Meats Taste So Much Better is a easy Argentinian recipe that serves 4. 120 calories per serving. Recipe by Natashas Kitchen on YouTube.
Prep: 10 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 15 min
Cost: $2.15 total, $0.54 per serving
Ingredients
- 1 cup Flat‑Leaf Parsley (fresh, loosely packed, chopped)
- 4 cloves Garlic Cloves (peeled and minced)
- ½ cup Extra‑Virgin Olive Oil (good quality, room temperature)
- 2 tablespoons Red Wine Vinegar (adds acidity)
- 1 teaspoon Dried Oregano (crushed slightly for release)
- ½ teaspoon Salt (kosher or sea salt)
- ¼ teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly ground)
- ¼ teaspoon Red Pepper Flakes (optional for heat)
Instructions
Chop the Parsley
Rinse the flat‑leaf parsley, shake off excess water, and roughly chop until you have about 1 cup of loosely packed leaves.
Time: PT5M
Mince the Garlic
Peel the garlic cloves and mince them finely; a garlic press works well for a uniform texture.
Time: PT3M
Combine All Ingredients
In the mixing bowl, add the chopped parsley, minced garlic, ½ cup extra‑virgin olive oil, 2 tbsp red wine vinegar, dried oregano, salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes. Stir vigorously until the mixture is well‑combined and glossy.
Time: PT2M
Cover and Refrigerate
Transfer the sauce to an airtight container, seal tightly, and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to let the flavors meld.
Time: PT2H
Bring to Room Temperature Before Serving
Remove the sauce from the fridge about 10 minutes before serving and give it a quick stir.
Time: PT10M
Nutrition Facts
- Calories
- 120
- Protein
- 0g
- Carbohydrates
- 1g
- Fat
- 12g
- Fiber
- 0g
Dietary info: Vegan, Vegetarian, Gluten-Free, Dairy-Free
Allergens: None (olive oil is generally well tolerated)
Ingredient Substitutions
- Instead of Flat‑Leaf Parsley: Cilantro, Basil
- Instead of Garlic Cloves: Garlic powder (½ tsp)
- Instead of Extra‑Virgin Olive Oil: Avocado oil, Light olive oil
- Instead of Red Wine Vinegar: Apple cider vinegar, White wine vinegar
- Instead of Dried Oregano: Italian seasoning, Fresh oregano (1 tsp)
- Instead of Salt: Table salt
- Instead of Black Pepper: White pepper
- Instead of Red Pepper Flakes: Cayenne pepper (pinch)
Equipment Needed
- Chef's Knife
- Cutting Board
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Cups
- Measuring Spoons
- Airtight Container
- Wooden Spoon or Whisk
Critical Steps — Do Not Skip
- Stir the sauce until it is glossy and fully emulsified
- Refrigerate for at least 2 hours for flavor development
Chef Tips from the Video
- For an ultra‑smooth texture, pulse the ingredients in a food processor instead of hand‑chopping.
- Add a squeeze of fresh lemon juice just before serving for extra brightness.
Troubleshooting
Sauce is too thick
Thin it with a little more olive oil or a splash of red wine vinegar.
Flavor is muted
Allow the sauce to rest longer in the fridge; the herbs need time to release their oils.
Garlic taste is too sharp
Add an extra ½ teaspoon of olive oil or let the sauce sit for a longer period to mellow the garlic.
Storage
Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 7 days.
Freezer: Not recommended; texture changes when frozen.
Room temperature: Keep chilled; bring to room temperature before serving.
Make-Ahead Tips
- The sauce improves after resting; make it a day ahead and store refrigerated.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the cultural significance and history of chimichurri sauce in Argentine cuisine?
Chimichurri originated in the Pampas region of Argentina as a simple, herb‑based condiment for grilled meats. It reflects the country’s ranching culture, where fresh herbs, garlic, and vinegar were readily available to flavor beef cooked over open flames.
What are the traditional regional variations of chimichurri in Argentine cuisine?
In Argentina, some regions add red pepper flakes for heat, others incorporate fresh oregano or cilantro, and a few versions use lemon juice instead of vinegar. The core ingredients—parsley, garlic, oil, and vinegar—remain consistent.
How is fresh parsley garlic chimichurri traditionally served in Argentine households?
It is typically served at room temperature alongside grilled steak (asado), chicken, or roasted vegetables, allowing diners to spoon the sauce over each bite for a burst of herbaceous flavor.
During which celebrations or occasions is chimichurri commonly used in Argentine culture?
Chimichurri is a staple at family barbecues (asados), national holidays like Independence Day, and any gathering centered around grilled meats, symbolizing hospitality and communal eating.
What other Argentine dishes pair well with this fresh parsley garlic chimichurri sauce?
It pairs beautifully with grilled flank steak (bife de chorizo), chicken thighs, roasted potatoes, and even empanada fillings for an extra herb kick.
What makes this parsley garlic chimichurri sauce special compared to other herb sauces?
The combination of flat‑leaf parsley and raw garlic gives a bright, pungent flavor, while the 3:1 oil‑to‑vinegar ratio creates a silky texture that clings to food without being greasy.
What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making fresh parsley garlic chimichurri sauce?
Common errors include over‑mixing which can bruise the parsley, using too much vinegar which makes the sauce sharp, and not allowing enough refrigeration time for the flavors to meld.
Why does this recipe use red wine vinegar instead of lemon juice?
Red wine vinegar provides a mellow acidity that balances the richness of olive oil without the citrus notes that can dominate the herb flavor; it also preserves the bright green color longer.
Can I make this parsley garlic chimichurri sauce ahead of time and how should I store it?
Yes, prepare it up to 2 days in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; bring it to room temperature and stir before serving.
What does the YouTube channel Natashas Kitchen specialize in?
Natashas Kitchen focuses on approachable, home‑cooked meals with a blend of classic comfort foods and international flavors, offering clear step‑by‑step tutorials for cooks of all skill levels.
How does the YouTube channel Natashas Kitchen's approach to Argentine cooking differ from other cooking channels?
Natashas Kitchen emphasizes simplicity and ingredient accessibility, often adapting traditional Argentine dishes like chimichurri with measurements and tips that suit a typical U.S. pantry, whereas many other channels stick to authentic but sometimes hard‑to‑find ingredients.
Last updated: August 29, 2026
