Bobby Flay’s Chimichurri Sauce Recipe: Fresh Herb Flavor in Minutes

Complete bobby flay chimichurri sauce recipe overview image

I’ve mastered Bobby Flay’s famous chimichurri sauce recipe, and I’m excited to share it with you. This Argentinean condiment is a game-changer, adding fresh herb flavor to grilled meats, vegetables, and more in just minutes.

With simple ingredients like parsley, oregano, garlic, and red pepper flakes, you’ll create a vibrant green sauce that’s both tangy and aromatic. It’s perfect for elevating your next barbecue or dinner party.

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Difficulty
Easy

🌿
Diet
Vegetarian

⏱️
Total Time
30 min

🔥
Calories
Low Cal

Ingredients for Bobby Flay Chimichurri Sauce

Simple ingredients come together to create this vibrant Argentinean condiment in minutes.



Ingredient Amount Notes
Fresh Parsley Leaves 🌿 1 cup Packed, stems removed
Fresh Oregano Leaves 🌿 ¼ cup Chopped, fresh
Garlic Cloves 🧄 4 cloves Peeled, minced
Red Pepper Flakes 🌶️ 1 tsp Or more to taste
Red Wine Vinegar 🍷 ½ cup Good quality vinegar
Extra-Virgin Olive Oil 🫒 ¾ cup High quality, fruity
Salt 🧂 1 tsp Kosher salt preferred
Black Pepper 🌶️ ½ tsp Freshly ground

The fresh herbs matter here. Farmers market if you can—bright green leaves make all the difference. Regular grocery store works too, just make sure to remove stems and pack those leaves in. I grab mine from Whole Foods when I’m in a pinch.

No red pepper flakes? Cayenne or hot paprika gets you close. Red wine vinegar is key—don’t swap to white vinegar. The garlic can be adjusted to taste, but don’t skip it. For a smoother sauce, pulse a few extra times in the food processor.

This keeps for 1 week in the fridge—just give it a good stir before using. I portion it into smaller containers so it’s ready for BBQs or dinner parties. The flavor mellows a bit over time, but it’s still delicious.

Step-by-Step Instructions for Bobby Flay’s Chimichurri Sauce

Making this classic Argentinean condiment is straightforward and requires just a few simple steps.

Step 1: Prepare the Fresh Herbs and Garlic

Start by finely chopping the 1 cup Fresh Parsley Leaves and 0.25 cup Fresh Oregano Leaves. I like to use a food processor for this task as it saves time and ensures an even chop. Add the 4 cloves Garlic Cloves to the processor and continue processing until the mixture is well combined and the garlic is finely minced.

Be careful not to overprocess the herbs, as they can quickly turn into a paste. You want to maintain some texture to give the chimichurri sauce a fresh, vibrant quality.

Step 2: Combine the Herb Mixture with Spices and Vinegar

Transfer the herb and garlic mixture to a bowl and add 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes, 1 tsp Salt, and 0.5 tsp Black Pepper. Stir well to combine these dry ingredients with the herbs.

Next, pour in the 0.5 cup Red Wine Vinegar, making sure it’s a good quality vinegar that will enhance the flavor of your chimichurri sauce. Stir the mixture thoroughly to ensure the vinegar is evenly distributed throughout the herbs and spices.

Step 3: Emulsify with Extra-Virgin Olive Oil

Slowly pour in the 0.75 cup Extra-Virgin Olive Oil while continuously stirring the mixture. I prefer to use a high-quality, fruity olive oil as it adds depth and richness to the sauce.

Continue stirring until the sauce is well emulsified. You should notice it thickening slightly and taking on a vibrant green color. The consistency should be saucy but still pourable. If it seems too thick, you can adjust it with a little more vinegar or olive oil to reach your desired consistency.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Give the chimichurri sauce a taste and adjust the seasoning if necessary. If it needs more salt, pepper, or a bit more vinegar, now is the time to make those adjustments.

Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and let it sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Best Sauces and Condiments for These Flavors

Perfect Pairings for Chimichurri

This versatile sauce elevates everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables. I love it on flank steak or skirt steak, but it also pairs beautifully with grilled chicken or roasted potatoes. Try it as a dip for grilled bread or as a marinade for vegetables.

Storage and Shelf Life

Chimichurri keeps for up to 1 week in the refrigerator when stored properly in an airtight glass container. The flavors will meld together over time, but it’s best when used within 3 days. Give it a good stir before using as the oil may separate.

Customizing Your Chimichurri

For a spicy kick, add more red pepper flakes or substitute in some diced jalapeño. To make it more garlicky, increase the garlic to 6 cloves or add some roasted garlic. For a different herb profile, try adding fresh cilantro or basil along with the parsley and oregano.

Using Chimichurri Beyond Grilled Meats

This sauce is amazing as a salad dressing when thinned out with a bit more vinegar or lemon juice. It makes a great dipping sauce for empanadas or fries. I also love using it as a marinade for chicken or vegetables before grilling or roasting.

Tips for the Best Flavor

Use the freshest herbs possible – farmers market quality makes a difference. Don’t overprocess the herbs in the food processor; you want to maintain some texture. Letting the sauce sit for 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together beautifully. 🌿

Common Mistakes to Avoid

Don’t skip the resting time – it allows the flavors to develop fully. Avoid using low-quality vinegar or olive oil, as they can affect the taste. Be careful not to overprocess the herbs, as this can make the sauce bitter. Using stale herbs will result in a less vibrant flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Servings 8 (2 tbsp each)
Amount Per Serving
Calories
120kcal
% Daily Value
Total Fat 12g15%
Saturated Fat 2g10%
Cholesterol 0mg0%
Sodium 115mg5%
Total Carbohydrate 1g0%
Dietary Fiber 0g0%
Sugars 0g
Protein 0g0%
Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily values may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
★★★★★4.6(10 reviews)

Brandon Thompson