Sauces are some of the most underrated but nevertheless important categories of foods home cooks should familiarise themselves with. We know that seems like an impossible task. After all, every country in the world has their own sauces that are used differently.
Gremolata and chimichurri may not be used often in American or British recipes, but once you expand your cooking range, you will see them everywhere. So, what exactly are the sauces, and how similar are they?
The most noticeable difference between gremolata and chimichurri is their complexity in both preparation and flavour. Gremolata only needs 3 ingredients to be delicious, whereas chimichurri relies on at least 5.
What is Gremolata?
When it comes to quick sauces, few are as quick or easy to make from fresh as gremolata. You may not necessarily see it used in Italian recipes as it is mainly used as a condiment, but you will undoubtedly see it recommended as a serving option in an array of Italian recipes.
All you need to make gremolata is a bunch of fresh parsley, some zingy lemon zest, and some garlic – pressed or chopped.
Such a classic flavour combination is hard to get wrong and is sure to add that little something extra to your dish with very little effort. You only need to dedicate 10 minutes to make a batch of gremolata, and you have an instant flavour booster.
Of course, like all recipes, there are some variations of gremolata, though few overly complicate the sauce, allowing it to remain a simple but effective condiment.
Traditional gremolata does not contain olive oil. However, some include it when making the sauce to allow for a smoother, more sauce-like, finish.
What is Chimichurri?
Unfortunately, there are not many South American dishes or recipes that gain popularity outside of their country of origin. But luckily, chimichurri has found its way out of Argentina and into recipe books worldwide.
Parsley and garlic are at the heart of any chimichurri recipe, giving the sauce that pungent but earthy impact. The additional use of fresh oregano leaves also exaggerates this earthiness. Then plenty of pepper, red pepper flakes, and vinegar are added to the sauce for a spicy, bitter twist.
Such a complex array of flavours makes chimichurri the perfect condiment to top any simple dish or an array of robust meats such as lamb and steak. Because of the amount of vinegar used in the sauce, chimichurri can be used to help tenderize meat too.
Due to the strong acidic profile of chimichurri, it is better used as a marinade sauce to help tenderize meat. But, when used in moderation, it can be used as a similar condiment.
Similarities Between Gremolata and Chimichurri
For two sauces that seem so fundamentally different, there are plenty of ways in which they are similar. Such as:
- Parsley And Garlic – Some food pairs in cooking can only be described as natural, classic pairings, which is why they pop up in cuisines worldwide. The subtle peppery taste of parsley and the robust and complex taste of garlic are one such pairing. Both gremolata and chimichurri prioritise parsley and garlic in their flavour profiles.
- Vibrant Green – Because they share parsley as their main ingredient, gremolata and chimichurri are very similar in colour. The parsley gives the sauces a vibrant, healthy green that adds colour to any dish.
- Easy To Make – There are some sauces that, while delicious, are notoriously tricky to make, with plenty of places to go wrong. Gremolata and chimichurri require very few ingredients to pack a flavourful punch. Better yet, these few ingredients can just be thrown together and served with little effort.
Differences Between Gremolata and Chimichurri
However, on a few basic levels, gremolata and chimichurri have some noticeable differences that cannot be ignored:
- Level Of Complexity – While it is true that gremolata and chimichurri require next to no technical skill to make, chimichurri uses more ingredients than gremolata. Because of these extra ingredients, such as vinegar and red pepper flakes, chimichurri has a much more complex flavour than gremolata.
- Added Heat – One of the ingredients that makes chimichurri more complex than gremolata is the use of red pepper flakes. The sauce has a spicy kick that helps to elevate the peppery heat of the parsley that, while not overwhelming, can alter the taste of your dish if you are not careful.
- Country Of Origin – Arguably, the differences we have listed between gremolata and chimichurri can be attributed to their country of origin. Gremolata is a very Italian sauce, relying on simplicity to boost a dish’s flavour, while chimichurri adds a little spice to Argentinean dishes without overwhelming them.
- Uses – Gremolata is easy to incorporate into a range of dishes because of its simplicity. That is why it can also be used as a condiment, as it will not alter the taste of your dish too drastically. Chimichurri is a little harder to use due to its spice and acidity. It can be used as a marinade to help tenderize meat before cooking, or it can be used as a finishing sauce if you are careful not to use too much.
Gremolata vs Chimichurri: Which Wins?
If you had a pot of each gremolata and chimichurri in front of you, which one are you going for? We’re putting them up against each other, so it’s time to cast your vote between gremolata vs chimichurri:
Do You Prefer Gremolata or Chimichurri?
Gremolata and Chimichurri FAQs
Do you have further questions about how gremolata and chimichurri might be similar (and different)? Then check these out:
Salsa verde is closer to chimichurri than gremolata because it has a liquid element, but salsa verde will not have spice, whereas chimichurri will often have chilli or red pepper flakes.
Yes, it is possible to use gremolata instead of chimichurri, but you’ll need to add some olive oil to the gremolata to turn it into a wet sauce that can be used for chimichurri.
Acacia may be a freelance writer by day, but they are a food fanatic by night. They are always trying out new recipes or finding different ways to elevate classical dishes. But their biggest culinary aim is to educate others on the basics of the kitchen so that they too can enjoy delicious food.