The Argentinian Choripán-Inspired Burger is a tribute to one of Argentina’s most beloved culinary gems: the choripán. A fixture of street food culture, choripán, or “chori” as locals affectionately call it, is a sandwich featuring a smoky, flavorful chorizo sausage nestled in crusty bread and often paired with the vibrant and herbaceous chimichurri sauce. It’s the essence of simplicity and bold flavor — a dish enjoyed by everyone from soccer fans at weekend “asados” (Argentine barbeques) to busy commuters grabbing a quick bite.
This burger reimagines the spirit of choripán through a lens of indulgent creativity. Instead of the traditional sausage served in a baguette or white roll, the recipe uses a fusion of ground beef, pork, and fresh high-quality chorizo to craft thick, juicy burger patties that capture the smoky spice of the original dish. By incorporating spices like smoked paprika and garlic powder into the patties, the burger builds on the sausage’s natural flavors—resulting in a succulent bite reminiscent of Argentinian grill smoke.
But no choripán experience would be complete without chimichurri. This bright, tangy, and slightly spicy condiment is the heart and soul of Argentinian grilling culture. Made with fresh parsley, oregano, garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and a touch of heat from red pepper flakes, the chimichurri in this recipe provides an ideal counterpoint to the richness of the burger. It’s the vibrant notes of the sauce that elevate the dish, evoking the lively street corners of Buenos Aires and the gaucho traditions from Argentina’s sprawling pampas.
While the burger maintains the essence of choripán, it also introduces a few modern comforts. Layers of fresh arugula contribute a peppery freshness, while gooey, melty provolone cheese adds a creamy indulgence. Thinly sliced red onions provide a crisp crunch, adding yet another layer of texture and flavor to the experience. The choice of lightly toasted burger buns keeps the dish accessible and approachable, blending global burger culture with regional South American flair.
This recipe doesn’t just celebrate the flavors of Argentina—it’s a love letter to its food culture. It brings together bold, rustic ingredients and the communal joy of grilling, a ritual that is centered at the heart of Argentina’s gatherings and festive spirit. Inspired by both tradition and modern culinary sensibilities, this burger bridges the gap between street food and gourmet dining.
Perfect for backyard BBQs, casual dinners, or even sharing on game nights, the Argentinian Choripán-Inspired Burger is a versatile creation that invites everyone to savor the essence of Argentina. It’s a celebration of rich, smoky meats, vibrant sauces, and the simple yet powerful pleasure of good food shared with others—a taste of the passion and hospitality that Argentina is known for.
Argentinian Choripán-Inspired Burger
Ingredients
Burger Patties
- 500 g ground beef and pork mix preferably 80% lean, 20% fat
- 200 g fresh chorizo sausage, casing removed high-quality
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- to taste salt and black pepper
Chimichurri Sauce
- 1 cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano, finely chopped
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup olive oil extra virgin
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp red pepper flakes
- 1 pinch salt to taste
Buns and Garnishes
- 4 medium burger buns lightly toasted
- 4 slices provolone cheese
- 1 cup arugula fresh
- 1 medium red onion, thinly sliced
Instructions
- For the Burger Patties: In a large bowl, combine ground beef, chorizo sausage, smoked paprika, garlic powder, salt, and black pepper. Mix gently with your hands until just combined. Form into four equal patties, pressing a small indentation in the center of each to ensure even cooking.
- For the Chimichurri Sauce: In a medium bowl, combine chopped parsley, oregano, minced garlic, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and red pepper flakes. Stir to blend. Season with salt to taste. Let stand for at least 15-20 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
- Cooking the Burgers: Preheat your grill or stovetop skillet to medium-high heat. Cook the burger patties for about 4-5 minutes on each side for medium, or until they reach your desired doneness. During the last minute of cooking, place a slice of provolone cheese on each patty. Cover to melt.
- Assemble the burger by layering arugula on the bottom half of each bun, followed by a cheese-covered patty, a generous spoonful of chimichurri sauce, and thin slices of red onion. Finish with the top bun and serve immediately.