Dominican Chimichurri Hamburger, also known as Chimichurri Dominicano, or Chimi Dominicano, is a traditional Dominican street food famous for the flavorful, juicy burger and the special Dominican Sauce. These gourmet burger patties are specially made with homemade ground short ribs, beef chuck & beef brisket seasoned with Dominican flavors. Topped with grilled tomatoes, red onions and shredded cabbage, and special seasoned Dominican special pink sauce, I created this mouthwatering, gourmet, chimichurri burger as part of Burger Month.
Hello my friends. This Dominican Chimichurri Hamburger has been on the back burner for a while, and is finally making a big entrance at the perfect time to celebrate National Burger Month, Memorial Day weekend and the summer BBQ season. This burger recipe is easy to make, but it will take a bit of your time because everything is homemade with the best quality ingredients and therefore, I’m calling this recipe “Gourmet Dominican Chimichurri Hamburger.”
Video Steps for Dominican Chimichurri Hamburger
Everything about the Chimichurri burger is exceptionally delicious: the taste, the texture, the sauce, and the toppings. The burger is an tasty twist on the classic. Chimichurri hamburger is not usually prepared at home, but bought on the street from one of the famous chimi trucks. The traditional patties are well-seasoned ground beef and topped with grilled tomatoes, grilled onions and sautéed cabbage (slaw) and then drenched in pink sauce (salsa golf).
Dominican Street Food
Being from the Dominican Republic, I have the privilege of trying all kinds of delicious, fatty and full of flavor Dominican street food. When you go to DR, on almost every one of the most popular and busy streets, you will find corner chimi carts, hot dog carts, and other street vendors serving cold Presidente beers, chimichurri hamburger, hot dogs, empanadas stuffed with a whole egg and then fried (fried stuffed dough), Yaniqueques (crispy, flaky, deep-fried dough), sandwiches, chicharron (fried pork rinds/skin), Pastelitos (small version of empanadas), and many other delicious street food. If you want to know more about Dominican Republic delicious food, check out this excellent blog post from In Between Pictures. I really enjoyed reading her post. I also made a recipe here for Dominican Buñuelos which are fried dough balls soaked in vanilla cinnamon syrup.
Like every island in the Caribbean, our food is similar but with different names, different ways to make it, and every island has their own unique seasoning. Caribbean cuisine has its roots from the African slaves that Spanish, French, British and Netherland settlers brought with them during the colonization after they extinguished the native indigenes from the islands.
In Dominican we have a deep influence from the Spanish and African cuisine, and even a Middle Eastern influence from a wave of Lebanese immigrants that arrived at DR in the 19th century. One of the dishes Lebanese brought to Dominican Republic is Quipe. Here in the US it is known as Kibbeh. Quipe is very popular and it’s served during birthdays, meetings and funerals (repass).
There is also another kind of “street food” that is very popular after people leave the cafes or clubs late at night. I am putting “street food” in quotes because this food is ordered late at night but technically in an eatery. For example, in Santo Domingo there is a restaurant called Adrian Tropical located in the Malecon (a stone-built embankment or esplanade along a waterfront). Every time I go to DR, I make my obligatory stop here during lunch or very late at night with my friend Luis (? don’t tell Geoffrey). At this place I always order Mondongo with white rice and avocado. It is one of my favorite dishes. Here you can also order Mofongo, fried meat or fish, sancocho and many other Caribbean dishes. What is Sopa de mondongo? It’s a soup made from diced tripe (the stomach of a cow or pig) slow-cooked with vegetables.
Ok, let me stop talking about other Dominican food and get back to this juicy, messy and full of flavor Dominican Chimichurri Hamburger. I will guide you through the preparation and assembly process because at first, it’s time consuming. But it’s totally worth it. I suggest making the patties the day before and keep them in the refrigerator overnight. This step will help to keep the patties together without falling apart during the grilling process. I also suggest making extra patties and freeze them. Once you make this recipe, you will want to eat more of them sooner than later.
How was the Chimi Dominicano Hamburger created?
The Chimichurri burger is also called Chimi burger, Dominican burger, or just chimi! I am not able to confirm this story, but what I was told by friends is that this Dominican street food was created by an Argentinian immigrant who settled in DR in the 80's. He opened up a food cart in his driveway and served what would be an Argentinean "choripan" with chimichurri sauce. Back then Dominicans started call it "chimichurri" and with time, as all good Dominicans like to shortcut names, it started to be called just "chimi." This was the beginning of the creation for street food carts which later served the dish. Different variations were created by adding ingredient such a cabbage, carrots, etc. The idea to add the different toppings was to bulk up the burger and save the amount of meat used in the patties. The bread typically used is “Pan de Agua” which translate to water bread. This bread is similar to the French baguette.
In my opinion this story makes a lot of sense for several reasons. The first reason is that the name “chimichurri” comes from the famous Argentinian sauce made with parsley, garlic, olive oil, red vinegar and oregano. The second reason is that the base of the Dominican special pink sauce used in the chimi burger is very similar to the Argentinian salsa called “Golf Sauce.” Golf sauce is a combination of ketchup and mayonnaise. I will tell you more about the Dominican special salsa but keep reading?.
How to Make Dominican Chimichurri Hamburger (Chimi burger)
There are four key factors that will land you with the best chimichurri burger:
- the meat,
- the bread,
- the sauce,
- the topping.
The chimi burger has to be build with the exact ingredients, but you can make some variations like the kind of meat (or blend of meat) or add cheese.
The Meat
For any burger the right combination of lean and fat is essential for a juicy and flavorful patty. The traditional chimichurri burger patty is oval but now most people make it round. I did the round shape. I picked the following beef cuts:
- Beef Chuck - It’s the preferred choice for ground beef because of the richness of flavor and balance of meat and fat.
- Beef Brisket – I selected the flat cut of the brisket which is less fatty than the point cut. This cut is a bit more expensive. It has a very beefy flavor.
- Short Ribs – I chose this cut of meat because it is fattier and will provide the patty with the juicy and beefy texture and flavor.
Note: I bought the meat in chunks and I grounded it myself. You can save time and ask your local butcher to grind the combined meat for you.
The Bread
Because the chimichurri burger is a bit messy, you need a bread that will hold together and soak the juices without breaking. The bread should be a bit crusty but soft inside. Here are some options:
- Pan de Agua (water bread) - This is the traditional bread used for the chimi burger. This bread has a long oval shape. In some regions in DR they are using pan de agua, and in other regions they are using regular burger buns. This bread is similar to the French baguette.
- Portuguese Bread, Portuguese Rolls or papo secos – This bread is hard and crusty on the outside and soft on the inside.
- French Baguette – If you pick this bread remember to make the beef patty in the shape of the bread.
- Baguette Style Burger Bun – this is the bread I use for this recipe.
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The Sauce
The Special Dominican Pink Sauce or Salsa Golf – The starting recipe we use is the Argentinean golf sauce which is ketchup and mayonnaise. What makes it special is the addition of soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, orange juice & traditional Dijon Mustard. This sauce varies because everyone adds their own touch.
The Toppings:
You grill briefly the tomatoes, the red onion and the shredded cabbage. For the cabbage we add some special pink sauce before sauteing on the flat griddle.
Recommendations on How to Cook Beef Patties & Veggies
I recommend using the flat surface of the grill or grill pan because on a grooved surface the meat could break and fall through the holes.
- I use an electric grill with the flat surface, or a large cast iron skillet. I cook the ingredients in the following order; beef patties, red onion, tomatoes, shredded cabbage and then the burger buns.
- Set the flat grill at medium-high heat
- Cook the first side of the burgers for around 3-4 minutes and the second side around two minutes or to your liking.
- Using the spatula, press both sides of burger patties for a few seconds to flat them out a bit.
- Cook the veggies for a minute or two each side.
How to freeze the raw chimi burger patties?
If you make extra burger meat, in a flat square plastic container, place the first layer of meat. Keep additional layers separate between waxed paper to prevent them from sticking together. Make sure the plastic container has a tightly closed lid. You can keep the patties in the freezer for 6 months.
Steps on How to Grind Your Beef at Home
First, you need to have a grinding machine. If you have a kitchen aid stand mixer, buy the food grinder attachment. They are not too expensive.
1. Cut the meats into 3” long strips and ¾” thick. This size strips feed smoothly through the grinder.
2. After you cut the meat, place them in a plastic bag or a small tray and put them in the freezer for 30 minutes.
3. Place the clean food grinder attachments in a plastic bag and keep them in the freeze for at least 30 minutes. Partially freezing the meat and the attachments will help keep the meat cold during the grinding process.
4. After 30 minutes, set a large bowl with ice and a small bowl on top.
5. Take the attachments out of the freezer and set it up using the coarse grinding plate and keep the fine grinding plate in the freezer. Then take out the meat.
6. Set the stand mixer to medium speed and start to pass the meat strips through the feeding tube. After you grind the whole batch, fold gently with your hands or spatula and put the ground meat back into the refrigerator.
7. Remove the coarse grinding plate and set up the fine grinding plate. Take the meat out of the refrigerator and regrind the meat through the fine grinding plate.
8. At this point you are all set. Keep the meat cold in the refrigerator until you prepare the seasoning for the Chimichurri hamburger or another recipe.
Special notes for Grinding the Meat and Preparing the Burgers:
- If you will be grinding your own meat, be aware that you may have more ground meat than what you need for the amount the seasoning made. What I do is... I know I want to make 6 x 6oz burgers. So, I separate 36oz of ground beef. I put it into a separate bowl, add the seasoning, mix, and then weight 6 portions of 6oz.
- Place the beef patties on a waxed paper linen baking tray, and cover with another sheet of waxed paper. Keep the beef patties in the refrigerator for at least 6 hours.
- After I portion the seasoned ground meat, I use a burger mold to shape and compact the meat. But you can do it as you always do. I just love my kitchen gadgets. I didn’t find the specific one I use on Amazon, but here are some very cool burger molds that look great.
How to make the Dominican Seasoning for the Chimichurri Hamburger
In a small food processor, add chopped cilantro, green bell pepper, onion, garlic, dried Dominican Oregano, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt, and pepper. Puree the ingredients, and then add this mixture to the ground beef and combine gently. Do not overwork the meat.
Special note about the seasoning: I only use dried Dominican Oregano because it is strong and it’s the real thing. If you try this oregano, you will never go back to the boring options that you find at the supermarket. I bring mine directly from Dominican Republic. I found this Dominican Oregano option on Amazon, but I haven’t tasted it yet but the reviews are great.
Making the Special Chimichurri Hamburger Pink Sauce
Now no Chimichurri Burger is complete without the special pink sauce. This sauce is super easy to make, and you probably have all the ingredients in your pantry. In a small bowl add the mayonnaise, ketchup, soy sauce, orange juice, Worcestershire sauce & dijon mustard. Mix until it is well-combined. What do you think about those ingredients? Interesting, right?
I know this post is extra long compared to others. I hope you found it interesting and useful. We also hope you enjoy our Gourmet Dominican Chimichurri Hamburger recipe as much as we do. This is the perfect recipe to start celebrating the summer season. Let me know in the comment section what you think about this recipe, and if you try it. If you share this recipe or your creation on social media, tag us @spoonabilities on Instagram and use the hashtag #Spoonabilities. Thank you.
Carlos
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UPDATE: This recipe is part of the 11 Best & Favorite Summertime Grilling Recipes and check out this new Spiced Lamb Burger with Fennel Cucumber & Celery Slaw.
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Gourmet Dominican Chimichurri Hamburger | Dominican Street Food
- Total Time: 1 hours 25 minutes
- Yield: 6 of 6 oz patties 1x
Description
Dominican Chimichurri Hamburger is traditional Dominican street food. The gourmet burger patties are made with homemade ground short ribs, beef chuck & beef brisket, and seasoned with Dominican flavors. This flavorful Dominican burger is topped with grilled tomatoes, red onions and shredded cabbage and a big spoonful of the Dominican special pink sauce.
Ingredients
For the burger patties:
- 1 ½ pounds beef chuck, cut into pieces and chilled - see instructions below
- ½ pound beef brisket, cut into pieces and chilled - see instructions below
- 6 ounces of boneless beef short ribs, cut into pieces and chilled - see instructions below
- ⅓ cup chopped cilantro
- 3 cloves peeled garlic
- ½ large green bell pepper, chopped
- ½ large yellow onion
- 1 teaspoon dried Dominican oregano
- 2 teaspoons soy sauce
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ teaspoon salt
- ½ teaspoon pepper
Special Pink Sauce:
- 1 Tablespoon Worcestershire sauce
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- ½ cup ketchup
- 1 Tablespoon Dijon Mustard
- ¼ teaspoon soy sauce
- ¼ cup orange juice
Toppings:
- 1 medium sliced red onion
- 2 cups shredded cabbage
- 2 large tomatoes cut into slices
- 6 hamburger buns - See suggestions on the blog.
Instructions
Grinding the Meat:
- Cut meats into 3” long strips and ¾” thick.
- Freeze the clean, dry grinder attachments in a plastic freezer bag for 30 minutes.
- Freeze the strips of meats in a container / tray that will fit in your freezer for 30 minutes.
- Take the attachments out of the freezer and assemble. First use the coarse grinding plate.
- Under the grinder, place a large bowl with ice and inside a small bowl to catch the meat and keep it cold.
- While you are setting up the grinder with the fine grinding plate, keep the ground meat in the refrigerator.
- Regrind the meat with the fine grinding plate. When you are done keep the meat in the refrigerator.
Making the patties:
- Use the food processor and puree the cilantro, garlic, green bell pepper, onion, oregano, soy sauce, Worcestershire sauce, salt & pepper.
- Take bowl with ground meat out of the refrigerator and add the seasoning. Mix well.
- Form six patties. They should be around 6oz each. Chill the patties for about an hour.
Make the special sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, orange juice, mustard & mayonnaise until it is well combined. Set aside in the refrigerator.
Cook the patties & veggies:
- Use a flat top electric grill or flat stove-top grill. Brush with oil and heat over high heat.
- Cook patties, turning once. Cook 3 minutes per side for medium or to your liking. When you turn the patties, press gently for a few seconds. Set aside.
- Lower the temperature to medium. Mix the cabbage with one or two Tablespoons of the sauce.
- Cook the cabbage for one or two minutes on one side of the grill.
- On the other side of the grill, add more oil if need, and cook the red onions and tomatoes - about two minutes total. Note: check the tomatoes. They could be done before the two minutes is over.
- Toast the bread on the grill
Assemble the burger:
- Spread some of the sauce on the bottom buns. Then place the burger, tomatoes, onions, cabbage and more sauce and put the top buns.
- Prep Time: 1 hours
- Cook Time: 25 minutes
- Category: Lunch
- Method: grilling
- Cuisine: Dominican
Suggested Ingredients & Equipment
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Hey there, I'm Carlos, a food and drink enthusiast, recipe blogger and 
Christie
I'm intrigued by the Dominican oregano. And everything about this burger! But that oregano. Is it anything like Cuban oregano? I'm drying to know so I can make this for the hubs.
Geoffrey Swetz
We haven't tried Cuban oregano, so we can't say. You would think that since we live in Miami would would have had it already. What Carlos does say about the Dominican oregano is that it has a very strong oregano smell. I suspect that taste is strong than 'regular' oregano too.
Kelly Anthony
What a flavorful and juicy burger. That chimichurri sounds amazing and would be great on just about everything!!!
Geoffrey Swetz
YES Kelly, you are correct. You can put the chimichurri and the special sauce on everything. We do!
Beth Pierce
Whoa! This is everything a gourmet burger should be, and then some! Mouth watering delicious!
Geoffrey Swetz
SO glad you like it Beth. Every layer was made with love. We have extra napkins too for your watering mouth ;)
Jacqueline Debono
Wow these really are gourmet burgers from the home ground meat to that delicious sounding pink sauce! Would love to visit The Dominican Republic and try the street food!
Geoffrey Swetz
Thanks Jacqueline. These burgers really did come out great. You should definitely visit the DR and find the street food vendors. You will not be sorry.
adriana
wow, these burgers are the BOMB! That chimichurri is fantastic. I bet it adds a lot of flavor to the meat. Perfect party meal for the summer.
Geoffrey Swetz
YES Adriana, these burgers are perfect for summer party meals. You can prepare everything ahead of time and then just grill, compile and eat!
Noelle
This is not your average burger, loved all the flavors thank you!!
Geoffrey Swetz
That is true Noelle. We try not to do "average" around here. Sometime we fail miserably, but at least we're not average ;)
Sophie
That chimichuri is to die for. Looks so so delicious!
Geoffrey Swetz
Thank you Sophie. I certainly hope you don't die over this. We would be so upset :) Enjoy!
Jolene
I just love posts where not only is there a great recipe but I learn things as well. This looks amazing!
Geoffrey Swetz
Thank you so much Jolene for mentioning that you love recipes where you learn something as well. We are attempting to do that with every recipe.
Caroline
I love the sound of all the flavors going on in this, and very impressed you ground your own meat as well. Yum!
Geoffrey Swetz
Thank you Caroline. Yes, there are a lot of wonderful flavors going on in that burger.
Holly
Wow - what burger masterpiece! I love your dedication to fresh meat and grinding it yourself. And that pink sauce looks so good - I could eat it by the spoonful!
Geoffrey Swetz
Thanks Holly. I think it was only the second or third time we grinded the meat ourselves. It's really not that hard to do.
Shirley Wood
I wanted to be there when these were finished! Fresh ground meat and that scrumptious homemade sauce! Oh My Goodness! Saving this recipe.
Geoffrey Swetz
Glad to hear you are saving the recipe Shirley. Wish we could have saved you one of the burgers, but they are long gone ;)
Erin Vasicek
Great minds think alike I too had chimichurri but it was only on my burger, love that you mixed it right into the burger itself and even ground your own meat! I've only done that once but need to do it more often. Also that pink sauce makes the whole burger package complete!
Geoffrey Swetz
Happy that we are part of the "great minds" duo. I thought Carlos was crazy to grind his own meat, but it was pretty easy (for me who was his assistant). Yes, the pink sauce make the burger for sure.
Karen
Mind blown. I love the combo of meats (anything with short ribs....) and your explanation and stories behind this burger are totally worth the read.
Geoffrey Swetz
Thank you Karen for mentioning that Carlos's explanation and stories were worth the read. We often wonder if anybody actually reads his recipe posts. YES, pretty much anything with short ribs is going to be a winner.
Paul Sidoriak
Between the meat blend and amazing looking sauce, this is on my short list of things to make soon!
Geoffrey Swetz
Thanks for your comment Paul. So glad you like this burger recipe and that it's now on your "make soon" list.
Sue Ringsdorf
I'm pretty impressed that you ground your own meat, Carlos! I also loved reading about the history of this burger. Do you miss living in the Dominican? Thanks for sharing this recipe. I'm excited to try it!
Carlos Leo
Hi Sue, Thank you so much for reading my blog post. I truly appreciate your comment. I took extra time writing this post. I go to DR two or three times a year :). I don't miss living there but I enjoy as much as I can every time I visit. Thank you again!