Argentina is a country where food isn’t just sustenance—it’s a way of life.
Every meal tells a story, and the recipes are full of bold flavors, vibrant colors, and a passion for the culinary arts.
From sizzling grills to creamy desserts, Argentine cuisine is a feast for the senses.
Ready to take a flavorful journey across Argentina without leaving your kitchen? These recipes are packed with personality, just like the people who create them. Let’s dive in!
1. Empanadas Argentinas
Empanadas are the heart and soul of Argentine street food.
These savory pastries are stuffed with a variety of fillings like beef, chicken, or vegetables.
They’re perfect for snacks, dinners, or a quick bite on the go.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups all-purpose flour
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ cup unsalted butter, chilled
- ¼ cup water
- 1 egg
- 1 lb ground beef
- 1 onion, diced
- 1 tsp cumin
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It: Combine flour, salt, and butter until crumbly. Add water and egg to form a dough.
Chill for 30 minutes. Sauté onion and beef, seasoning with cumin, salt, and pepper.
Roll out dough, cut into circles, and fill with the beef mixture. Fold and seal edges. Bake at 375°F for 20 minutes.
Why did this make it to our list?
Empanadas are simple yet endlessly customizable.
Whether you’re hosting a party or meal-prepping for the week, these flaky pastries always hit the spot.
2. Chimichurri Sauce
No Argentine grill is complete without chimichurri. This zesty green sauce is the ultimate accompaniment for steak, chicken, or even grilled veggies.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup fresh parsley, chopped
- 4 garlic cloves, minced
- 2 tbsp red vinegar
- ½ cup olive oil
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp red pepper flakes
- Salt to taste
How to Make It: Mix parsley, garlic, vinegar, oregano, and red pepper flakes. Slowly stir in olive oil until well combined.
Let it sit for 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld.
Why we selected it
Chimichurri is a flavor bomb. It’s fresh, tangy, and adds a punch to any dish. Plus, it’s ridiculously easy to make.
3. Milanesa
Milanesa is Argentina’s version of schnitzel, and it’s a comfort food favorite. Thin slices of beef or chicken are breaded and fried to crispy perfection.
Ingredients:
- 4 thin beef or chicken cutlets
- 2 eggs
- 1 cup breadcrumbs
- ½ cup grated Parmesan
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ cup vegetable oil
How to Make It: Season cutlets with salt and pepper. Dip in beaten eggs, then in a mix of breadcrumbs, Parmesan, and garlic powder.
Fry in hot oil until golden and crispy.
Why did this make it to our list?
Milanesa is comfort food at its best. It’s crispy, tender, and satisfying—perfect for any occasion.
4. Provoleta
This grilled cheese dish (literally) takes cheese to the next level.
Provoleta is made with provolone, seasoned with oregano and chili flakes, and grilled until melty and golden.
Ingredients:
- 1 round of provolone cheese
- 1 tsp oregano
- ½ tsp red chili flakes
- 1 tbsp olive oil
How to Make It: Brush the cheese with olive oil and sprinkle with oregano and chili flakes.
Grill on medium heat until the cheese is golden and bubbly. Serve immediately.
Why we chose it
Provoleta is a cheese lover’s dream. It’s gooey, flavorful, and irresistible.
5. Asado
The ultimate Argentine barbecue, asado, is more than a meal; it’s an event.
Featuring a variety of grilled meats, this feast is the cornerstone of Argentine culture.
Ingredients:
- Assorted meats (beef ribs, sausages, chicken)
- Coarse salt
- Chimichurri (see recipe above)
How to Make It: Season meats with salt. Grill over wood or charcoal for an authentic smoky flavor. Serve with chimichurri.
Why did this make it to our list?
Asado is the heart of Argentine cuisine. It’s a communal experience that brings people together.
6. Alfajores
These sweet sandwich cookies, filled with dulce de leche, are a beloved Argentine treat.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups cornstarch
- 1 cup all-purpose flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 2 egg yolks
- 1 tsp vanilla
- Dulce de leche
- Shredded coconut (optional)
How to Make It: Mix cornstarch, flour, and sugar. Add butter, egg yolks, and vanilla to form a dough.
Chill, roll out, and cut circles. Bake at 350°F for 10 minutes. Sandwich dulce de leche between two cookies and roll edges in coconut.
Why we selected it
Alfajores are sweet, soft, and indulgent. They’re a must-try for anyone with a sweet tooth.
7. Locro
This hearty stew is perfect for chilly days. It’s packed with corn, beans, and squash, making it a filling and nutritious option.
Ingredients:
- 1 lb beef stew meat
- 1 cup dried corn
- 1 cup white beans
- 2 cups squash, diced
- 1 onion, chopped
- 1 tsp paprika
- Salt and pepper to taste
How to Make It: Soak corn and beans overnight. Sauté onion and beef. Add corn, beans, squash, and seasonings. Simmer until tender.
Why did this make it to our list?
Locro is warm, hearty, and full of flavor. It’s like a hug in a bowl.
8. Matambre a la Pizza
This unique dish combines thinly sliced beef with pizza toppings. It’s a crowd-pleaser for meat and pizza lovers alike.
Ingredients:
- 1 thin beef flank steak
- 1 cup tomato sauce
- 1 cup shredded mozzarella
- Oregano to taste
- Red chili flakes (optional)
How to Make It: Grill steak until medium-rare. Top with tomato sauce, cheese, and seasonings. Grill until cheese melts.
Why we chose it
It’s pizza meets steak. Need we say more?
9. Humita
This creamy corn dish is wrapped in corn husks and steamed, offering a taste of Argentina’s indigenous roots.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups fresh corn kernels
- 1 cup milk
- 2 tbsp butter
- Salt and pepper to taste
- Corn husks
How to Make It: Blend corn and milk. Cook with butter, salt, and pepper until thick. Spoon mixture into corn husks, fold, and steam for 30 minutes.
Why did this make it to our list?
Humita is wholesome, earthy, and a nod to Argentina’s rich history.
10. Medialunas
Argentina’s answer to croissants, medialunas are sweet, buttery, and irresistible.
Ingredients:
- 2 cups flour
- ½ cup sugar
- 1 cup butter
- 2 eggs
- 1 packet dry yeast
- ½ cup milk
How to Make It: Mix yeast with warm milk. Combine with flour, sugar, eggs, and butter to form a dough. Let rise. Roll out, shape, and bake at 375°F for 15 minutes.
Why we selected it
Medialunas are light, fluffy, and perfect with coffee.
11. Dulce de Leche
This creamy caramel is a staple in Argentine desserts. It’s perfect for drizzling, spreading, or just eating by the spoonful.
Ingredients:
- 4 cups milk
- 1 cup sugar
- ½ tsp baking soda
How to Make It: Combine all ingredients in a pot. Simmer on low, stirring frequently, until thick and caramel-colored.
Why did this make it to our list?
Dulce de leche is the soul of Argentine sweets. It’s pure, sweet decadence.
Conclusion
Argentina’s cuisine is as vibrant and diverse as its culture. Each dish tells a story, and every bite is an adventure.
Ready to bring these bold flavors into your kitchen? Try one, or try them all—you’ll see why Argentina is a foodie’s paradise.
So, what are you waiting for? Fire up your stove and get cooking!