Best Charcoal Grills 2026: 10 Tested for Argentine Asado
When most people think of a July 4th barbecue, the menu usually looks the same: burgers, hot dogs, and marinated chicken. Coming from Argentina, with many American friends, I have absolutely nothing against this, but rather would like to suggest a bit of Argie zest to the next 4th of July!
So, if you’re looking for something a little more memorable this year, take inspiration from Argentina and consider our 6 Grilling Ideas for July 4th, with Argentine Asado inspiration to make your celebration unique and enjoyable by all.
Argentine asado is built around cooking quality meat over live fire, keeping seasoning simple and letting the smoke and embers do the work. The result is a relaxed cookout that feels special without being complicated.
Here are six of my favourite grilling ideas for July 4th that never fail to impress.
Click the button on each one to go to their respective Argentine grilling recipe! Some even include step-by-step videos.
If you’ve never butterflied an Argentine chorizo before grilling, you’re missing out.
Opening the sausage flat allows it to caramelize across the entire surface, creating crispy edges while keeping the inside juicy. Serve it on crusty bread with plenty of chimichurri and you’ve instantly elevated the classic sausage sandwich.
It’s quick, feeds a crowd, and makes an incredible starter while the larger cuts continue cooking over the fire. Don’t forget to add some chimichurri or provenzal sauce!
If there is one cut that represents Argentine barbecue, it’s tira de asado.
Unlike American-style ribs that are cooked low and slow, Argentine short ribs are cut across the bone into thinner strips that cook beautifully over medium heat.
The key is patience.
Cook them slowly until the fat renders and the edges develop a deep golden crust. Finish with a spoonful of chimichurri and let the beef do the talking.
If you’re hosting family or friends for July 4th, this is one of the most authentic Argentine grilling experiences you can serve.
Sometimes simplicity wins.
A thick ribeye only needs salt, fire, and time. The cool thing about this is you can do it on a gas grill or in a pan.
Cook it over hardwood charcoal until you develop a beautiful crust while keeping the centre medium-rare. Rest it properly before slicing and serve it alongside grilled vegetables and fresh chimichurri.
When you’re working with quality beef, there’s no need to overcomplicate things.
If you’re looking to introduce guests to something uniquely Argentine, mollejas are always a conversation starter.
Sweetbreads become beautifully crispy on the outside while remaining buttery and creamy inside.
The secret is taking your time and USE LEMONS!!
Render the fat slowly before increasing the heat to finish with a crisp exterior. A squeeze of fresh lemon just before serving is all they need.
Even people who say they’ve never tried sweetbreads usually come back for seconds.
Matambrito has become one of my favourite cuts to cook.
This thin cut of pork develops incredible flavour over charcoal because every bite gets plenty of smoke and caramelization.
Cook it until the fat crisps up and slice it across the grain for easy serving.
It’s affordable, feeds several people, and always disappears quickly.
For anyone wanting something different from pork ribs or pulled pork this July 4th, matambrito is a fantastic alternative.
No Argentine barbecue is complete without chimichurri.
While many recipes use white vinegar or apple cider vinegar, traditional Argentine chimichurri is best made with red wine vinegar.
The acidity is softer, the flavour complements grilled beef perfectly and it creates the balanced herbaceous finish that makes every bite better.
Combine fresh parsley, garlic, oregano, red pepper flakes, olive oil, and quality red wine vinegar, then let it rest before serving.
Whether you’re grilling ribeye, short ribs, choripán or matambrito, authentic red wine chimichurri ties the entire meal together.
If you’re only making one sauce this July 4th, make this one.
Great barbecue or Argentine grilling isn’t about complicated recipes.
It’s about cooking over real fire, using quality ingredients and sharing good food with people you enjoy spending time with.
This year, skip the predictable menu and bring a little Argentine asado to your July 4th celebration. Your guests will remember it long after the fireworks are over!!!
If you’d like to recreate the full Argentine experience, check out these step-by-step recipes:
Discover the first-ever English-speaking Argentine Asado DIY Building Guide, a digital experience designed to help you build your own authentic Asado grill, master the craft of Argentine grilling, and join our community that lives and breathes fire, food, and tradition.
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