Chimichurri Sauce is crafted with the finest ingredients, including fresh parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and a hint of chili flakes. This flavorful blend creates a zesty and aromatic sauce that complements a variety of dishes.
Chimichurri sauce is incredibly versatile due to its vibrant and well-balanced flavors. Its herbaceous freshness, tangy acidity, and savory undertones make it compatible with various dishes. It enhances the natural flavors of grilled meats, such as steak or chicken, adding a zesty kick.
It also complements roasted vegetables, providing a burst of brightness. It serves as a versatile condiment, perfect for drizzling over sandwiches, tacos, or even as a dip for crusty bread. Its adaptability and ability to elevate a wide range of dishes make chimichurri sauce a go-to choice for flavor enthusiasts
Ingredients for Chimichurri Sauce
Add a burst of flavor to your meals with our vibrant Chimichurri Sauce. Perfect for grilling, it will elevate your dishes
- Fresh Parsley: Fresh parsley is a key ingredient in chimichurri sauce as it provides a vibrant and herbaceous flavor. It adds a fresh and grassy note, which complements the other ingredients and gives the sauce its signature taste.
- Cilantro: Cilantro adds a distinct and bright flavor to chimichurri sauce. It contributes a refreshing and citrusy taste with subtle hints of earthiness. The combination of cilantro and parsley creates a well-rounded and complex flavor profile.
- Minced Garlic: Garlic is essential in chimichurri sauce as it adds a bold and pungent taste. The minced garlic infuses the sauce with its aromatic properties, creating depth and richness. It adds a savory and slightly spicy element to balance the herbs and tanginess.
- Chopped Onion: The chopped onion brings a mild and sweet flavor to the chimichurri sauce. It adds a subtle hint of sweetness and depth to the overall taste. The onion also contributes a pleasant texture and complements the other ingredients harmoniously.
- Extra virgin olive oil serves as the base of chimichurri sauce, providing a smooth and luxurious texture. It enhances the mouthfeel and helps bind all the flavors together. The oil adds richness and a fruity undertone, while also bringing healthy fats to the sauce.
- Red Wine Vinegar: Red wine vinegar adds a tangy and slightly acidic component to chimichurri sauce. It balances the richness of the olive oil and adds brightness to the overall flavor profile. The vinegar provides a subtle zing and helps tenderize meat when used as a marinade.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Red pepper flakes introduce a spicy and fiery kick to the chimichurri sauce. They contribute heat and depth to the flavor, allowing for a customizable level of spiciness. The red pepper flakes add an exciting element and elevate the overall taste experience.
- Fresh Lime Juice and Zest: The addition of fresh lime juice and zest brings a refreshing and citrusy note to the chimichurri sauce. It adds a tangy and bright flavor that balances the richness of the herbs and oil. The lime juice and zest contribute a burst of freshness and enhance the overall taste profile.
- Kosher Salt: Kosher salt is important in chimichurri sauce as it enhances the flavors and brings out the natural tastes of the other ingredients. It helps balance the overall seasoning and adds a touch of salinity, ensuring a well-rounded and delicious sauce.
How to Make Chimichurri Sauce
Making Chimichurri Sauce is quick and easy! Simply blend the fresh parsley, garlic, vinegar, and spices together until smooth. Gradually add the olive oil while blending to create a luscious consistency. Store in a jar and refrigerate for maximum flavor.
- To make the chimichurri sauce, blend fresh parsley, cilantro, minced garlic, chopped onion, red pepper flakes, olive oil, red wine vinegar, lime juice plus zest of limes, and kosher salt until well combined.
- Adjust seasoning to taste.
- Let the flavors meld for at least 30 minutes.
- Store in a jar and refrigerate for maximum flavor.
Why this Recipe Works
Our Chimichurri Sauce recipe works because it combines the vibrant flavors of fresh herbs, tangy vinegar, and aromatic spices. The balance of ingredients creates a harmonious blend that enhances the taste of various dishes, from grilled meats to roasted vegetables.
Recipe Tips and Kitchen Tricks:
- Use freshly picked parsley for the brightest and most robust flavor.
- Adjust the level of spice by adding more or fewer chili flakes to suit your preference.
- Allow the sauce to sit for at least 30 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld together.
- Drizzle the sauce over cooked meats just before serving to preserve its vibrant color.
- Make a double batch and freeze it in ice cube trays for convenient individual servings.
- Add a splash of lemon juice for an extra citrusy twist.
- Experiment with different herbs like cilantro or mint for unique flavor variations.
Recipe Variations:
- Smoky Chipotle Chimichurri: Add chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky and spicy kick.
- Lemon-Pepper Chimichurri: Squeeze fresh lemon juice and add cracked black pepper for a tangy twist.
- Avocado Chimichurri: Blend ripe avocados with traditional chimichurri ingredients for a creamy and rich flavor.
- Mango-Cilantro Chimichurri: Incorporate diced mango and fresh cilantro for a tropical and fruity chimichurri.
- Roasted Red Pepper Chimichurri: Roast red bell peppers and blend them with the chimichurri base for a vibrant and sweet variation.
- Herb-Infused Chimichurri: Experiment with different herbs like basil, thyme, or oregano to customize the flavor profile.
- Spicy Jalapeno Chimichurri: Add minced jalapenos or other hot peppers to give your sauce a fiery kick.
Serving Suggestions
- Grilled Steak: Spoon chimichurri sauce generously over a perfectly cooked grilled steak to add a burst of flavor and freshness.
- Grilled Chicken: Marinate grilled chicken in chimichurri sauce to infuse it with tangy and savory flavors, creating a delicious and juicy result.
- Grilled Shrimp Skewers: Skewer succulent shrimp and brush them with chimichurri sauce while grilling to create a mouthwatering combination of flavors.
- Crusty Bread: Serve chimichurri sauce alongside a basket of warm crusty bread for dipping, allowing guests to enjoy the vibrant herbaceous flavors.
- Corn on the Cob: Brush chimichurri sauce over corn on the cob for a vibrant and zesty upgrade to this classic summer side dish.
Storing, freezing, and reheating instructions
Storing: Transfer any unused chimichurri sauce to an airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to a week.
Freezing: If you have extra chimichurri sauce, you can freeze it for future use. Place the sauce in a freezer-safe container or ice cube trays. Seal tightly and store in the freezer for up to 3 months. Note: After freezing and thawing, the texture of the sauce may change slightly. Stir well before using to redistribute any separated ingredients and adjust the seasoning if needed.
Reheating: Chimichurri sauce is typically served chilled or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. However, if you prefer a warm sauce, gently heat it in a saucepan [paid link] over low heat, stirring occasionally until warmed through. Avoid overheating to preserve freshness and vibrant flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Q: Can I adjust the spiciness of chimichurri sauce? A: Yes, absolutely! You can adjust the spiciness of chimichurri sauce by adding more or less red pepper flakes according to your preference.
Q: Can I substitute ingredients in chimichurri sauce? A: Yes, chimichurri sauce is versatile, and you can make variations based on personal taste. For example, you can use different herbs like basil or mint, or add additional ingredients like avocado or roasted red peppers for a unique twist.
Q: How long does chimichurri sauce stay fresh? A: When stored properly in the refrigerator, chimichurri sauce can stay fresh for up to a week. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container to maintain its flavor and quality.
Q: Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh ones? A: This would be a hard “no” for me as the flavors would not be as fresh and vibrant. That being said, while fresh herbs provide the best flavor, you can use dried herbs if fresh ones are not available. However, keep in mind that the flavor will be different, so you will have to adjust the quantities accordingly.
Q: Is chimichurri sauce gluten-free? A: Yes, chimichurri sauce is typically gluten-free as it primarily consists of herbs, spices, garlic, olive oil, and vinegar. However, it’s always recommended to double-check the labels of the specific ingredients you use to ensure they are gluten-free.
Wine & Cocktail Pairings
Wine Pairings:
- Malbec: The bold and fruity flavors of Malbec wine complement the robust flavors of chimichurri sauce, especially when paired with grilled meats. The rich tannins and dark fruit notes harmonize with the herbaceous and tangy elements of the sauce.
- Sauvignon Blanc: The crisp and refreshing characteristics of Sauvignon Blanc provide a lovely contrast to the bold flavors of chimichurri sauce. The wine’s citrusy and herbaceous notes harmonize with the freshness of the sauce, particularly when served with seafood or grilled vegetables.
- Syrah/Shiraz: The peppery and smoky undertones of Syrah/Shiraz wine pair well with the spice and savory components of chimichurri sauce. The wine’s boldness and dark fruit flavors create a complementary balance with the zesty and herbaceous elements of the sauce.
Cocktail Pairings:
- Mojito: The refreshing combination of mint, lime, and rum in a mojito complements the vibrant and citrusy flavors of chimichurri sauce. The cocktail’s herbaceous and zesty profile enhances the overall experience of the dish.
- Caipirinha: The traditional Brazilian cocktail made with cachaça, lime, and sugar offers a tangy and slightly sweet taste that complements the bright and tangy flavors of chimichurri sauce. The cocktail’s citrusy and refreshing nature enhances the enjoyment of grilled meats or vegetables.
- Paloma: The combination of tequila, grapefruit soda, and lime in a Paloma cocktail provides a zesty and citrus-forward profile that pairs well with the tanginess of chimichurri sauce. The cocktail’s bright and bubbly characteristics add a refreshing twist to the meal.
Chimichurri Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh parsley , firmly packed
- 1 cup cilantro , firmly packed
- 6 cloves of minced garlic
- 2 tablespoons chopped onion
- 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
- 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes or more to taste
- 1 tbsp fresh lime juice plus lime zest
- Kosher salt to taste
Instructions
- Pulse the garlic and onion in the food processor [paid link] until finely chopped.
- Add the parsley and cilantro and pulse briefly, until finely chopped.
- Transfer the mixture to a separate bowl. Add the olive oil, lime juice, and vinegar, and stir. (Adding the liquids outside of the blender [paid link] gives the chimichurri the correct texture. You don’t want the herbs to be completely puréed, just finely chopped).
- Season with salt to taste.
Looks great. Thanks for sharing.
I can’t wait to try this recipe.
How much lime juice for the recipe?
Hi Alimayu –
I use about a tablespoon – about 1 fresh lime plus the zest. You can add more or less according to how you like the flavor.
this sauce was amazing and the perfect sauce for our southwestern flavors on our steaks for Father’s day.