Chimichurri Is The Easy, Answer To Adding Flavor To Any Dish

This Chimichurri Recipe creates a stand-out zesty sauce bursting with flavor. Traditionally paired with grilled meats, this sauce adds a refreshing punch to any dish. Are you looking for the essential chimichurri sauce recipe? Look no further. My chimichurri sauce recipe is an explosion of flavors, I make it with a blend of finely chopped parsley, extra virgin olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and oregano.

Recipe

Chimichurri

If you are wondering how to make chimichurri taste authentic, it's all about simplicity. For those seeking an extra kick, incorporating red pepper flakes adds a delightful hint of spice. Whether you're grilling meats, and veggies, or looking to elevate the flavor of rice and soups, this chimichurri sauce recipe is your go-to. I always make a batch of this adaptable sauce to enhance any dish.

You will also like Chicken Skewers, Pickled Red Onion, Pasta Salad, and Honey Garlic Chicken.

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Chimichurri
⭐Why You'll Love This Chimichurri Recipe
🧾Ingredients
👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Chimichurri
📖Variations
🍽 How to Serve
💭Tips for Recipe Success
❓FAQ
🍛More Appetizer Recipes!
📖 Recipe
💬 Comments

⭐Why You'll Love This Chimichurri Recipe

Easy to Make: With simple ingredients and straightforward instructions, this chimichurri recipe is easy to make at home.

Vibrant Flavor: This chimichurri sauce is full of fresh and lively flavors from parsley, garlic, chilies, and other herbs and spices. It has just the right mix of tangy, spicy, and savory tastes.

Perfect for Meal Prep: This chimichurri sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Versatility: This chimichurri is incredibly versatile and can be used in various ways. You can be served as a sauce or marinade for grilled meats like steak, chicken, or fish, but it also works well as a dressing for salads or a dip for bread.

Impressive Presentation: Not only does chimichurri add incredible flavor to dishes, but it also adds a pop of color and freshness.

If you want more appetizers you should check out Papas Arrugadas with Mojo Sauce and Muhammara.

🧾Ingredients

Here’s what you need to make this Chimichurri:

Parsley: The star herb that adds brightness. You can swap it with cilantro or mint but expect a different taste.

Garlic Cloves: Adds a pungent, spicy kick.

Red Chilies: Provides heat and a fruity hint. Adjust the spiciness to your liking. If you don't have fresh chilies, try red pepper flakes or cayenne.

Oregano: Brings earthy, aromatic notes.

Warm Water: Helps balance the acidity and thin the sauce to the right consistency.

Sweet Paprika: Adds mild sweetness and a vibrant red color.

Black Pepper: Gives subtle heat and a peppery flavor.

Salt: Enhances and balances the flavors.

Lemon: Adds bright, citrusy notes and tanginess. Lime juice works too.

Wine Vinegar: Adds acidity and a subtle fruity flavor, balancing the olive oil's richness.

Extra Virgin Olive Oil: The base for richness and smoothness, with a fruity, slightly peppery taste. You can substitute with a neutral oil like vegetable or canola if needed.

See the recipe card below for a full list of ingredients and measurements.

👩🏻‍🍳How to Make Chimichurri

These step-by-step instructions and photos will help you to visualize how to make this recipe. See the recipe card for a printable version of this recipe.

1. Mince the parsley finely and transfer it to a mixing bowl.

2. Dice the garlic cloves finely and incorporate them into the parsley.

3. Remove the seeds from the red chilies, finely chop them, and combine them with the minced garlic and chopped parsley.

4. Combine oregano and warm water in the mixing bowl, stirring thoroughly until everything is well mixed.

5. Incorporate sweet paprika, black pepper, and salt into the parsley mixture, stirring until thoroughly blended.

6. Extract the juice from the lemons and drizzle it over the parsley mixture.

7. Add wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil, then blend thoroughly until all the ingredients are evenly combined.

8. Transfer the chimichurri into bottles and store them in the refrigerator.

9. Let the chimichurri sit for at least 30 minutes before serving, allowing the flavors to meld.

📖Variations

Spicy Chimichurri: Increase the amount of red chilies or add a dash of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for an extra kick of heat.

Cilantro Chimichurri: Add cilantro instead of parsley to make the sauce taste even fresher and more interesting.

Smoky Chimichurri: Use smoked paprika instead of sweet paprika to add a smoky flavor to the chimichurri.

Citrusy Chimichurri: Add zest from the lemons or limes to boost the citrus flavor, or use more lemon or lime juice for a tangier sauce.

Honey-Lime Chimichurri: Add a touch of honey and lime juice for a sweet and tangy variation that pairs well with grilled shrimp or fish.

🍽 How to Serve

Grilled Meats: Serve chimichurri as a sauce or condiment for grilled meats such as steak, chicken, pork, or lamb like Carne Asada or Chicken Skewers (Pinchitos de Pollo). Simply drizzle the chimichurri over the cooked meat or serve it on the side for dipping or spreading.

Seafood: Chimichurri pairs well with grilled or pan-seared seafood like fish, shrimp, or scallops. Spoon the sauce over the seafood just before serving to add flavor and freshness.

Vegetables: Chimichurri can also be served with grilled or roasted vegetables such as bell peppers, zucchini, eggplant, potatoes, or mushrooms. It adds a burst of flavor and brightness to the vegetables.

Marinade: Use chimichurri as a marinade for meats, seafood, or vegetables before grilling or roasting. Let the ingredients marinate in the sauce for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight to infuse them with flavor.

Sandwiches and Wraps: Use chimichurri as a flavorful spread or condiment for sandwiches, wraps, or burgers. It adds a zesty and herbaceous element to the dish.

Dipping Sauce: Serve chimichurri as a dipping sauce for bread, grilled breadsticks, or crackers. It makes a delicious appetizer or snack.

💭Tips for Recipe Success

Use Fresh Ingredients: Go for fresh parsley, oregano, and garlic. Freshness makes your chimichurri vibrant and aromatic.

Chop Properly: Finely chop everything, especially the parsley, garlic, and chilies, for even flavor. You can use a food processor for quicker and uniform chopping.

Balance the Flavors: Mix in the right amount of lemon juice, vinegar, chilies, garlic, and herbs. Taste as you go and adjust the seasoning.

Let it Rest: Let the chimichurri sit for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.

Adjust Consistency: If it’s too thick, thin it out with a bit of warm water until you get the right consistency. Add water gradually.

Quality Olive Oil: Use good quality extra virgin olive oil. It should be fresh, fruity, and smooth for the best flavor.

Storage: Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge. It will keep well for up to a week, so you can enjoy it with multiple meals.

❓FAQ

What is Chimichurri?

Chimichurri is a flavorful green sauce made with parsley, garlic, vinegar, and spices, commonly used as a condiment for grilled meats in Argentinean cuisine.

What is in a Chimichurri Sauce?

Chimichurri Sauce typically consists of fresh parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and spices, blended together to create a vibrant and flavorful condiment.

What does Chimichurri taste like?

Chimichurri has a bold and tangy flavor with notes of fresh herbs, garlic, vinegar, and a hint of spiciness from red pepper flakes, creating a zesty and aromatic sauce.

How long does Chimichurri last?

Chimichurri can typically last for about 1 to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.