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.
You will also like Chicken Skewers, Pickled Red Onion, Pasta Salad, and Honey Garlic Chicken.
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, olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, and oregano.
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.
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⭐Why You'll Love This Chimichurri Recipe
Here are a few reasons to fall in love with this 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 is a list of everything you need.
- Parsley: Provides a fresh and grassy flavor with a hint of bitterness. It's the main herb in chimichurri and adds brightness to the sauce. Cilantro or a combination of cilantro and mint can be used instead of parsley. However, keep in mind that this will alter the flavor profile of the chimichurri, giving it a slightly different taste.
- Garlic Cloves: Contribute a pungent and spicy flavor to the chimichurri.
- Red Chilies: Add heat and a subtle fruity flavor to the chimichurri. The level of spiciness can be adjusted based on personal preference. Crushed red pepper flakes or cayenne pepper can be used to add heat if you don't have fresh red chilies.
- Oregano: Offers earthy and aromatic notes to the chimichurri.
- Warm Water: Helps to balance the acidity of the vinegar and lemon juice, as well as thinning out the sauce to achieve the desired consistency.
- Sweet Paprika: Provides a mild sweetness and vibrant red color to the chimichurri.
- Black Pepper: Adds a subtle heat and peppery flavor to the chimichurri.
- Salt: Enhances the flavors of the other ingredients and helps to balance the acidity of the vinegar and lemon juice.
- Lemon: Contributes acidity and bright citrusy notes to the chimichurri. The lemon juice adds freshness and tanginess to the sauce. Lime juice can be used as a substitute for lemon juice.
- Wine Vinegar: Provides acidity and a subtle fruity flavor to the chimichurri. It helps to balance the richness of the olive oil and adds a tangy kick to the sauce.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil: Serves as the base of the chimichurri and provides richness and a smooth mouthfeel. It also adds a fruity and slightly peppery flavor to the sauce, as well as enhancing its texture and consistency. Any neutral-flavored oil such as vegetable oil, canola oil, or avocado oil can be used as a substitute for extra virgin olive oil.
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.
- Herbaceous Chimichurri: Add additional herbs such as cilantro, mint, or basil to enhance the freshness and complexity of the sauce.
- 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.
- Nutty Chimichurri: Incorporate toasted nuts such as almonds or walnuts into the sauce for added texture and nuttiness.
🔪Equipment
Check out all of my kitchen essentials in my Amazon Store! You can find the equipment I use in this recipe: Bowls, Spatula, Pan, Spoon, Knife, Cutting Board, Electric Hand Blender, and Soup Ladle.
🍽 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: Opt for fresh herbs like parsley and oregano, and fresh garlic cloves for the best flavor. Fresh ingredients will yield a more vibrant and aromatic chimichurri.
Proper Chopping: Finely chop the ingredients, especially the parsley, garlic, and chilies, to ensure an even distribution of flavors in the chimichurri. A food processor can also be used for a quicker and more uniform chop.
Balance the Flavors: Aim for a balanced flavor profile with the right amount of acidity from the lemon juice and vinegar, heat from the chilies, and savory notes from the garlic and herbs. Taste as you go and adjust seasoning accordingly.
Let it Rest: Allow the chimichurri to rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This resting time allows the herbs and spices to infuse into the oil and vinegar, enhancing the overall taste.
Adjust Consistency: If the chimichurri is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of warm water until you reach the desired consistency. Add water gradually to avoid making the sauce too thin.
Quality Olive Oil: Since olive oil is a key ingredient, use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. It should have a fresh, fruity aroma and a smooth taste.
Storage: Store any leftover chimichurri in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to a week, allowing you to enjoy it over multiple meals.
❓FAQ
Chimichurri is a flavorful green sauce made with parsley, garlic, vinegar, and spices, commonly used as a condiment for grilled meats in Argentinean cuisine.
Chimichurri Sauce typically consists of fresh parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and spices, blended together to create a vibrant and flavorful condiment.
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.
Chimichurri can typically last for about 1 to 2 weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
🍛More Appetizer Recipes!
Here are more of my favorite appetizer recipes! Try these:
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🎥Watch my Videos
This video will show you the details and step-by-step instructions for making these fantastic mouthwatering Chicken Skewers!
📖 Recipe
Chimichurri Recipe
Ingredients
- 50 g Parsley
- 4 Garlic Cloves
- 2 Red Chilies
- 1 tablespoon Oregano
- 100 ml Warm Water
- 1 teaspoon Sweet Paprika
- ½ teaspoon Black Pepper
- 1 teaspoon Salt
- 3 Lemon
- 125 ml Wine Vinegar
- 250 ml Extra Virgin Olive Oil
Instructions
- Finely chop the parsley and place in a mixing bowl.
- Mince the garlic cloves and add to the parsley.
- Take out the seeds from the red chilies, chop them finely, and place them with the chopped parsley and minced garlic.
- Add oregano and warm water to the mixing bowl and mix well until combined.
- Stir in sweet paprika, black pepper, and salt to the parsley mixture and mix until well combined.
- Squeeze the lemons and pour the lemon juice over the parsley mixture.
- Pour wine vinegar and extra virgin olive oil and mix well until all the ingredients are evenly incorporated.
- Place the chimichurri in bottles and refrigerate.
- Allow the chimichurri to rest for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutritional information is based on third-party calculations and should be considered an estimate only. Actual nutritional content will vary based upon brands used, measuring methods, cooking method, portion sizes, and more.
John
This chimichurri recipe is a game-changer! So easy to make and adds amazing flavor especially loved it with grilled meat.