Easy Chimichurri Sauce

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This Easy Chimichurri Sauce is easy to make with simple ingredients like cilantro, garlic, and olive oil. The fresh herbs and red pepper flakes give it a burst of flavor that’s perfect for enhancing the taste of grilled meats. Plus, the homemade touch and South American flavors make it an authentic and delicious addition to your meals.

top view of a bowl of chimichurri sauce with a spoonful of sauce over the bowl

You’ll love making this recipe for chimichurri with cilantro because it’s super simple and adds a zesty, herbaceous touch that takes your dishes to a whole new level. Learn how to make this easy Chimichurri sauce to add a homemade touch to your favorite dishes. I love it on Grilled Steak and Grilled Lemon Chicken Skewers, and it makes a perfect addition to Southwest Salmon Bowls.

What is chimichurri sauce?

Chimichurri is a green sauce that comes from South America, especially Argentina and Uruguay, where it’s a popular accompaniment to grilled meats. It’s typically made with fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, garlic, and red pepper flakes for some spice.

The herbs are finely chopped (or blended in a food processor) and mixed with olive oil, red wine vinegar or lemon juice, and a pinch of salt to create a vibrant and flavorful sauce.

Why you will love this recipe

Quick and Easy Preparation: Make this Chimichurri sauce effortlessly in just 10 minutes with simple steps.
Fresh and Vibrant Flavors: Enjoy a burst of fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, and oregano, creating a lively and flavorful sauce.
Versatile Pairing: Elevate the taste of various dishes, especially grilled meats, with this zesty green sauce.

top view of a round white bowl with green chimichurri sauce with spoon in bowl

Ingredients needed

This cilantro chimichurri recipe is so full of flavor that it’s hard to believe how simple the ingredients are. Here’s what you’ll need to make it:

Red Chili: Adds a bit of heat and spiciness to the sauce.
Garlic Cloves: Brings a rich and savory flavor to complement the herbs.
White Wine Vinegar: Provides a tangy kick, enhancing the overall taste.
Cilantro: Infuses a fresh and distinctive herbiness into the sauce.
Flat-leaf Parsley: Adds a bright and leafy freshness to balance the flavors.
Oregano: Contributes a savory and earthy undertone to the mixture.
Extra-virgin Olive Oil: Creates a smooth and rich texture, binding the ingredients together.

ingredients needed to make chimichurri sauce laid out on a flat surface

how to make chimichurri sauce

Combine Ingredients: Add all the chopped ingredients, including red chili, garlic, cilantro, parsley, and oregano, into a bowl.

ingredients to make chimichurri in a bowl

olive oil being poured into a bowl with cilantro peppers and ingredients in a bowl to make chimichurri sauce

Mix Gently: Use a spoon or small spatula to gently combine all the ingredients in the bowl.

Transfer to Jar: Once mixed, transfer the chimichurri sauce into a jar for convenient use.

oil added to a white bowl with chopped cilantro parsley and peppers ro make chimichurri

spoon mixing ingredients to make chimichurri wth oil in a bowl

Expert tips

Let ingredients like garlic and red chili come to room temperature before chopping; this makes them easier to handle and enhances their smells.
Use a good quality extra-virgin olive oil for a smoother and richer texture in your chimichurri.
Adjust the quantity of white wine vinegar to your taste preference. Start with a smaller amount and add more if you prefer a tangier sauce.
Control the spiciness by adjusting the amount of red chili according to your heat tolerance.

Frequently asked questions

Is Chimichurri spicy?

Yes, chimichurri can be a little spicy because of the red chili in it. But you can make it less or more spicy based on how much red chili you add.

What does chimichurri taste like?

Chimichurri tastes like a zesty and fresh combination of herbs, with hints of garlic and a bit of tanginess from the vinegar. It’s flavorful, herby, and can have a mild spicy kick, depending on the amount of red chili used.

How long does chimichurri last?

Chimichurri can last for up to one week when stored in the fridge. It’s important to keep it refrigerated to maintain its freshness and flavor. Just make sure to store it in a sealed container or jar to minimize air exposure and preserve its quality throughout the week.

What can I use as a substitute for cilantro in chimichurri?

If you’re looking for a cilantro substitute in chimichurri, you can use extra fresh flat-leaf parsley. The parsley will provide a similar leafy and fresh herb flavor.

a jar with chimichurri sauce with red chili pepper on the side of ir

Serving Suggestions

This authentic chimichurri recipe goes beautifully on so many different proteins. Here are some of my favorite dishes to serve it with:

top view of a bowl with chimichurri with spoonful of sauce

Storage recommendations

Make up a big batch of this homemade chimichurri to have it on hand for meals throughout the week.

Refrigerate: Store your chimichurri sauce in an airtight container or jar and keep it refrigerated for up to one week.
Freeze: While chimichurri sauce is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze it for longer storage. Place the sauce in an airtight container or sealable freezer bag, leaving some room for expansion, and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months. When ready to use, thaw it in the refrigerator and give it a good stir to restore its texture before enjoying.

More sauce recipes

top view of a jar full of chimichurri sauce

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