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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.
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.
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.
how to make chimichurri sauce
Combine Ingredients: Add all the chopped ingredients, including red chili, garlic, cilantro, parsley, and oregano, into a bowl.
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.
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
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.
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.
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.
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.
Serving Suggestions
This authentic chimichurri recipe goes beautifully on so many different proteins. Here are some of my favorite dishes to serve it with:
- Cilantro Lime Grilled Salmon Recipe
- Grilled Cilantro Lime Chicken
- Beef Burrito Meal Prep Bowl
- Pan Seared Salmon Recipe with corn salsa
- Honey Chipotle Grilled Chicken
- Grilled Steak with Pineapple Salsa Recipe
- Carne Asada Steak Bowls
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
- Homemade Tartar Sauce Recipe
- Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
- How To Make Homemade Buffalo Sauce
- How to Make Homemade Ranch Dressing
- Homemade Healthy Alfredo Sauce
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Easy Chimichurri Sauce
Equipment
- Bowl
- Jar and lid
Ingredients
- 1 Red Chili , finely chopped
- 4 Garlic Cloves , chopped
- ½ Cup White Wine Vinegar
- 1 Tsp Sea Salt or to taste
- ½ Cup Cilantro , Finely chopped
- ¼ Cup Flat-leaf Parsley, Finely chopped
- 2 Tbsp Oregano , Finely chopped
- ½ Cup Extra-virgin Olive Oil
Instructions
- Add all the ingredients to a bowl.
- Using a spoon or small spatula gently mix all the ingredients to combine.
- Transfer the chimichurri sauce into a jar. Use as needed and store in the fridge for up to one week.
Notes
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- 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 resealable freezer bag, leaving some room for expansion, and store it in the freezer for up to 2-3 months.
- Serving size: 2 tablespoons
- Food Processor: You may just add all the ingredients to a small food processor and roughly process until you get the desired consistency.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
