Chimichurri is a vibrant and flavorful sauce originating from Uruguay and Argentina. Made with a combination of fresh minced parsley, garlic, red wine vinegar, oregano, and olive oil, it adds a burst of freshness to your favorite fish, chicken, or steak recipes. In just five minutes, you can create the best chimichurri sauce and elevate your culinary creations to new heights.
What is Chimichurri?
Chimichurri is an uncooked condiment that hails from Argentina and Uruguay. Traditionally served brushed, basted, or spooned onto meat as it cooks, it enhances the flavors and adds a vibrant touch to your dishes. At room temperature, this green sauce combines fresh parsley, garlic, oregano, red wine vinegar, olive oil, and red chili flakes. It pairs perfectly with chicken, steak, grilled vegetables, or even roasted cauliflower.
While the green chimichurri (chimichurri Verde) is more well-known in the States, you may also come across a red chimichurri (chimichurri Rojo) made with red bell pepper, red onion, flat-leaf parsley, garlic, oregano, paprika, red wine vinegar, and olive oil. However, variations that include cilantro, cumin, or lime juice may deviate from the authentic recipe.
Chimichurri Ingredients
To create the perfect chimichurri sauce, gather the following ingredients:
- Fresh flat-leaf parsley
- Garlic cloves
- Shallots (optional and not authentic)
- Dried oregano
- Red wine vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
- Red chili or dried chili flakes
- Salt and black pepper
- Extra virgin olive oil
How to Make Chimichurri Sauce
Making chimichurri sauce is a breeze and requires no cooking. Here’s a step-by-step guide:
- Add all the ingredients except for the extra virgin olive oil to a food processor. Process until finely minced, taking care not to over-process.
- Transfer the mixture to a medium bowl and gently combine it with the olive oil. Let it rest for 15 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Season with additional kosher salt or sea salt to taste.
- Serve the chimichurri sauce at room temperature.
Note: If you don’t have a food processor, you can still make this recipe by chopping all the ingredients finely and mixing them with the olive oil.
FAQs
Is chimichurri spicy?
Green chimichurri is typically not very spicy. However, you can add a hot red chili, red chili flakes, or a dash of cayenne powder to make it spicier. Feel free to omit these ingredients if you prefer a milder flavor profile.
Is chimichurri keto?
Yes, chimichurri is keto-friendly.
Can you make chimichurri ahead of time?
Absolutely! You can make chimichurri ahead of time and store it in an airtight container with a thin layer of oil on top.
Can you freeze chimichurri?
While some people freeze leftover chimichurri sauce in ice cube trays, it’s best to transfer the frozen cubes to a ziplock bag once they are frozen. Thaw your desired number of cubes in the refrigerator before using, and avoid microwaving them.
How to Serve Chimichurri
Chimichurri is a versatile condiment that complements various dishes. Here are some serving suggestions:
- Pair it with grilled steak or meats for an authentic Argentinean experience.
- Drizzle it over chicken, shrimp, or fish for a burst of flavor.
- Use it as a dressing for salads or a sauce for pasta.
- Try it in soups, on pizza, or even with eggs.
- Enjoy it with grilled veggie skewers or roasted cauliflower.
- Let your creativity run wild and discover unique ways to incorporate this delicious and flavorful sauce into your favorite dishes.
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Feel free to share your thoughts in the comments below and tag your creations with #theforkedspoon on Instagram. We love seeing what you’re cooking in the kitchen!
Conclusion
With this easy chimichurri sauce recipe, you can elevate your culinary creations and infuse them with the vibrant flavors of Argentina and Uruguay. Whether you’re grilling steaks, roasting vegetables, or marinating chicken, chimichurri sauce is a versatile and delicious addition to your dishes. Enjoy the joy of culinary exploration and immerse yourself in the flavors of chimichurri. Visit Takeout Food for more culinary inspiration and amazing recipes. Happy cooking!
