Chimichurri sauce is a vibrant, fresh, and incredibly versatile condiment that's far more than just a topping. This South American sauce is made from a blend of fresh herbs, garlic, vinegar, and oil. It's zesty, tangy, and packs a mild heat which accentuates the flavors of the dishes it's served with. It's traditionally served with grilled meats, but it's so much more versatile. It could be used as a marinade, a dip, or even a salad dressing.
While the ingredients of the Chimichurri sauce are commonly found in most kitchens, there might be some which may need a special trip to the supermarket. Fresh flat-leaf parsley and cilantro are usually readily available in the produce section. Red onion, garlic, and lemon are also common, but you might need to look for fresh oregano, which may not be as readily available. The herbs MUST be fresh for this recipe, to bring out the authentic and vibrant flavors. Red wine vinegar and red pepper flakes can be found in the international aisle. Good quality olive oil plays a key role in the sauce, so choose wisely.
Ingredients for Authentic Chimichurri Sauce
Flat-leaf parsley: This herb is key in chimichurri, providing a fresh and slightly peppery base.
Cilantro: Cilantro adds a distinct and complementary flavor to the sauce. If you're not a fan, you can use all parsley.
Red onion: For a bit of crunch and sharpness.
Oregano: Another key herb, oregano adds a depth of flavor.
Garlic: A must for any savory sauce, adding depth and punch.
Lemon juice: Brightens up the sauce and balances the oil and herbs.
Red wine vinegar: For tanginess and a bit of acidity.
Sea salt: To enhance all the other flavors.
Black pepper: Adds a hint of heat and a touch of earthiness.
Red pepper flakes: For a kick of spice. Adjust to your tastes.
Olive oil: Ties everything together and adds a silky finish.
One reader, Garvy Giddens says:
This authentic chimichurri sauce recipe is a game-changer! The blend of fresh herbs and zesty flavors creates a burst of deliciousness. It's perfect for grilling season and adds a vibrant touch to any dish. I can't get enough of it! Highly recommend trying it out.
Techniques Required for Making Chimichurri Sauce
How to prepare the chimichurri sauce: Combine the fresh parsley, cilantro, red onion, oregano, garlic, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, sea salt, black pepper, and red pepper flakes in a food processor and pulse until chopped.
How to emulsify the sauce: Slowly stream in the olive oil while pulsing the mixture a few more times until the olive oil is fully combined, stopping to scrape down the sides of the food processor if needed.
How to store the chimichurri sauce: After preparing, the sauce can be served immediately or refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
How To Make Chimichurri
Add a South American twist to your dishes by whipping up this delicious and tangy chimichurri recipe! It’s loaded with earthy herbs for a richer sauce.
Serves:
Ingredients
- 1cupfresh flat-leaf parsley
- 1cupfresh cilantro
- ½cupred onion,diced
- 3tbspfresh oregano,tightly packed, optional
- 3garlic cloves,peeled
- 2tbsplemon juice,or lime
- 2tbspred wine vinegar
- ¼tspsea salt
- ¼tspfreshly ground black pepper
- ¼tspred pepper flakes,or more, to taste
- ½cupolive oil
Instructions
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Add all ingredients except the olive oil to a food processor, and pulse a few times until chopped.
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Slowly stream in the olive oil, while pulsing the mixture a few more times until the olive oil is combined, and stopping to scrape down the sides of the food processor if needed.
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Serve immediately, and enjoy!
Recipe Notes
Refrigerate in a sealed container for up to 3 days.
Nutrition
- Calories: 531.85kcal
- Fat: 54.59g
- Saturated Fat: 7.60g
- Monounsaturated Fat: 39.55g
- Polyunsaturated Fat: 5.81g
- Carbohydrates: 11.86g
- Fiber: 4.05g
- Sugar: 2.68g
- Protein: 2.29g
- Sodium: 261.71mg
- Calcium: 139.78mg
- Potassium: 368.75mg
- Iron: 4.24mg
- Vitamin A: 158.44µg
- Vitamin C: 52.53mg
Crucial Technique Tip for Authentic Chimichurri Sauce
When making your chimichurri sauce, it's important to add the olive oil in a slow, steady stream while the food processor is running. This method, known as emulsification, helps to evenly distribute the oil throughout the sauce, creating a smoother, more cohesive mixture. If you add the oil all at once, it may not blend properly and could result in a sauce that's too oily or separated. Remember, patience is key for a perfectly emulsified chimichurri sauce.
Time-Saving Tips for Preparing Chimichurri Sauce
Prep ahead: Chop and measure all the ingredients in advance to streamline the cooking process.
Use a food processor: Utilize a food processor to quickly chop and blend the ingredients for the chimichurri sauce.
Organize your workspace: Keep all the ingredients and tools within reach to avoid wasting time searching for items.
Multi-task: While the chimichurri sauce is blending, use that time to prepare other components of your meal.
Clean as you go: Wash and put away utensils and tools as you cook to minimize clutter and save time during cleanup.
Plan your menu: Choose complementary dishes that share ingredients to minimize prep time and maximize efficiency.
Follow the recipe: Stick to the provided measurements and instructions to avoid mistakes that could waste time.
Substitute Ingredients For Chimichurri Recipe
fresh flat-leaf parsley - Substitute with fresh basil: Fresh basil has a similar herbaceous flavor and can provide a slightly different but still delicious twist to the chimichurri sauce.
fresh cilantro - Substitute with fresh mint: Fresh mint can add a refreshing and slightly sweet flavor to the sauce, complementing the other ingredients well.
red onion - Substitute with shallots: Shallots have a milder flavor compared to red onions and can add a subtle sweetness to the sauce.
fresh oregano - Substitute with fresh thyme: Fresh thyme can bring a slightly earthy and floral flavor to the sauce, enhancing its aromatic profile.
garlic cloves - Substitute with roasted garlic: Roasted garlic can provide a deeper, slightly sweet flavor compared to raw garlic, adding complexity to the sauce.
lemon juice - Substitute with lime juice: Lime juice can offer a tangy and slightly more intense citrus flavor, giving the sauce a unique twist.
red wine vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar can provide a slightly sweeter and fruitier acidity to the sauce, complementing the other flavors.
sea salt - Substitute with kosher salt: Kosher salt has a similar texture and saltiness to sea salt and can be used in the same quantity.
freshly ground black pepper - Substitute with crushed red pepper: Crushed red pepper can add a subtle heat and a different dimension of flavor to the sauce.
olive oil - Substitute with avocado oil: Avocado oil has a mild flavor and a high smoke point, making it a suitable alternative for olive oil in the sauce.
Best Ways to Serve Chimichurri Sauce
Elevate the plating: When presenting the dish, focus on creating a visually stunning plate. Pay attention to the arrangement of the components and use edible flowers or microgreens to add a pop of color and elegance.
Incorporate texture: Introduce a variety of textures to the plate to add complexity and interest. Consider using a crispy baguette slice or a delicate crispy kale chip to provide contrast to the sauce.
Emphasize precision: Pay close attention to the placement of each element on the plate. Use tweezers to delicately position the herbs and garnishes, ensuring that every detail is meticulously arranged.
Highlight the vibrant colors: Showcase the bright green hues of the chimichurri sauce against a contrasting backdrop. Consider using a sleek, white plate to make the colors pop and the dish visually striking.
Incorporate a drizzle: Add a subtle drizzle of balsamic reduction around the edge of the plate to create an artistic and professional touch, enhancing the overall presentation.
Utilize negative space: Embrace the concept of negative space on the plate to allow the dish to breathe. Avoid overcrowding and let the vibrant colors and textures of the chimichurri sauce shine through.
Consider the plate shape: Select a plate with a unique shape or design that complements the dish. The right plate can enhance the visual appeal and elevate the overall presentation.
Garnish with a citrus twist: Add a delicate twist of lemon or lime zest on top of the chimichurri sauce for a burst of fresh citrus aroma and a sophisticated finishing touch.
Use a mirror glaze: Consider incorporating a mirror glaze or a swipe of vibrant sauce on the plate to create a visually stunning backdrop for the chimichurri sauce, adding an element of artistry to the presentation.
Incorporate height: Introduce a subtle element of height to the plate by stacking or layering certain components, adding dimension and visual interest to the presentation.
Essential Tools for Making Chimichurri Sauce
Food processor: A food processor is a versatile kitchen appliance used for chopping, blending, pureeing, and mixing ingredients. It's perfect for quickly and efficiently chopping herbs and garlic for the chimichurri sauce.
Mixing bowl: A mixing bowl is essential for combining the chopped herbs, onions, and other ingredients before adding the olive oil to create the chimichurri sauce.
Storing and Freezing Homemade Chimichurri Sauce
To store the chimichurri sauce, transfer it to an airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid. Make sure to leave some headspace at the top of the container to allow for expansion if you plan on freezing it later.
Refrigerate the chimichurri sauce for up to 3 days. The flavors will meld and intensify over time, making it even more delicious.
If you want to keep the chimichurri sauce for longer, freezing is a great option. Pour the sauce into ice cube trays or small freezer-safe containers, leaving some room for expansion.
Freeze the chimichurri sauce until solid, which usually takes about 2-3 hours. Once frozen, you can transfer the cubes or portions to a freezer-safe bag or container, label it with the date, and store it in the freezer for up to 3 months.
To thaw the frozen chimichurri sauce, simply transfer the desired portion to the refrigerator and let it thaw overnight. Alternatively, you can place the frozen cube or portion in a bowl and let it thaw at room temperature for about an hour.
Once thawed, give the chimichurri sauce a good stir to redistribute the ingredients and restore its consistency. If the sauce appears too thick, you can add a little bit of olive oil or water to thin it out.
Pro tip: Freezing the chimichurri sauce in smaller portions allows you to thaw only what you need, making it convenient for quick meals or as a flavorful addition to your favorite dishes.
Interesting Fact About Chimichurri Sauce
Chimichurri sauce is a traditional Argentine condiment that is often used as a marinade or sauce for grilled meats. It is believed to have originated from the Basque region of France and Spain, where it was traditionally served with grilled meats. The sauce's vibrant green color comes from the fresh herbs used in its preparation, and it adds a burst of flavor to any dish it accompanies. It's a versatile and delicious addition to any meal, and its tangy, herbaceous flavor profile makes it a popular choice for many dishes.
Is Making Chimichurri Sauce at Home Cost-Effective?
The chimichurri sauce recipe is highly cost-effective for a household. The ingredients, such as parsley, cilantro, and garlic, are affordable and readily available. The versatility of the sauce makes it a valuable addition to various dishes, enhancing their flavors. The approximate cost for a household of 4 people is around $8-10, making it a budget-friendly option. Overall, this chimichurri sauce recipe earns a solid 9/10 for its affordability, flavor, and versatility.
Is Chimichurri Sauce Healthy or Unhealthy?
The authentic chimichurri sauce recipe is a healthy and flavorful condiment that packs a nutritional punch. Here's why:
- It's loaded with fresh herbs like parsley, cilantro, and oregano, which are rich in antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals.
- The recipe uses heart-healthy olive oil, which is known for its anti-inflammatory properties and beneficial monounsaturated fats.
- Garlic, a key ingredient, is renowned for its immune-boosting and antimicrobial properties.
- The sauce is low in calories and contains no added sugars or artificial ingredients.
However, there are a few ways to make this already healthy recipe even more nutritious:
- Reduce the amount of olive oil to lower the overall calorie and fat content. You can start by using 1/4 cup instead of 1/2 cup.
- Add more fresh herbs to boost the antioxidant and nutrient profile. Consider incorporating other nutrient-dense herbs like basil or mint.
- Experiment with different vinegars, such as apple cider vinegar, which is known for its potential health benefits like improving digestion and blood sugar control.
- For an extra kick of nutrients, add some finely chopped kale or spinach to the mix. These leafy greens are packed with vitamins, minerals, and fiber.
Editor's Opinion on This Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
This chimichurri sauce recipe is a classic and authentic blend of fresh herbs and zesty flavors. The combination of parsley, cilantro, and oregano creates a vibrant and aromatic base, while the addition of garlic, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar adds depth and tanginess. The balance of flavors is enhanced by the olive oil, resulting in a versatile and delicious sauce that pairs perfectly with grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables. This recipe is a must-try for anyone looking to add a burst of flavor to their dishes.
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Why trust this Chimichurri Recipe:
This authentic chimichurri sauce recipe is a must-try for any food enthusiast. With a perfect balance of fresh herbs, including flat-leaf parsley and cilantro, it offers a burst of vibrant flavors. The addition of red onion and garlic cloves provides depth, while the lemon juice and red wine vinegar add a zesty kick. The use of olive oil ensures a rich and luscious texture. Trust this recipe to elevate your dishes with its authentic and irresistible flavors.
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