How-to: Irresistible Homemade Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

Hey there, foodies! Let’s dive into the wonderful world of this chimichurri sauce recipe – the secret weapon that takes your taste buds on a flavorful adventure. We’ll chat about making your own homemade chimichurri. It’s a taste sensation that’ll transform your dishes into absolute showstoppers.

What is Chimichurri Sauce?

Chimichurri sauce is like a flavor explosion in a jar – it’s tangy, herby, and downright delicious.

Where is Chimichurri From?

It’s a zesty condiment originating from Argentina, made with parsley, garlic, vinegar, oil, and some spices.

This sauce quickly became a staple in Argentine cuisine, adorning grilled meats with its bold flavors. Over time, its popularity soared, traversing beyond South America’s borders to captivate taste buds globally.

How to Use Chimichurri

Chimichurri is so special; it is incredibly versatile in the kitchen. You can use it for marinating, dipping, or drizzling over your favorite dishes!

Chimichurri Marinade: Picture your favorite cut of meat – now imagine it soaking in a chimichurri marinade. The sauce’s bold flavors seep into the meat, transforming it into a tender, flavor-packed delight ready for the grill.

Chimichurri Dipping Sauce: Grab some crusty bread and dunk it into a bowl of chimichurri – it is absolutely delicious! It’s not just for bread though; drizzle it over grilled veggies or roasted potatoes and watch as it elevates these simple dishes to new levels.

Chimichurri Sauce Topping: Drizzle this sauce over a perfectly cooked steak to add a little extra flavor to your meal. It also tastes amazing on other proteins like chicken and shrimp as well.

How to Make Chimichurri Sauce

Now, let me tell you all about how I made this easy chimichurri sauce recipe at home in just a few minutes.

With a handful of simple ingredients and a few quick steps, you’ll have a jar of flavorful goodness ready to take your dishes to the next level.

Chimichurri Main Ingredients:

1. Fresh Parsley: It’s the star of the show, lending that vibrant green color and fresh herbaceous taste.
2. Cilantro: This is an optional ingredient, but I like to add this because I prefer the taste of cilantro over parsley. It helps balance the flavors in my opinion.
3. Garlic: Added for that aromatic punch. Adjust to your preference for a garlicky kick.
4. Shallots: Finely minced shallot for a mild onion-like flavor and depth
5. Red Wine Vinegar: Tangy red wine vinegar brings that acidity that balances the flavors. I would also try exploring with different vinegars such as balsamic vinegar, if you want something a little different.
6. Lemon Juice: Juice of half a lemon for that citrusy brightness.
7. Olive Oil: For that luscious richness and texture.
8. Red Pepper Flakes: A pinch (or more if you like it spicy!) of red pepper flakes for that subtle heat. You could also chop up some fresh red chilis instead, but red pepper flakes are a lot easier to find.
9. Salt and Pepper: To taste – these seasonings bring everything together.
10. Oregano: Fresh oregano leaves, finely chopped, or a teaspoon of dried oregano adds depth to the herbal mix.
11. Sweetener: A little bit of honey or agave syrup, if desired, can be added for a touch of sweetness.

Steps to Whipping Up Your Chimichurri Sauce:

1. Chop and Mix: In a bowl, combine the finely chopped parsley, cilantro, shallots and minced garlic. It’s all about that fresh herb and garlic goodness!
2. Acidic Kick: Pour in the red wine vinegar and lemon juice, giving your mixture that tangy zing.
3. Spice It Up: Sprinkle in those red pepper flakes for a touch of heat, and season with salt and pepper to taste.
4. Olive Oil Embrace: Drizzle in the extra-virgin olive oil slowly while stirring gently to create a cohesive blend.
5. Let It Sit: Allow your chimichurri to sit for at least 15-20 minutes before serving to let those flavors mingle and dance together.

And voilà! Your homemade chimichurri sauce is ready to elevate any dish. It’s perfect for marinating meats, drizzling over grilled veggies, or jazzing up sandwiches and salads.

The best part? You’ve made it yourself, adding that extra dash of love to every flavor-packed spoonful. Enjoy!

Storing Your Flavor-Packed Chimichurri

So, you’ve whipped up a batch of that delectable chimichurri sauce, and now you want to ensure its freshness and flavor for future culinary adventures. Proper storage is key to preserving its vibrant taste.

Refrigeration vs. Room Temperature:

Refrigeration tends to prolong the shelf life of chimichurri sauce.

Storing it in an airtight container helps maintain its flavors and freshness for up to a week or so. The cold temperature slows down any potential degradation, keeping the sauce ready for your next meal.

Check out these awesome airtight food storage containers I found! They keep food fresh for ages. Take a look.

However, some chimichurri enthusiasts argue that allowing the sauce to sit at room temperature for a day or two can actually enhance its flavors.

If you’re planning to consume it within a short period, leaving it out might intensify its taste profile. Just ensure the container is sealed tight!

Shelf-Life Guidelines and Safety Measures:

It’s essential to understand the signs of spoilage or expiration of chimichurri sauce. Changes in color, a strong odor, or an off taste might indicate that it’s time to bid farewell to your beloved sauce. Regularly check for any signs of mold formation or unusual changes before consuming.

Shop Ingredients and Learn More!

And voilà! Your homemade chimichurri sauce is ready to elevate any dish. It’s perfect for marinating meats, drizzling over grilled veggies, or jazzing up sandwiches and salads.

The best part? You can easily customize it to yourself, adding that extra dash of love to every flavor-packed spoonful.

Disclaimer: This post contains affiliate links. This means that I may earn a commission if you choose to make a purchase using the links that I provided. This helps support me in making more recipes to share with you all.

Chimichurri Sauce

Chimichurri sauce is a vibrant and zesty condiment originating from Argentina, renowned for its bold and fresh flavors. This versatile sauce serves as a marinade, dip, or accompaniment, enhancing meats, vegetables, and various dishes with its irresistible flavor profile.

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Course Sauce

Cuisine Latin American

Ingredients

  

• ½ cup Parsley finely chopped
• ½ cup Cilantro finely chopped
• 1 Shallot
• ¼ cup Red Wine Vinegar
• ½ Lemon
• 1 tbsp Minced Garlic
• 1 tbsp Honey
• 1 tsp Red Pepper Flakes
• ¼ tsp Salt
• ¼ tsp Black Pepper
• 1 tbsp Oregano
• ½ cup Olive Oil

Instructions

 

• Finely chop your parsley, cilantro, and shallot.
• In a bowl, combine your chopped parsley, cilantro, shallot, and garlic to a bowl.
• Pour in the red wine vinegar and the juice of half of lemon. Make sure to roll the lemon on the counter to get the most juice out of it.
• Season the mixture with salt, black pepper, red pepper flakes, and oregano.
• Lastly, add in your olive oil and stir until everything is well combined. Let the sauce sit for 15-20 minutes to ensure that the flavors combine.

Keyword Easy, Marinades, Sauce, Steak toppings