How To Make Chimichurri Sauce: A Simple, Quick, And Easy Recipe

Table of Contents

Chimichurri sauce is a vibrant and zesty condiment originating from Argentina.

Packed with fresh herbs and spices, this sauce adds a burst of flavor to grilled meats, roasted vegetables, and even sandwiches.

Whether you're a seasoned cook or a beginner in the kitchen, if you're ready to elevate your culinary skills and impress your family and friends, let's dive into the world of Argentine flavors and learn how to make chimichurri sauce.

So, if you are ready, that means I am ready. Let's go!

Chimichurri Sauce Is A Versatile And Flavorful Condiment

Chimichurri sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment that can enhance a wide range of dishes. Its vibrant and herbaceous profile adds a delightful burst of flavor to various culinary creations. Here's we would like to showcase the versatility of chimichurri sauce:

Chimichurri sauce is a fantastic accompaniment to grilled meats, such as steak, chicken, or pork. Its tangy and herb-infused nature complements the smoky flavors of the grilled proteins, creating a harmonious combination.

Additionally, chimichurri can be drizzled over roasted vegetables, adding a fresh and zesty touch to the earthy flavors.

It can also be used as a marinade, infusing meats, seafood, or tofu with its vibrant flavors before cooking.

For sandwich lovers, chimichurri sauce can be spread on bread or used as a dressing to elevate the taste and bring a zing to your sandwiches and wraps.

Moreover, it can be served as a dip for crusty bread or as a flavorful topping for baked potatoes or grains like quinoa or rice.

With its versatility, chimichurri sauce opens up a world of culinary possibilities, adding a burst of flavor to a variety of dishes.

The Different Styles Of Chimichurri: Authentic Chimichurri (Uruguay & Argentina)

Chimichurri sauce, while traditionally associated with Argentina, has evolved over time, resulting in different regional variations and styles. Here we highlight some of the distinct styles of chimichurri:

Make sure to allow enough time for the steak to marinate. This allows the flavors to penetrate the meat and tenderize it for optimal taste and texture.
When grilling the steak, ensure the grill is preheated to high heat. This will create a delicious sear on the outside while keeping the inside tender and juicy.
Resting the steak after grilling is crucial. This step allows the juices to redistribute, resulting in a more flavorful and tender steak when sliced.
Don't forget to slice the steak against the grain. This ensures maximum tenderness and reduces any chewiness in the meat.
Adjust the seasoning and spiciness of the chimichurri sauce according to your preferences. Add more garlic or red pepper flakes for extra kick, or reduce the amount if you prefer a milder flavor.

Each style of chimichurri brings its own unique flair to the table, showcasing regional influences and preferences.

Whether you prefer the tanginess of Argentinian chimichurri, the creaminess of Uruguayan chimichurri, the chunkiness of Chilean Pebre, or the spiciness of Mexican chimichurri, exploring these different styles allows you to discover new flavor profiles and find the one that best suits your taste preferences and culinary creations.

How To Make Chimichurri Sauce: Ingredients

To create an authentic chimichurri sauce, you'll need the following ingredients:

1 bunch of fresh parsley, finely chopped
1/4 cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
4 cloves garlic, minced
1 small red onion, finely chopped
2 tablespoons fresh oregano leaves, finely chopped
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to taste)
1/4 cup red wine vinegar
1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
Juice of 1 lemon
Salt and pepper to taste

How To Make Chimichurri Sauce: Step-By-Step Instructions

Preparing herbs and aromatics is an essential step in creating an authentic chimichurri sauce. This step ensures that the flavors of the ingredients are fully incorporated into the sauce, resulting in a vibrant and aromatic final product.

Let's delve into the process of preparing herbs and aromatics in more detail.

1 Start with fresh herbs: Freshness is key when it comes to herbs, as they provide the foundation of flavor in chimichurri sauce. Begin by gathering a generous amount of fresh parsley and cilantro. These two herbs form the base of the sauce, providing a bright and herbaceous flavor. Ensure that the herbs are fresh, vibrant, and free from any wilting or discoloration.

2 Finely chop the herbs: To release the flavors and aromas of the herbs, they need to be finely chopped. Take the bunches of parsley and cilantro and remove any thick stems, as they can be tough and fibrous. Gather the remaining leaves and use a sharp knife to finely chop them. The finer the chop, the more evenly distributed the flavors will be throughout the sauce.

3 Prepare the aromatics: Alongside the herbs, chimichurri sauce incorporates the flavors of garlic and red onion. These aromatics add depth and complexity to the sauce. Peel and mince the cloves of garlic, ensuring that they are finely chopped to prevent any overpowering bites of raw garlic. Similarly, finely chop the red onion to provide a mild, sweet onion flavor.

4 Incorporate fresh oregano: While not as widely used as parsley and cilantro, fresh oregano adds a distinct and earthy note to chimichurri sauce. Remove the leaves from the stems and finely chop them. The aromatic essence of oregano will complement the other herbs and provide a unique flavor dimension to the sauce.

5 Combine the ingredients: Once you have prepared all the herbs and aromatics, it's time to combine them in a bowl. Add the finely chopped parsley, cilantro, garlic, red onion, and oregano together. This step ensures that all the flavors are evenly distributed and will enhance the overall taste of the chimichurri sauce.

By taking the time to carefully prepare the herbs and aromatics, you'll lay the foundation for a well-balanced and flavorful chimichurri sauce.

This step allows the ingredients to meld together, infusing the sauce with its vibrant flavors and aromas.

Mix Your Chimichurri Sauce Thoroughly

Mixing thoroughly is a crucial step in achieving a well-blended chimichurri sauce, ensuring that all the flavors and ingredients are evenly incorporated.

While the traditional method involves using a spoon or spatula, an alternative approach is to utilize a food processor or blender for added convenience.

To mix thoroughly, you can use either traditional hand tools or take advantage of modern kitchen appliances like a food processor or blender.

If you prefer the traditional approach, take a spoon or spatula and stir the ingredients in a medium-sized bowl.

Ensure that you scrape the bottom and sides of the bowl, allowing the herbs, aromatics, and liquids to come together harmoniously.

This method requires a bit of manual effort but allows you to control the texture and consistency of the sauce.

Using a Food Processor

Alternatively, if you're looking for a quicker and more efficient method, a food processor or blender can be a game-changer.

Transfer all the ingredients, including the finely chopped parsley, cilantro, garlic, red onion, oregano, red pepper flakes, red wine vinegar, extra-virgin olive oil, and lemon juice, into the food processor or blender.

Pulse or blend the mixture until you achieve your desired consistency. Some people prefer a smoother sauce, while others enjoy a slightly chunky texture with visible herb bits.

Be mindful not to over-process, as you don't want to turn the sauce into a puree.

A More Homogeneous Chimichurri

Using a food processor or blender ensures that the ingredients are thoroughly mixed, resulting in a more homogeneous chimichurri sauce. The appliance's blades work to break down the herbs and aromatics, releasing their flavors and creating a unified taste.

This method can save you time and effort, particularly when dealing with larger batches of sauce.

Whether you choose the traditional method or opt for the convenience of a food processor or blender, the key is to mix the ingredients thoroughly.

Both techniques will yield a flavorful chimichurri sauce, and it ultimately comes down to personal preference and the tools available in your kitchen.

Experiment with both methods to find the one that suits your taste and desired texture.

Allow The Flavor To Meld

Allowing the flavors to meld is a crucial step in making authentic chimichurri sauce. This process involves refrigerating the sauce for a period of time, allowing the ingredients to blend together harmoniously and intensify their flavors. Here's a closer look at how to allow the flavors to meld:

1 Cover and refrigerate: After you have thoroughly mixed all the ingredients in the bowl, it's time to cover the chimichurri sauce. You can use plastic wrap directly on the surface of the sauce or transfer it to a jar with a tight-fitting lid. The goal is to create an airtight seal, which helps retain the freshness and prevent any external flavors from infiltrating the sauce.

2 Minimum resting time: While you may be tempted to use the sauce immediately, it's best to let it rest and develop its flavors. Place the covered sauce in the refrigerator and let it chill for at least 1 hour. During this time, the ingredients will begin to meld together, allowing their individual flavors to harmonize and create a well-balanced chimichurri sauce.

3 Extended resting time: For even more pronounced and complex flavors, consider allowing the sauce to rest overnight. Overnight refrigeration gives the herbs, aromatics, and liquids ample time to intermingle and create a more unified taste. This extra resting time will intensify the flavors and enhance the overall experience when enjoying the chimichurri sauce.

4 Check for consistency and adjust: Before serving the chimichurri sauce, take it out of the refrigerator and give it a thorough stir. Check the consistency to ensure it's not too thick or too watery. If needed, adjust the consistency by adding a little more olive oil or vinegar. Additionally, taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning with salt, pepper, or even a touch more red pepper flakes if desired.

5 Serving and storing: Once the flavors have melded to your satisfaction, your chimichurri sauce is ready to be served. Use it as a flavorful accompaniment to grilled meats, drizzle it over roasted vegetables, or incorporate it into sandwiches and wraps. Any leftover sauce can be stored in a clean, airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. However, keep in mind that the flavors may mellow over time.

Serve And Enjoy

Give it a final stir: Before serving the chimichurri sauce, give it a final stir to ensure that all the ingredients are well incorporated. This helps distribute the herbs, aromatics, and spices evenly throughout the sauce, ensuring every spoonful is bursting with flavor.
Taste and adjust: Take a moment to taste the chimichurri sauce and assess its flavors. Is it zesty enough? Is there enough heat from the red pepper flakes? Adjust the seasoning according to your preference by adding a pinch of salt, a squeeze of lemon juice, or even a dash of red pepper flakes to amplify the spiciness. Customizing the sauce to your liking will make it even more enjoyable.
Choose your culinary companions: Chimichurri sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs well with various dishes. It's most commonly served with grilled meats, such as steak, chicken, or pork. The vibrant and herbaceous flavors of the sauce complement the smoky, charred flavors of grilled proteins. However, feel free to get creative and use it as a marinade, drizzle it over roasted vegetables, or even spread it on sandwiches and wraps for an extra burst of flavor.
Serving suggestions: When serving chimichurri sauce, offer it in a bowl or small dish alongside your main dish or as a condiment on the table. Guests can then spoon or drizzle the desired amount of sauce onto their plates or directly onto their food. Alternatively, you can pre-dress your dishes with the sauce, showcasing the vibrant green color and enticing aroma.
Store any leftovers: If you have any leftover chimichurri sauce, don't let it go to waste. Transfer it to a clean, airtight container and store it in the refrigerator. Properly stored, the sauce will remain fresh and flavorful for up to one week. Use it as a topping or marinade for future meals, and let the flavors continue to enhance your culinary creations.

Chimichurri sauce is not just a condiment; it's a delightful flavor enhancer that elevates your dishes to new heights. Its fresh and zesty profile will undoubtedly leave your taste buds dancing with joy.

So, enjoy the process of creating and serving this authentic chimichurri sauce, and relish the delightful flavors it brings to your culinary adventures.

How To Make Chimichurri Tips

When preparing your chimichurri sauce, finely chop a generous handful of parsley to ensure a vibrant herbaceous flavor. If you prefer a bold garlic taste, go for four cloves, but if you prefer a milder garlic flavor, start with two cloves and adjust to your liking.

Let the flavors mingle for a few minutes and then taste test to determine if you need to add more garlic.

You Have The Creative Freedom

Remember, you have the freedom to customize the chimichurri to your taste by adjusting the salt, pepper, and chili levels. Whether you prefer a spicier kick or a milder heat, it's entirely up to you. While fresh red chili adds a delightful punch, feel free to use half or omit it altogether.

If you don't have fresh chili, substitute it with 1-2 teaspoons of dried red chili flakes.

Add Some Authentic Tang

For the authentic tang, stick with red wine vinegar; however, if you need a substitution, opt for the zesty freshness of lemon juice rather than balsamic or white vinegar. This version, inspired by my father's recipe, has become a beloved favorite, and we sincerely hope you enjoy it as much as we do!

How To Make Chimichurri Sauce Conclusion:

In conclusion, making chimichurri sauce at home is a simple and delicious way to add flavor to your meals.

With just a handful of fresh ingredients and a blender, you can create a versatile sauce that pairs perfectly with steak, chicken, fish, or vegetables.

Don't be afraid to experiment with different herbs and spices to find the perfect combination for your taste buds.

Once you try making chimichurri sauce at home, you'll never want to go back to store-bought alternatives again!

So why not give it a try and impress your family and friends with this Argentinean classic?

Make sure to comeback to SmokyBeginnings.com as we are continuously adding new recipes and tips to the site.

Happy cooking!

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Conclusion: Grilled Skirt Steak With Chimichurri

So fire up the grill, prepare the chimichurri sauce, and get ready to indulge in a flavorful and unforgettable dining experience with grilled skirt steak and chimichurri sauce.