How To Make Chimichurri Recipe

Ready to Elevate Your Grilling Game with the Zestiest Chimichurri?

Imagine a vibrant green sauce, bursting with fresh herbs, garlic, and a tangy kick that transforms any dish into a flavor explosion. That’s exactly what this easy-to-make chimichurri recipe delivers! Get ready to impress your friends and family with a condiment that’s as delicious as it is simple.

Why You’ll Love It

• It’s incredibly easy to make – no fancy cooking skills required!
• The vibrant, fresh flavors complement grilled meats, vegetables, and even eggs perfectly.
• It’s a great way to use up fresh herbs from your garden or the farmers’ market.
• You can customize it to your taste by adjusting the amount of spice, herbs, and tang.
• It will make any meal feel special and impressive, without much effort.

What Makes This Recipe Unique?

What sets this chimichurri apart is the precise balance of fresh ingredients. We’re not just throwing things together! We’re using a good quality red wine vinegar, which adds a deeper, more complex tang than white vinegar, and we’re making sure to use fresh oregano, as its dried form lacks the brightness this recipe needs. Also, letting the sauce sit for at least 30 minutes allows all the flavors to meld together, creating a truly harmonious blend.

Ingredient List

• 1 cup packed fresh parsley, finely chopped
• 1/2 cup packed fresh oregano, finely chopped
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar – *This is crucial for the proper tang and depth.*
• 1/2 cup extra virgin olive oil
• 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (or more to taste)
• 1/2 teaspoon salt, or to taste
• 1/4 teaspoon black pepper, or to taste

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. In a medium bowl, combine the finely chopped parsley, oregano, and minced garlic.
2. Add the red wine vinegar, olive oil, red pepper flakes, salt, and black pepper to the bowl.
3. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
4. Let the chimichurri sit at room temperature for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This is important for the best taste!
5. Stir again before serving.

Optional Toppings/Variations

Want to jazz things up a bit? Here are a few ideas:

• Add a squeeze of fresh lemon or lime juice for an extra citrusy zing.
• Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of finely chopped shallots or red onion for a milder onion flavor.
• Add a tablespoon of finely chopped fresh cilantro for an extra layer of fresh taste.
• For extra heat, add a finely chopped serrano or jalapeño pepper (remove seeds for less heat).
• Substitute some of the parsley with mint for a different flavor profile.

Expert Tips

• Use the freshest herbs you can find – they make a huge difference in flavor!
• Don’t skip the resting time; it’s essential for the flavors to blend properly.
• Mince the garlic finely so it disperses evenly throughout the sauce.
• Taste and adjust the seasonings to your liking, especially the salt, pepper, and red pepper flakes.
• For a smoother sauce, you can pulse it briefly in a food processor, but be careful not to over-process it!

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

• Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh? While fresh herbs are highly recommended, you can use dried herbs in a pinch, but use about 1/3 of the amount called for fresh, and expect a slight difference in flavor.
• How long will chimichurri last? Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, chimichurri will last for about 3-5 days. The flavors may intensify over time.
• Can I freeze chimichurri? Yes, you can freeze chimichurri in ice cube trays for easy portioning. Thaw overnight in the fridge before using. The texture might change slightly but the flavor will remain.
• Can I use white wine vinegar instead of red wine vinegar? While not ideal, white wine vinegar can be substituted if red wine vinegar is not available. However, the flavor will be a bit sharper, so add it gradually, tasting as you go.
• What can I serve chimichurri with? Chimichurri is incredibly versatile and pairs well with grilled meats, fish, chicken, vegetables, and eggs. It can also be used as a marinade or a sauce for sandwiches.

Variations and Customization Options

Get creative with your chimichurri! Here are some ways to personalize it:

• Spicy Chimichurri: Add more red pepper flakes or a finely chopped chili pepper for an extra kick.
• Citrus Chimichurri: Include the zest and juice of a lemon or lime for a bright, zesty flavor.
• Smoky Chimichurri: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke for a smoky dimension.
• Roasted Garlic Chimichurri: Use roasted garlic for a mellow, sweeter garlic flavor. Simply roast the garlic until soft, let it cool, then mash it before adding it to the sauce.
• Herbaceous Chimichurri: Experiment with other fresh herbs like cilantro, mint, or chives for a unique flavor profile.

Serving Suggestions

Chimichurri is incredibly versatile. It’s fantastic drizzled over grilled steak, chicken, or fish. Try it with roasted vegetables, like potatoes, peppers or zucchini, or add a spoonful to your tacos or scrambled eggs. It is also excellent as a dipping sauce for bread and can elevate any simple meal with its vibrant freshness. It also makes a fantastic marinade, simply use half of the recipe to marinate, and keep the other half for serving.

Conclusion

This chimichurri recipe is your ticket to flavor paradise! It’s easy, impressive, and incredibly delicious. So, grab your fresh herbs and get ready to transform your next meal. Don’t forget to share your chimichurri creations, and subscribe to our newsletter for more mouth-watering recipes!