If you're a fan of vibrant, herby flavors, this fresh chimichurri with cilantro recipe is perfect for you! This classic sauce brings a refreshing twist to the traditional Argentinian chimichurri with a generous dose of fresh cilantro. It has so much flavor!
Whether you're grilling steak, chicken, or veggies during the summer months or all year round, this chimichurri will elevate your dishes with its bright, zesty notes.
This is one of our easy sauce recipes you will want to bookmark for later.
This fresh cilantro chimichurri recipe is a great way to add flavor to your meals. With its fresh herbs and simple ingredients, it’s a must-try for anyone looking to elevate their cooking. Enjoy experimenting with different variations and finding your favorite way to use this delicious green sauce!
Why You'll Love This Recipe
- Bright and Flavorful: Fresh cilantro and lime juice combine to create a zesty and aromatic sauce.
- Versatile: Perfect for drizzling over grilled meats, using as a marinade, or even as a salad dressing.
- Quick and Easy: Blend a few simple ingredients for a delicious sauce in minutes.
- Fresh Ingredients: Uses fresh cilantro, garlic, and lime juice for a burst of flavor.
- Customizable: Adjust the heat with red pepper flakes and balance the flavors to your liking.
Ingredients for this Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce recipe
- Fresh cilantro leaves, packed
- Fresh garlic cloves (minced)
- Red wine vinegar
- Extra virgin olive oil
- Fresh lime juice
- Dried oregano
- Red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Equipment and kitchen tools
- Food processor or blender
How to make flavorful chimichurri sauce
Rinse the cilantro leaves and pat them dry with paper towels. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
In the bowl of a food processor or blender, combine the cilantro leaves, minced garlic, red wine vinegar.
Step 2 - Add the extra virgin olive oil, lime juice, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth and well combined.
Taste the chimichurri sauce and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Blend again briefly to incorporate the seasoning evenly.
Transfer the chimichurri sauce to a serving bowl or jar. It's now ready to serve immediately, or you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to one week.
Drizzle this flavorful cilantro chimichurri over grilled steak, chicken, fish, roasted vegetables, or even use it as a marinade to infuse dishes with its vibrant taste. Enjoy the burst of fresh flavors!
Tips for the Best Results
- Use Fresh Cilantro: For the most vibrant flavor, use fresh cilantro leaves. Avoid stems for a smoother texture.
- Balance the Flavors: Taste and adjust the seasoning with kosher salt and black pepper to match your personal preference.
- Blend Thoroughly: Ensure that all ingredients are well combined for a smooth, cohesive sauce.
Substitutions and Variations
- Herb Options: Swap cilantro with flat-leaf parsley or a mix of fresh oregano and parsley for a different herbal profile.
- Vinegar Choices: Red wine vinegar is traditional, but you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar for a different tang.
- Heat Level: Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spiciness. For a milder version, use less, or try red chili peppers for a different flavor kick.
- Additional Ingredients: Add finely chopped red onion or green onion for extra texture and flavor. For a creamy twist, mix in a bit of Greek yogurt or sour cream.
- Lemon Juice: You can use fresh lemon juice if you do not have lime juice.
Some FAQs About This Recipe
Dried cilantro lacks the vibrant flavor and freshness of the fresh leaves, so it’s best to use fresh cilantro for this recipe.
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this cilantro chimichurri will keep for up to one week.
Yes, you can freeze chimichurri in a mason jar or freezer-safe container. It should be used within 3 months for the best flavor.
Absolutely! Making it ahead of time allows the flavors to meld and intensify, which can enhance the overall taste.
This flavorful chimichurri is fantastic with grilled steak, chicken, fish, or roasted vegetables. It's also great as a marinade or salad dressing.
More great recipes with cilantro
📖 Recipe
Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce
Equipment
- 1 blender or food processor
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves packed
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- ¼ cup red wine vinegar
- ½ cup extra virgin olive oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice
- 1 teaspoon dried oregano
- ½ teaspoon red pepper flakes
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Rinse the cilantro leaves and pat them dry with paper towels. Mince the garlic cloves finely.
- In a food processor or blender, combine the cilantro leaves, minced garlic, red wine vinegar, extra virgin olive oil, lime juice, dried oregano, and red pepper flakes. Blend until smooth and well combined.
- Taste the chimichurri sauce and season with salt and pepper according to your preference. Blend again briefly to incorporate the seasoning evenly.
- Transfer the chimichurri sauce to a serving bowl or jar. It's now ready to serve immediately, or you can refrigerate it in an airtight container for up to one week.
Notes
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