The herbs typically used for a chimichurri sauce are cilantro, parsley, garlic, oregano, and olive oil. In this guide, we will only focus on chimichurri with cilantro. We will discuss its ingredients, recipe, and foods you can pair chimichurri sauce with.
What to Pair With Chimichurri Sauce?
This sauce is versatile and has about a million uses. It gives a boost of flavor to all of the dishes available on your table. The list is not exhaustive, and you can choose to use it any way you want.
You can use this sauce as:
Chimichurri Marinade:
Use this sauce to marinate chicken, steaks, and fish before cooking. Do not leave it overnight. Instead, apply the sauce half an hour before you cook.
Chimichurri Sauce:
Serve grilled meats and veggies with chimichurri sauce. Pour the sauce onto the fish, salads, burgers, vegetable kebabs, and eggs.
Chimichurri Salad Dressing:
Make any of your salad more flavorful with chimichurri sauce on the table. Also, tossing the pasta with sauce makes it light and more flavorful.
Chimichurri Spread:
Add more flavors to your wraps, sandwiches, and avocado toasts by using a mix of chimichurri sauce and cream or mayonnaise.
Cilantro Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
There are multiple ways to prepare chimichurri sauce. Some people might know the ingredients. They just keep looking for better versions that can become their instant go-to option for any family event. But keep in mind authentic chimichurri comes with no added cilantro. It includes fresh parsley, vinegar, olive oil, and garlic.
This is not a fixed ratio. There are a number of variations in chimichurri sauce recipes that include pepper flakes, herbs, and spices. Hence, cilantro chimichurri sauce is not an authentic recipe. It is one of the delicious versions of the authentic chimichurri recipe.
In order to make cilantro chimichurri sauce, you need to replace all the parsley with cilantro. Further enhance the aromatics of the dish by adding a red onion along with garlic. Herbs are also welcomed according to your taste preferences.
If you need a perfect flavor from your chimichurri sauce, prepare your batch before the time intend to use it. For instance a day before or even half an hour before serving. This is because time enables the sauce to bring off its bright flavor. All the ingredients mix well and generate an original bold taste of the recipe.
Flavor Variations:
- If you want a more authentic chimichurri flavor, cut back cilantro and add more fresh oregano.
- Add lime juice to your chimichurri sauce for a fresh summery brightness.
- Add ½ tsp of smoked paprika to get a smoky flavor
Why Does This Recipe Work?
This recipe works because chimichurri sauce with cilantro:
- Fits well with different foods and makes them more flavorful.
- Is quick to prepare. You only need to manually chop or mince the ingredients in a blender. Mix and serve in a bowl.
- Is versatile in purpose. You can enjoy it with almost every meal you have on the table whether it be steak, fish, vegetables, or salads.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I refrigerate chimichurri sauce?
Yes, you can store chimichurri sauce in the refrigerator. But do not forget to take it out of the fridge 15 minutes before serving.
How long can I keep fresh chimichurri?
After preparing fresh chimichurri, pour it into an airtight jar and store it in the refrigerator. The longer the dish stays, the stronger the flavor comes out. So, you can freeze it for a week to a month without losing much of its taste.
Without freezing, it is ideal to consume the sauce within one to two days. After that, the herbs will start wilting and become less potent.
What if I do not like cilantro?
Cilantro is a herb and like all other herbs, you may be or may not be a good fan of it. To some, it soothes the aromatic sense of the brain and hence makes the meal more appealing. While to others it just feels like a soup. If you do not like its taste or aroma, simply quit it. Go with the other herb, parsley, which is actually an authentic ingredient of the chimichurri sauce.
Conclusion
Chimichurri sauce is a delicious recipe used to complement a variety of foods. With its strong herbaceous flavor and aroma, it makes your veggies, meats, salads, and fish more tantalizing. A number of ingredients are used to make this sauce along with the key herbs cilantro, mint, or parsley. Either add all of them or pick only one you love.
This guide covers a recipe for chimichurri with cilantro only. No parsley is added. So, people who are not a good fan of parsley can go with this no-cook recipe. Either use a food processor to mince all ingredients or finely chop them manually. Mix oil, spices, and vinegar and your sauce is ready to serve.
