Authentic Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Chimichurri sauce is a vibrant and flavorful condiment originating from Argentina. Made with fresh herbs, garlic, and tangy lemon, it brightens up grilled meats, vegetables, and more. This authentic recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for adding a zesty punch to your meals.

Ingredients

• 1 bunch cilantro (finely chopped)
• 1 bunch parsley (finely chopped)
• 1 bunch green onions or chives (finely chopped)
• 1 shallot (finely chopped)
• 2 cloves garlic (grated)
• 2 tablespoons capers (roughly chopped)
• 1 tablespoon caper brine
• 1 lemon (zested and juiced)
• ½ teaspoon sea salt (or more to taste)
• ¼–½ cup olive oil

Instructions

1. Step 1: Make the chimichurri sauce about an hour in advance to allow the flavors to meld together.
2. Step 2: Finely chop the cilantro, parsley, and green onions (or chives) and place them in a bowl. Add the chopped shallot, grated garlic, roughly chopped capers, caper brine, lemon zest, and lemon juice. Start with juice from half a lemon and add more if you prefer a tangier sauce.
3. Step 3: Stir in the sea salt and pour in ¼ cup of olive oil. Taste the sauce and adjust by adding more olive oil (up to ½ cup) or salt to achieve your desired consistency and flavor.
4. Step 4: Let the sauce rest for at least an hour before serving to deepen the flavors. Use it to enhance eggs, meat, fish, sweet potato avocado toast, and more.

Tips & Variations

• For a milder garlic flavor, use roasted garlic instead of fresh.
• Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
• Swap lemon juice with lime juice for a different citrus note.
• If you prefer a smoother sauce, pulse ingredients briefly in a food processor instead of chopping by hand.

Storage

Store chimichurri sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Before using, give it a good stir and bring it to room temperature for best flavor. If the sauce thickens, stir in a little more olive oil to loosen it.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make chimichurri sauce ahead of time?

Yes, making it about an hour before serving enhances the flavors, but you can prepare it up to a day in advance and refrigerate it as well.

Is chimichurri sauce gluten-free and vegan?

Absolutely. This chimichurri recipe contains no gluten or animal products, making it suitable for both gluten-free and vegan diets.

Authentic Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.6 from 110 reviews

• Author: Hailey
• Total Time: 1 hour 15 minutes
• Yield: About 1 cup 1x
• Diet: Gluten Free

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Description

This Authentic Chimichurri Sauce is a vibrant and zesty condiment made from fresh herbs, garlic, capers, and olive oil. Perfect as a marinade or topping for meats, fish, eggs, or even vegetables, this sauce delivers a bright and flavorful punch that elevates any dish. Preparing it ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully, resulting in a fresh, tangy, and herbaceous experience.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Herbs and Vegetables

• 1 bunch cilantro, finely chopped
• 1 bunch parsley, finely chopped
• 1 bunch green onions or chives, finely chopped
• 1 shallot, finely chopped
• 2 cloves garlic, grated

Other Ingredients

• 2 tablespoons capers, roughly chopped
• 1 tablespoon caper brine
• 1 lemon, zested and juiced
• ½ teaspoon sea salt (or more to taste)
• ¼ to ½ cup olive oil

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Instructions

1. Prep the Ingredients: Finely chop the cilantro, parsley, and green onions or chives. Also finely chop the shallot and grate the garlic cloves. Roughly chop the capers and zest and juice the lemon, setting these aside for the sauce.
2. Combine in a Bowl: In a mixing bowl, add all the chopped herbs, shallot, grated garlic, and chopped capers. Pour in the caper brine along with the lemon zest and juice. Start by adding juice from half a lemon and adjust later to your preferred tanginess.
3. Season and Add Olive Oil: Add the sea salt to the bowl, then slowly pour in the olive oil starting with ¼ cup. Mix everything thoroughly. Taste the sauce and decide if you want to add more lemon juice, salt, or olive oil to achieve your desired balance and consistency. The sauce should be fresh and slightly runny.
4. Let Flavors Meld: Cover and refrigerate the chimichurri sauce for about an hour before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to blend and mature beautifully.
5. Store and Serve: Keep the chimichurri sauce in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for about a week. Enjoy it as a topping or marinade for eggs, meats, fish, or even on sweet potato avocado toast for a delicious flavor boost.

Notes

• For a milder tang, start with half the lemon juice and add more if desired.
• The consistency of chimichurri can be adjusted by varying the olive oil from ¼ up to ½ cup.
• This sauce pairs beautifully with grilled steak, roasted vegetables, and seafood.
• Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness for up to 7 days.
• Use fresh herbs for the best flavor impact.

• Prep Time: 15 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Sauce
• Method: No-Cook
• Cuisine: Argentinian

Keywords: chimichurri, chimichurri sauce, Argentine sauce, fresh herb sauce, marinade, condiment, easy sauce, no-cook sauce