Chimichurri is a classic Argentinian sauce made with fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil. Like skhug, this versatile chimichurri with cilantro is a game-changer. You can use it as a marinade, salad dressing, dipping sauce, or topping for grilled meats and veggies.
What You’ll Love About This Recipe
What I love most about chimichurri with cilantro is the burst of herbaceous flavor it adds to any dish. Whether you use it as a topping or incorporate it into your cooking, this simple yet flavorful sauce is guaranteed to elevate your dishes.
Where is Chimichurri From?
Argentina is the birthplace of chimichurri, a classic sauce that has gained popularity throughout South America and the world.
According the the BBC, it started with an Irish immigrant named James (Jimmy) McCurry, who was craving Worcestershire sauce but couldn’t find it in Argentina. So he decided to create a flavorful condiment using local ingredients. And guess what? People loved it so much that it eventually took his name, Jimmy McCurry, pronounced ‘chimichurri’ in Argentina.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- Fresno Chilies: I love the spicy addition of Fresno or red chilies, but you can use jalapeños.
- Garlic: I suggest using six cloves, but don’t let my recipe tell you how much garlic to use- measure with your heart.
- Herbs: Traditionally, parsley and oregano are the main herbs used in chimichurri sauce. However, in our family’s version, we love to swap oregano for cilantro.
- Lemon Juice: Provide a pop of acidity with fresh lemon juice or use a small amount of red wine vinegar.
- Salt: Taste and season with salt to balance the flavor.
- Olive Oil: Since olive oil is one of the main ingredients, use high-quality olive oil for the best flavor.
Additions and Substitutions
- Increase the heat by adding red pepper flakes.
- Experiment with fresh herbs like as basil or fresh oregano.
How to Make Chimichurri With Cilantro
The full recipe with measurements is in the recipe card below.
Step 1: Combine the shallots, chilies, garlic, parsley, and cilantro in a mixing bowl.
Step 2: Add the lemon juice and salt; stir to combine.
Step 3: Slowly pour in the olive oil while stirring the mixture.
Expert Tips
- Create a mouth-watering sauce using fresh ingredients. Opt for bright herbs like parsley and cilantro.
- Chop the herbs as finely as possible to release their aromatics.
- Refrigerate chimichurri with cilantro for 2 hours before serving so the flavors can meld together.
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What Do You Put Chimichurri Sauce On?
If you’re a fan of bold, fresh flavors, try chimichurri with cilantro. While it’s often paired with a juicy steak, the zesty condiment is just as delicious on grilled chicken, fish, and vegetarian dishes. In fact, it’s so versatile it might become your new go-to sauce for all your favorite meals. Once you try it, you’ll want to put it on everything!
- Grilled Zucchini, Eggplant, Corn on the Cob
- Salmon, Shrimp
- Turkey or Chicken Sandwiches
- Roasted Potatoes, Air Fryer Hasselback Potatoes, Mashed Potatoes
- Chicken Tacos, Carne Asada Tacos, Shrimp Tacos
- Bison Steak
- Tandoori Chicken Tikka, Koobideh Kabob, Joojeh Kabob
How to Use Chimichurri
Use it as a topping for grilled meat or create a simple marinade for poultry, beef, fish, or vegetables. Transform the chimichurri into a zesty dressing for a fresh salad, or combine the topping with mayonnaise to make a flavorful spread for sandwiches or wraps.
What to do With the Leftovers
- Refrigerate – Store the leftover sauce in an airtight container for up to a week.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is chimichurri similar to pesto?
Chimichurri and pesto are both green sauces prepared with fresh herbs, garlic, and olive oil; however, their ingredients and flavor differ. The primary herb in pesto is basil, while chimichurri features parsley with cilantro and other fresh herbs. Pesto also includes nuts and parmesan cheese, while chimichurri does not.
What does chimichurri taste like?
The sauce has a refreshing and grassy flavor from the heavy use of fresh herbs. Then, out of nowhere, lingering spiciness and zest from the chilies and garlic kick in for a flavorful sauce you will want to put on everything.
Does chimichurri contain cilantro?
There’s no limit to how you can customize chimichurri, making it uniquely yours. While traditional Argentinean recipes usually call for parsley and oregano, garlic, vinegar, and olive oil, some people like to add cilantro to give it a little extra flavor kick. It’s totally up to you and your taste buds!
Personally, I love the fresh taste of cilantro in my chimichurri, but I know some people aren’t fans, and that’s okay too. The best part about cooking is that you can always experiment and find the flavor combinations that work for you.
More Sauce Recipes:
Chimichurri with Cilantro
- 1 shallot, finely diced
- 1-2 fresno chilies, seeds and stems removed, finely diced
- 6 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ cup fresh parsley, finely chopped
- ¼ cup fresh cilantro, finely chopped
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon kosher salt
- ½ cup olive oil
- Combine the shallots, chilies, garlic, parsley, and cilantro in a mixing bowl.
- Add the lemon juice and salt; stir to combine.
- Slowly pour in the olive oil while stirring the mixture. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for 2 hours before serving.
- Create a mouth-watering sauce using fresh ingredients. Opt for bright herbs like parsley and cilantro.
- Chop the herbs as finely as possible to release their aromatics.
- Refrigerate Chimichurri with Cilantro for 2 hours before serving so the flavors can meld together.
- The nutritional information shown is an estimate provided by an online nutrition calculator. It should not be considered a substitute for professional advice.