Chimichurri sauce is a zippy Argentinian herb sauce so vibrant and delicious it really deserves a life beyond steak, and I’ve got lots of ideas for making the most of it. This magic green sauce brightens up a whole lot of foods.
what is chimichurri sauce?
Chimichurri is a vivid raw Argentinian sauce used as a marinade and condiment for beef of all kinds. It’s used throughout South America and Mexico.
It’s made from fresh parsley, oregano, cilantro, and sometimes basil, along with lime juice, vinegar, garlic, shallots, and lots of olive oil. You can find my chimichurri sauce recipe here.
The flavor is super fresh because of all those herbs, and also bright, garlicky, piquant, and tangy due to the acidity from limes and vinegar.
Of course you know by now that how a recipe originates is not always the end story. Chimichurri is a brilliant creation that deserves to have many  incarnations, and I’m doing my part 🙂Â
reason #1: chimichurri was made to slather on steak
This is the reason the sauce was born, and it remains the very first thing you should do with it. Chimichurri adds a vibrant kick to red meat. Whether you’re grilling outdoors, or pan frying your steaks on the stove, set out a jar of this brilliant green sauce on the table and wait for the raves. It makes a perfect dip for French fries, too.
reason #2 Bake shrimp in chimichurri sauce
Even though chimichurri was invented with red meat in mind, I love to use it with seafood. Plain shrimp becomes super exciting when you bake it this way. Set it out as an appetizer with fresh bread, or serve it for dinner. With fish like salmon or cod you can spoon the sauce over the fish before or after baking.
reason #3 chimichurri can dress salads
I love to use it as a dressing for a colorful mixed bean salad, it gives it such personality. But why not try it with potato salad or your favorite pasta salad this summer?
reason #4 chimichurri takes a fajita bowl over the top
This steak fajita bowl becomes extra delicious when you top it with the real deal chimichurri sauce. The colors really pop!
reason #5 chimichurri makes a simple but vibrant dip for bread
When you’re pressed for a quick and easy appetizer, one of the best ideas is to serve fresh bread with an olive oil based dipping sauce, and chimichurri is perfect. I add a little extra olive oil to the sauce when I’m serving it as a dip.
reason #6 chimichurri is fabulous slathered over roasted veggies
Think potatoes, asparagus, cauliflower, carrots, or a mixed medley. Â I’ll even serve it with corn on the cob!
Sue. How long does the chimichurri last in the fridg?
It will last up to a week.