1small red chiliseeded and finely chopped (or 2 tsp red pepper flakes)
3tbspred wine vinegar
1teaspoonsalt or to taste
½teaspoonfresh ground black pepper
⅔cupextra-virgin olive oilgood quality only
Instructions
Option #1
Chop all the ingredients (parsley, garlic, shallots, fresh chili, and fresh oregano if using) finely by hand and place them into a bowl. If you are using dried oregano, add it to the bowl after chopping the other ingredients. Next, mix in the liquids, red wine vinegar, and extra virgin olive oil—season to taste with salt and pepper. Add more fresh chili or chili flakes if preferred.
Option #2
I recommend roughly chopping the fresh ingredients before adding them to the food processor. This way, you avoid any mishaps, and the texture will be perfect.
Add all the ingredients into the food processor except for the extra-virgin olive oil. Use the pulse setting. Process the ingredients until finely minced. Make sure not to over-blend the ingredients. Place the mixture into a medium bowl and stir in the olive oil—season to taste with salt and pepper and chili flakes.
Allow the Chimichurri sauce to stand for 15 minutes before serving. Serve over your favorite grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables, or use it as a marinade!
Notes
It is recommended to use fresh parsley, fresh garlic, fresh chili, and fresh oregano for a more authentic flavor combination.
Best served at room temperature. The sauce will also taste better after it has been rested for about 30 minutes or so before serving. The ingredients will have time to combine their flavors thoroughly.
This sauce is not spicy, but you can add more heat if you prefer. Add more fresh chilies or chili flakes. You can also add smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness and cayenne pepper for more heat.
You can make this sauce ahead of time. Store it in an air-tight container and enjoy it within 3 days.
Freezing is optional. It is best to use an ice tray with a lid or a freezer ziplock bag for up to 2 months. Let frozen sauce thaw in the refrigerator first and then take out and leave it on the countertop to be at room temperature. Do not microwave as this sauce is not meant to be cooked before serving.
This sauce is high in calories because of the olive oil and must be used in moderation.
The sauce is best served drizzled or spooned over steaks, grilled chicken, or vegetables. It is one of the best accompaniments for seafood, especially shrimp and salmon. It is also a great dipping sauce.