Savory Chimichurri Sauce with Fresh Herbs and Red Pepper Flakes

It's a proven fact that no matter what you're grilling, the dish will instantly improve if you serve it with a vibrant, herbaceous chimichurri sauce. With a bright, fresh flavor that perks up any protein, this sauce is a must-have for your next backyard barbecue or weeknight dinner. It's incredibly easy to make, too, so you can whip it up in no time. The best part? It can be customized to your liking; add more red pepper flakes for a spicy kick or swap out the cilantro for basil.

Chimichurri is a vibrant, herbaceous sauce that is typically served with grilled meats in Argentina and Uruguay. It is made with a base of parsley, garlic, olive oil, and red wine vinegar, and can be customized with a variety of other ingredients, such as oregano, cilantro, chili peppers, and capers. The origins of chimichurri are unclear, but there are a few theories about how it came to be. One theory is that it was created by Basque immigrants who settled in Argentina in the 19th century. Another theory is that it was created by gauchos, the cowboys of the Pampas region of Argentina and Uruguay. Whatever its origins, chimichurri has become a beloved condiment in South America and is now enjoyed all over the world. It is a versatile sauce that can be used to add flavor to grilled meats, vegetables, and even seafood. This recipe for chimichurri is inspired by the classic Argentinean version, but with a few twists. I've added red pepper flakes for a bit of spice, and I've used a combination of parsley, oregano, and cilantro for a more complex flavor. The result is a vibrant, flavorful sauce that is perfect for any grilled dish.

Prep time: 10 | Cook time: 0 | Serves: 4

Ingredients

• 1 cup fresh parsley
• 1 cup fresh oregano
• 1/2 cup fresh cilantro
• 4 cloves garlic
• 1/4 cup red pepper flakes
• 1/2 cup olive oil
• 1/4 cup red wine vinegar
• 1 teaspoon sea salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper

Instructions

1. Roughly chop the parsley, oregano, cilantro, and garlic.
2. Combine all ingredients in a food processor or blender and blend until smooth.
3. Season with additional salt and pepper to taste.

Why It Works

• The combination of parsley, oregano, and cilantro creates a complex and flavorful base for the sauce.
• The red pepper flakes add a bit of spice, but not too much.
• The red wine vinegar adds a bit of acidity, which brightens up the flavor of the sauce.
• The olive oil helps to emulsify the sauce and gives it a smooth texture.