Try This Fermented Chimichurri For A Flavorful Condiment! [Recipe] | UFP (2024)

Try This Fermented Chimichurri For A Flavorful Condiment! [Recipe] | UFP (1)

Written by Gillian Lightman Updated on February 27, 2024

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This fermented chimichurri is a fantastic addition to any dish that contains meat. If you love steak, then love Argentinian and Uruguayan meat, which uses this green condiment on top. Now, let’s replicate this delicious chimichurri at home!

Fermented Chimichurri Is The New Sauce You Must Try!

What exactly is chimichurri?

This sauce or condiment is originally from Latin America, particularly famous in Argentina and Uruguay. It is traditionally made with garlic, parsley, oregano, olive oil, and red wine vinegar. Depending on the geographic locations, chimichurri may have more or less ingredients. Try This Fermented Chimichurri For A Flavorful Condiment! [Recipe] | UFP (2)

Chimichurri is a condiment, used as a topping for steak, chicken, and other meats. Use it as a dip for baked goods, like empanadas or bread.

Firstly, prepare this fermented chimichurri with parsley, basil, cilantro, oregano, garlic cloves, onion, jalapeño, black pepper, lemon juice, olive oil, red wine vinegar, and salt. Exchange some of these for things like powdered garlic, dry cilantro, dry parsley, shallots, lime juice, and white wine vinegar, if needed.

Above all, if you want your chimichurri to feel and taste like the real deal, blend everything in a blender or food processor. But do not overdo it; simply chop things up.

Most importantly, allow the chopped ingredients to sit in a bowl with the rest of the spices to rest for about 20 minutes. Pour this mix into glass jars and pour the brine over it.

The fermentation process is the hardest part, because it takes a long time. I usually leave my jars to ferment for about one week to 10 days. I recommend you check everything often and make sure the paste continues submerged under the brine.

So, after the fermentation process is done, add the red wine vinegar and blend everything into a paste.

Serve the chimichurri with a bit of olive oil and enjoy for various months at a time!

Try This Fermented Chimichurri For A Flavorful Condiment! [Recipe] | UFP (3)

Fermented Chimichurri

Recipe by Gillian Lightman

Ingredients

  • A bunch of parsley leaves

  • A bunch of basil leaves

  • A bunch of fresh cilantro

  • A bunch of oregano, stems removed

  • 4 cloves garlic

  • 1/2 medium onion

  • 1 medium jalapeno

  • 1/2 tsp ground blackpepper

  • 1 tsp fresh lemon juice

  • 1 tbsp extra virgin olive oil

  • 1 tsp red wine vinegar

  • 1 cup (240 ml) distilled water

  • 1 tbsp salt

Directions

  • Chop the parsley, basil, oregano, onion, garlic, and jalapeno finely. Or blend them in a food processor, but do not puree, as that will be done in the final step.
  • Place chopped ingredients in a bowl and sprinkle with salt. Mix them well so the paste absorbs the salt.
  • Let mixture sit for 15 – 20 minutes until the ingredients release enough brine.
  • Pack ingredients into pre-sterilized jars and pour in brine.
  • Ensure herbs are covered entirely with brine. If you need more brine, you can create more by mixing 2 tsp of salt with a cup of water.
  • Put weight over herbs to keep them submerged in the brine. Cover with airtight lid.
  • Place in a clean dry spot in your kitchen and allow to ferment for 7-10 days.
  • Check every once in a while to make sure the herbs are still submerged in brine.
  • Strain liquid to separate the herbs from the brine.
  • Collect liquid and keep a quarter of the brine aside to use later.
  • Blend fermented herbs and red wine vinegar in a food processor until it becomes paste.
  • To get a stronger flavor and umami taste, leave the chimichurri to ferment for 7 – 10 days. Taste and let it ferment until the desired flavor is reached.
  • Add olive oil to a small batch when it is ready for consumption. Do not add the olive oil while storing as it can ruin the taste, consistency, texture, and shelf life of of the chimichurri.

Notes

  • To get a stronger flavor and the umami taste, leave it to ferment for up to 10 days, or until it reaches the desired flavor.
  • Do not add olive oil while storing the chimichurri as it can ruin the condiment. Add it to a small batch that is taken out for consumption. Olive oil is high in fat content and can spoil the chimichurri.
  • The red wine vinegar not only adds a tangy taste, but also increases the shelf-life of the chimichurri.
  • Keep condiment refrigerated for prolonged use.

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About Me

Gillian Lightman

Hi. I'm Gillian and I am passionate about food preservation. I love making fresh produce last so my family and friends can enjoy delicious food outside the seasons.

Try This Fermented Chimichurri For A Flavorful Condiment! [Recipe] | UFP (6)

Try This Fermented Chimichurri For A Flavorful Condiment! [Recipe] | UFP (7)

Try This Fermented Chimichurri For A Flavorful Condiment! [Recipe] | UFP (8)

Try This Fermented Chimichurri For A Flavorful Condiment! [Recipe] | UFP (9)

Try This Fermented Chimichurri For A Flavorful Condiment! [Recipe] | UFP (2024)

FAQs

What does chimichurri taste like? ›

If we could only use one word to describe chimichurri sauce, it would be “bright.” The combination of fresh cilantro and parsley pack an herbaceous flavor, while the red pepper flakes bring a hint of spice. Add in the garlic's spicy, pungent flavor and the vinegar's acidic tang, and that's chimichurri.

What is chimichurri used for? ›

What is Chimichurri Sauce? Chimichurri is an Argentinian sauce made with olive oil, red wine vinegar, garlic, fresh herbs, and spices. This uncooked, super fresh and vibrant sauce can be used as a marinade, dipping sauce, or condiment to drizzle over meat, vegetables, and more.

How to thicken chimichurri sauce? ›

If you want a thicker sauce, use regular olive oil instead of extra virgin. If it is already made and turns out runny, add a teaspoon of cornstarch to a small saucepan with some water and heat, stirring, until it is dissolved. Then, add it to the sauce and stir well.

Why does my chimichurri taste bitter? ›

Chimichurri can become bitter if the ingredients aren't balanced properly. Thankfully, there are a few easy ways to fix bitter-tasting chimichurri. Adding more acidity, like citrus or vinegar, can counteract bitter flavors. You can also add a touch of sweetness in the form of honey or sugar.

What is chimichurri in English? ›

Meaning of chimichurri in English

a sauce from Argentina usually made from the herbs parsley and oregano, garlic, oil, vinegar, and chili, often eaten with meat: I had beef tenderloin with chimichurri.

Is chimichurri healthy? ›

And from a health standpoint, chimichurri is loaded with good-for-you benefits, including calcium, carotenes, iron, and vitamins A and C (from the parsley) and calcium, fiber, iron, and vitamins E and K (from the oregano), as well as heart-healthy garlic and the monounsaturated fat found in olive oil, which may help to ...

Does chimichurri last in the fridge? ›

Chimichurri sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days. For longer storage, you can freeze it! I like to portion it into ice cube trays so that I can thaw a little at a time. The cubes will keep in the freezer for up to 3 months.

What meat do you eat with chimichurri? ›

Best Meat for Chimichurri

Skirt Steak – A more popular, pricy cut of meat. It's a thin, long cut of beef with a deep beefy flavor. Flat Iron Steak – This cut is marbled and fatty, with a strong beefy flavor. It's naturally tender.

What alcohol goes with chimichurri? ›

A more spicy chimichurri would call for a strong gin - say Plymouth or even Plymouth Navy Strength - while a mild chimichurri totally agrees with a mild gin e.g.: The Botanist.

Does chimichurri taste like pesto? ›

Basil pesto is smooth, salty, and slightly nutty. Chimichurri has a chunky texture and is tangy and usually a little spicy. Both are delicious, just different.

How long does chimichurri last in a jar? ›

Shelf life: Chimichurri evolves in its flavor as it ages. The fresh stage lasts about 2 to 3 weeks when refrigerated, and about 7 days if not. Chimichurri sauce is usually served aged. The ingredients cause a natural pickling process.

Why is my chimichurri brown? ›

Recipe Tips

Use the sharpest knife in your kitchen when making this recipe. A dull knife can pulverize the herbs making the chimichurri look kind of brown.

Why is my chimichurri cloudy? ›

There should be oil present on the spoon when you spoon your Chimichurri out, so make sure it's not too dry. Don't over-chop when adding the oil, as it may start to emulsify and make the final sauce cloudy.

What is a substitute for chimichurri? ›

You an also substitute it with 1-2 teaspoons of dried red chili flakes. Red wine vinegar is the best vinegar for chimichurri. Use lemon juice as a substitution.

What's the difference between chimichurri and salsa? ›

What's the difference between chimichurri and salsa verde? Both sauces include parsley, garlic and vinegar, but chimichurri contains chilis and dried oregano (and sometimes cilantro), while salsa verde often incorporates anchovy and capers.

Should you let chimichurri sit? ›

You can use chimichurri as soon as you make it, but the flavor gets stronger and better if you allow the sauce to sit for about an hour at room temperature or overnight in the refrigerator.

Is chimichurri inflammatory? ›

Health benefits: Chimichurri seasoning is made with fresh herbs, such as parsley and oregano, which are packed with antioxidants and anti-inflammatory properties. Additionally, the garlic in chimichurri is known to have immune-boosting properties.

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