Flavor Adventure: What Does Chimichurri Sauce Taste Like?

There is always a debate about which sauce is the best.

But there is no right or wrong answer when it comes to sauces.

Each one is a winner, and the debate ends there.

One sauce that we want to highlight today is chimichurri sauce.

And trust us.

This sauce is quite something because of its unique taste.

You can find chimichurri sauce in several South American dishes, particularly in Argentina and Uruguay.

And in case you’re wondering, chimichurri is just the common name.

It is not an ingredient used in this sauce.

If you have tasted it, you know you love it.

But those who haven’t are wondering, “what does chimichurri sauce taste like?” Keep reading to find out.

What Is Chimichurri Sauce?

Chimichurri sauce is an oil-based uncooked sauce famous all over South America.

This sauce has a signature look and taste.

You can recognize it by the green bits and thick oily appearance.

But there is more than one variety of this tasty sauce.

The green one, known as chimichurri verde, is the most popular.

There is also a spicy red and zesty orange version.

Along with various ingredients, the green variant uses chopped parsley, giving it a green look.

The red one has paprika and is more spicy.

Finally, the orange version uses orange juice without any vinegar because orange already has some acidic elements.

This sauce served two purposes.

You can use it as a separate ingredient during cooking or simply as a condiment.

They are a popular choice with meats like grilled tenderloin and sausages.

There are various theories surrounding the origins of this mystery sauce.

From mispronounced Irish names to badly-translated phrases, the sauce has come a long way.

What Does Chimichurri Sauce Taste Like?

Chimichurri sauce has an interesting flavor that makes it an absolute favorite.

Right off the bat, it has a herby and refreshing taste.

It also has a pungent and zesty flavor courtesy of its ingredients.

Traditional ingredients include parsley, garlic, vinegar, oregano, chili flakes, and olive oil.

But it also depends on the variety.

We have already mentioned the three popular types of chimichurri sauce: The herby, the spicy, and the zesty.

The red version tastes spicy and tangy because of the added paprika and tomatoes.

Orange chimichurri has an orangey flavor because of the orange juice.

They also contain orange zest to give them an extra kick.

But you can add a twist to the traditional recipe.

People add cilantro, dill, lime zest, and mint to create their own version of this sauce.

An Asian version of chimichurri uses fish sauce, ginger, mint, etc.

The texture varies depending on how you prepare it.

If you prepare it by hand, it will have a chunkier texture with more bits and pieces.

Using a food processor gives it an almost paste-like consistency.

Many people often confuse chimichurri sauce with pesto.

If you think they are the same, you are wrong.

They are both oily and green and are made similarly.

But the difference lies in the flavor.

Pesto uses basil, while chimichurri uses a mix of oregano and parsley.

The latter also has vinegar, which makes it tangy than pesto.

It also differs from salsa in many ways.

For one, chimichurri uses parsley or cilantro, while salsa uses basil.

But it’s easy to get confused as both sauces look similar.

How to Make and Serve Homemade Chimichurri Sauce?

Like most sauces, chimichurri sauce takes no effort to prepare.

You will need the following ingredients.

• Parsley.

• Garlic.

• Cilantro.

• Oregano.

• Red wine vinegar.

• Olive oil.

• Chilli flakes.

• Salt and pepper.

Chop and mix them in a food processor and blend them until you get a smooth paste.

If you want a chunkier texture, go rustic and use a pestle and mortar.

You can also use a lower power setting in your blender to achieve this.

Chimichurri sauce is a step up from your regular brown or black sauces.

Additionally, it looks and tastes better too for us.

They add a fresh and herby taste that is perfect with any dish.

Spread it over your grilled or barbecued meats for a delicious treat.

They taste excellent with roasted vegetables as well.

This sauce will also add a fresh flavor to fishy seafood like salmon or squids.

You can also spread it on bread for a refreshing taste.

Add slices of cucumber, tomato, and onions, and take your sandwiches to the next level.

There is no harm in preparing extra chimichurri sauce.

There are more ways to use it other than as a condiment.

Add this sauce to dishes like beans, mac and cheese, pizza, salads, etc.

Plus, it stays fresh for several weeks if you refrigerate it.

The vinegar in this sauce acts as a preservative, making it last longer.

Conclusion

Now you know what chimichurri sauce tastes like.

The herby and pleasing aroma of this sauce is unmatched.

They can make even the simplest salad or roasted veggies taste heavenly.

And let us not get started on meats.

Be it grilled, barbecued, or pulled meats, chimichurri is the one to go for.

Many people prefer other condiments.

This is because chimichurri can sometimes be overpowering.

But if you mix the ingredients properly, you can never go wrong with this sauce.

So, why wait? It is easy to make and uses every day and readily available ingredients.

Go ahead and give it a try.