The Zesty Red Chimichurri Sauce Recipe You’ll Crave Forever

Red chimichurri sauce bursts with vibrant flavors that reimagine ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.

Bold and zesty, this Argentine-inspired condiment carries a passionate punch of herbal intensity.

Crimson-hued ingredients blend seamlessly, creating a robust sauce that dances across your palate with remarkable complexity.

Mediterranean and South American influences merge in this tantalizing recipe, promising an explosion of fresh, bright sensations.

Robust herbs and spices intermingle, delivering a balanced combination of heat and aromatic depth that elevates any dish.

Tangy and rich, the sauce offers a dynamic alternative to traditional green versions, showcasing a deeper, more provocative profile.

The magic happens when carefully selected components harmonize, resulting in a condiment that speaks volumes about culinary creativity.

Red Chimichurri Sauce That Brings Bold Flavor

• Burst with Bold Flavor: This red chimichurri sauce delivers a vibrant punch of taste with its blend of fresh herbs, roasted red peppers, and zesty seasonings that wake up any grilled meat or vegetable.
• Super Quick Prep: Whip up this sauce in just minutes using a mini food processor, making it an incredibly easy condiment that transforms ordinary dishes into restaurant-quality meals with minimal effort.
• Texture Sensation: The clever blending technique creates a rustic, chunky sauce that's not completely smooth, giving each spoonful a delightful combination of finely chopped ingredients and a slightly rough, exciting mouthfeel.
• Versatile Kitchen Companion: Perfect for drizzling over grilled steak, roasted chicken, seafood, or even as a bold dipping sauce, this red chimichurri adapts to countless culinary adventures and instantly elevates simple recipes.

Ingredients That Make Red Chimichurri Sing

• Red Fresno Chili Peppers: Sweet and spicy peppers that provide the vibrant red color and heat.
• Fresh Parsley: Bright, herbaceous base that gives the sauce its classic chimichurri flavor.
• Fresh Oregano: Adds earthy, aromatic notes to complement the other herbs.

• Garlic Cloves: Provides a sharp, pungent flavor that is fundamental to chimichurri sauce.
• Red Onion: Contributes a mild, sweet sharpness to the overall flavor profile.

• Olive Oil: Helps emulsify the sauce and adds a smooth, rich texture.
• Red Wine Vinegar: Brings tangy acidity that balances the heat and herbs.
• Kosher Salt: Enhances and balances all the flavors in the sauce.
• Black Pepper: Adds a subtle background warmth and depth to the sauce.

Preparation Guide for Red Chimichurri Sauce

Step 1: Prepare Produce

Wash and roughly chop red bell peppers, remove seeds from chili peppers, peel garlic cloves, and rinse fresh herbs.

Step 2: Load Food Processor

• Chopped red bell peppers
• Garlic cloves
• Red chili peppers
• Fresh parsley
• Fresh oregano
• Salt
• Black pepper

Step 3: Create Rough Texture

Pulse ingredients until finely chopped, scraping down processor sides to ensure even consistency.

Step 4: Introduce Liquid Elements

• Olive oil
• Red wine vinegar

Step 5: Blend To Perfection

Blend ingredients until sauce becomes slightly emulsified but maintains a rustic, chunky texture.

Step 6: Taste And Adjust

• Extra salt
• Additional vinegar

Step 7: Store And Serve

Transfer sauce to glass jar or container. Refrigerate for up to one week. Serve as condiment with grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or as dipping sauce.

Cooking Tips for a Balanced Chimichurri

• Roast Red Peppers Perfectly: Char peppers directly over an open flame or under the broiler until skin is blackened and blistered for deep, smoky flavor.
• Blend with Precision: Pulse ingredients in short bursts to maintain a rustic, textured consistency instead of creating a completely smooth sauce.
• Balance Vinegar Intensity: Start with less vinegar and gradually add more to control the tangy profile without overwhelming other ingredients.
• Choose Fresh Herbs: Select vibrant, crisp herbs like parsley and oregano for maximum aromatic impact and bright color in the chimichurri.
• Store Strategically: Keep sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week, allowing flavors to meld and intensify over time.

Storing and Reusing Chimichurri Sauce Safely

• Refrigerate: Store leftover chimichurri sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The sauce's vibrant flavors will remain fresh and intense.
• Prevent Oxidation: Pour a thin layer of olive oil on top of the sauce to create a protective barrier that prevents discoloration and maintains its bright red color.
• Freezing Option: Transfer the sauce to ice cube trays for easy portioning. Freeze for up to 3 months, then pop out frozen cubes and store in a freezer bag for convenient future use.

Pairing Ideas for Red Chimichurri Sauce

• Pair with Grilled Steak: This vibrant red chimichurri sauce bursts with herbal and tangy flavors that perfectly complement a juicy, charred ribeye or sirloin steak. The sauce's bright acidity cuts through the meat's richness, creating a mouthwatering balance.
• Match with Roasted Vegetables: Drizzle this zesty sauce over grilled or roasted bell peppers, zucchini, and eggplant to elevate their natural sweetness. The herb-packed condiment adds depth and excitement to simple vegetable dishes.
• Serve with Full-Bodied Red Wine: A robust Malbec or Cabernet Sauvignon pairs wonderfully with the sauce's bold flavors. The wine's tannins and fruit notes harmonize beautifully with the chimichurri's herbal and slightly spicy profile.
• Enhance Grilled Chicken: Brush this red chimichurri over perfectly grilled chicken breasts or thighs to transform an ordinary meal into a restaurant-worthy experience. The sauce's vibrant color and intense flavor will make every bite memorable.

Chimichurri Variants Worth Trying

• Roasted Pepper Red Chimichurri: Char red bell peppers over an open flame before blending into the sauce, adding a smoky depth and slightly sweet undertone to the classic recipe.
• Spicy Serrano Kick: Replace standard red peppers with fresh serrano chilies to increase heat levels and create a more intense, fiery version of the traditional chimichurri.
• Mediterranean Herb Fusion: Incorporate fresh oregano and mint alongside the existing herbs, giving the sauce a Mediterranean-inspired profile with complex herbal notes.
• Pomegranate Tangy Blend: Mix in a splash of pomegranate molasses during blending to introduce a rich, tangy sweetness that complements the savory herb base.

Best Red Chimichurri Sauce Recipe

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4.8 from 36 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 8 1x

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Description

Argentinian red chimichurri sauce brings fiery passion to grilled meats with its bold blend of roasted red peppers and zesty herbs. Spicy, tangy ingredients dance together, creating a condiment that elevates your culinary experience with authentic South American flair.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Herbs and Greens:

• 0.75 cup loosely packed parsley leaves and tender stems (from 1 small bunch)
• 0.25 cup packed cilantro leaves and tender stems

Vegetables and Spices:

• 1 cup roasted red pepper or 1 (8 ounces) jar, drained
• 4 medium cloves garlic, peeled
• 1.75 teaspoons smoked paprika
• 0.5 teaspoon kosher salt
• 0.5 teaspoon black pepper
• 0.25 teaspoon crushed red pepper

Liquids and Oils:

• 0.33 cup olive oil
• 2.5 tablespoons red wine vinegar

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Instructions

1. Gather roasted red peppers, garlic, parsley, oregano, red pepper flakes, and other core ingredients in the food processor bowl.
2. Pulse the dry ingredients until they form a coarse, vibrant mixture with visible herb specks and pepper fragments.
3. Use a spatula to carefully clear any stuck ingredients from the processor’s sides, ensuring even chopping.
4. Stream in olive oil and red wine vinegar while processing, creating a harmonious, slightly rustic sauce consistency.
5. Continue blending until the chimichurri reaches a balanced texture – partially smooth yet maintaining subtle herb chunks.
6. Taste the sauce and refine by adding pinches of salt or splashes of vinegar to enhance the overall flavor profile.
7. Transfer the red chimichurri to a serving bowl, allowing the flavors to meld and intensify for a few minutes before serving.

Notes

• Packed with vibrant red peppers, this zesty sauce transforms any grilled meat or vegetable dish into a flavor explosion.
• Customize the heat level by selecting milder or spicier red peppers based on your personal preference.
• Fresh ingredients ensure maximum flavor intensity, so choose ripe, high-quality peppers and herbs for best results.
• This versatile sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days, allowing flavors to meld and develop.
• Use a mini food processor for quick and even chopping, which helps distribute ingredients uniformly and creates the perfect chunky texture.
• Drizzle over grilled steak, roasted chicken, fish, or use as a marinade to elevate your culinary creations with bold, tangy notes.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Category: Dinner, Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Argentinian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 8
• Calories: 150
• Sugar: 0 g
• Sodium: 200 mg
• Fat: 14 g
• Saturated Fat: 2 g
• Unsaturated Fat: 10 g
• Trans Fat: 0 g
• Carbohydrates: 5 g
• Fiber: 1 g
• Protein: 1 g
• Cholesterol: 0 mg