Chimichurri, a vibrant herb-based sauce originating from Argentina, is a burst of fresh flavor that can transform any dish. This zesty blend of parsley, oregano, garlic, and olive oil adds a vibrant touch to your meals, whether you're grilling, roasting, or simply enjoying a simple salad.
Here are 5 simple recipes that showcase the magic of chimichurri seasoning:
1. Grilled Steak with Chimichurri:
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Ingredients:
- 2 (1-inch thick) boneless, skinless chicken breasts
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup store-bought chimichurri sauce
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Instructions:
- Pat the chicken breasts dry with paper towels.
- Season chicken with salt and pepper.
- Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Grill chicken for 4-6 minutes per side, or until cooked through.
- Remove chicken from grill and let rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve immediately with chimichurri sauce.
2. Baked Salmon with Chimichurri:
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Ingredients:
- 4 salmon fillets (about 6 ounces each)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup store-bought chimichurri sauce
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Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Season salmon fillets with salt and pepper.
- Heat olive oil in an oven-safe skillet over medium heat.
- Cook salmon for 2-3 minutes per side, or until lightly browned.
- Transfer skillet to oven and bake for 8-10 minutes, or until salmon is cooked through.
- Remove from oven and let rest for 5 minutes before serving with chimichurri sauce.
3. Grilled Vegetables with Chimichurri:
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Ingredients:
- 1 large zucchini, cut into thick slices
- 1 large eggplant, cut into thick slices
- 1 red onion, cut into thick slices
- 1 bell pepper, cut into thick slices
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/4 cup store-bought chimichurri sauce
- Salt and pepper to taste
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Instructions:
- Preheat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Toss vegetables with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Grill vegetables for 5-7 minutes per side, or until tender-crisp and slightly charred.
- Serve immediately with chimichurri sauce.
4. Chimichurri Roasted Potatoes:
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Ingredients:
- 1 pound small red potatoes, quartered
- 2 tablespoons olive oil
- 1 teaspoon salt
- 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup store-bought chimichurri sauce
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Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Toss potatoes with olive oil, salt, and pepper.
- Spread potatoes in a single layer on a baking sheet.
- Roast for 20-25 minutes, or until tender.
- Toss potatoes with chimichurri sauce and serve immediately.
5. Simple Grilled Steak with Chimichurri:
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Ingredients:
- 1 (1-inch thick) boneless, skinless beef steak (such as flank steak or skirt steak)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- Salt and pepper to taste
- 1/4 cup store-bought chimichurri sauce
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Instructions:
- Pat the steak dry with paper towels.
- Season steak with salt and pepper.
- Heat grill or grill pan to medium-high heat.
- Grill steak for 2-3 minutes per side for medium-rare, or longer for desired doneness.
- Let steak rest for 5 minutes before slicing.
- Serve immediately with chimichurri sauce.
These are just a few simple examples of how to use chimichurri seasoning to elevate your meals. Remember to adjust the amount of chimichurri to your taste preference.
Remember to:
- Experiment with different proteins: Try chimichurri with chicken, fish, or even tofu.
- Use fresh ingredients: Fresh herbs make a big difference in the flavor of chimichurri.
- Have fun and enjoy the process!
By incorporating chimichurri seasoning into your cooking, you can easily add a burst of vibrant flavor to your everyday meals.