Chipotle Red Chimichurri Sauce – Spicy, Bold & Easy to Make!

Table of Contents: Chipotle Red Chimichurri Sauce

Chipotle Red Chimichurri Sauce

CHIPOTLE RED CHIMICHURRI SAUCE: A Flavorful Kick for Your Kitchen!

Remember those vibrant flavors of travel? The zest of a perfectly grilled meal enjoyed with friends and family? Well, you don’t need a plane ticket to recapture that feeling! This Chipotle Red Chimichurri Sauce brings a bold, smoky, and slightly spicy taste of Mexico right to your table. It’s a surprisingly easy recipe that elevates everything from simple chicken to a festive holiday roast. If you’re looking to add a little excitement to your cooking, this is the sauce for you.

This isn’t your grandmother’s parsley sauce (though she might just love it!). We’re taking the classic chimichurri concept and giving it a delicious Mexican twist. Forget bland dinners – this smoky chimichurri is a game-changer. It’s a spicy red herb sauce packed with fresh cilantro, a hint of citrus, and the irresistible warmth of chipotle peppers. It’s incredibly versatile, perfect for drizzling over grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even adding a zesty punch to eggs. Whether you’re hosting a holiday gathering, enjoying a relaxed family dinner, or just want to spice up a weeknight meal, this Mexican chimichurri will become a new favorite.

This recipe is designed for ease and maximum flavor. It’s a fantastic way to introduce a little heat and complexity to your cooking without spending hours in the kitchen. The beauty of chimichurri lies in its simplicity – fresh ingredients, a little acid, and a whole lot of flavor. And with the addition of chipotle, it’s a truly unforgettable experience.

Alternate Names & Variations

You might also find this recipe referred to as Salsa Chimichurri Roja, Chipotle Herb Sauce, or simply Red Chimichurri. While traditional chimichurri is green, this version utilizes red pepper flakes and chipotle powder for a different flavor profile. For a milder version, you can reduce the amount of chipotle powder and red pepper flakes. Some variations also include roasted red peppers for added sweetness and depth. If you enjoy a smoky flavor, exploring different types of smoky chimichurri is a great way to expand your culinary horizons.

Ingredients: Chipotle Red Chimichurri Sauce

Here’s what you’ll need to create this vibrant sauce:

• * 1 whole bulb garlic (approximately 10-12 cloves), minced
• * 1 tablespoon lemon juice (freshly squeezed is best!)
• * 1 tablespoon lime juice (again, fresh is key)
• * 2 tablespoons red wine vinegar
• * 2 tablespoons McCormick chili powder
• * 1/2 teaspoon chipotle powder
• * 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes (adjust to your spice preference)
• * 1 teaspoon salt
• * 1/4 cup vegetable oil (olive oil can be used for a more robust flavor)
• * 1/3 cup finely minced cilantro (fresh, please!)

Step-by-Step Instructions

1. Mince the Garlic: Start by mincing the entire bulb of garlic. Don’t be shy – garlic is the foundation of this flavor! A garlic press works well, or you can finely chop it by hand. Chef’s Tip: For a milder garlic flavor, blanch the minced garlic in boiling water for 30 seconds, then drain and rinse with cold water.

2. Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium-sized bowl, whisk together the lemon juice, lime juice, and red wine vinegar. The acidity will balance the richness of the oil and the heat of the peppers.

3. Add Spices: Add the chili powder, chipotle powder, red pepper flakes, and salt to the bowl with the citrus and vinegar. Whisk until well combined. Chef’s Tip: Taste the spice mixture at this stage and adjust the chipotle powder and red pepper flakes to your desired level of heat.

4. Slowly Stream in Oil: While whisking constantly, slowly drizzle in the vegetable oil. This will emulsify the sauce, creating a smooth and cohesive texture. Continue whisking until the sauce is well combined and slightly thickened.

5. Incorporate the Garlic: Add the minced garlic to the sauce and stir well. Allow the garlic to sit in the sauce for at least 10-15 minutes to mellow its flavor and infuse the sauce with its aroma.

6. Stir in Cilantro: Finally, gently fold in the finely minced cilantro. Be careful not to overmix, as this can bruise the cilantro and dull its vibrant green color.

7. Taste and Adjust: Give the chipotle red chimichurri sauce a final taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. You might want to add a little more salt, lemon juice, or chipotle powder to achieve your perfect balance of flavors.

Recipe Card Block (Quick Reference)

This Chipotle Red Chimichurri Sauce comes together in under 20 minutes! Prep time is approximately 10 minutes, and there’s no actual cooking involved, making it a super quick and easy recipe. Total time is around 15 minutes. This recipe yields approximately 1 cup of sauce, serving 4-6 people. Approximate calories per tablespoon are around 80-100, depending on the oil used.

Why This Recipe Works & Expert Tips

This recipe works because it’s all about balance. The bright acidity of the lemon and lime juice cuts through the richness of the oil, while the chili powder and chipotle powder provide a warm, smoky heat. The garlic adds a pungent depth, and the cilantro brings a fresh, herbaceous note. It’s a symphony of flavors that complement a wide variety of dishes.

Using a whole bulb of garlic might seem excessive, but it mellows beautifully as it sits in the sauce. Don’t skimp on the fresh cilantro – it’s essential for that authentic chimichurri flavor. This sauce is perfect for those looking for easy comfort food for family dinners with a little kick. It’s also a fantastic make-ahead condiment, allowing the flavors to meld and deepen over time.

Storage, Freezing, and Reheating Tips

Leftover chipotle red chimichurri sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. The color may fade slightly over time, but the flavor will remain delicious. For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag and store for up to 3 months. This is a great way to have a small amount of Mexican chimichurri on hand whenever you need it.

To reheat, simply thaw the frozen cubes or let the refrigerated sauce come to room temperature. You can also gently warm it in a saucepan over low heat, but avoid boiling, as this can diminish the fresh flavors.

People Also Ask: Chipotle Red Chimichurri Sauce

How do you make chipotle red chimichurri sauce?

Making this chipotle red chimichurri sauce is incredibly simple! You start by mincing a whole bulb of garlic and combining it with fresh lemon and lime juice, red wine vinegar, and a blend of spices including chili powder, chipotle powder, and red pepper flakes. Then, you slowly whisk in vegetable oil to emulsify the sauce. Finally, you stir in the fresh cilantro. The key is to let the garlic sit in the sauce for a bit to mellow its flavor and allow all the ingredients to meld together. It’s a quick and easy process that delivers a huge flavor punch!

What is the difference between green and red chimichurri?

The primary difference between green and red chimichurri lies in the herbs and peppers used. Traditional green chimichurri is made with a large amount of fresh parsley, while this recipe focuses on cilantro for a spicy red herb sauce. Red chimichurri, like this chipotle red chimichurri sauce, incorporates ingredients like smoked paprika, chipotle powder, and red pepper flakes to create a smoky, spicy, and vibrant red color. Both versions share the same base of oil, vinegar, and garlic, but the flavor profiles are distinctly different.

Is chipotle chimichurri very spicy?

The spice level of this chipotle chimichurri is adjustable! The recipe calls for 1/4 teaspoon of red pepper flakes, which provides a mild to moderate heat. However, you can easily increase or decrease the amount of red pepper flakes and chipotle powder to suit your preference. If you’re sensitive to spice, start with a smaller amount of chipotle powder and taste as you go. Remember, a little goes a long way!

What meats go well with chipotle chimichurri?

This chipotle red chimichurri sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a wide range of meats. It’s particularly delicious with grilled steak, chicken, pork, and even lamb. The smoky heat of the chipotle complements the richness of the meat perfectly. It also works wonders with fish, especially grilled or pan-seared salmon or tuna. Don’t limit yourself to meat, though – it’s fantastic with roasted vegetables, eggs, or as a spread for sandwiches and wraps!

Conclusion: Chipotle Red Chimichurri Sauce

So there you have it – a vibrant, flavorful, and surprisingly easy Chipotle Red Chimichurri Sauce that will elevate your cooking to new heights. Don’t be afraid to experiment with the spice level and adjust the ingredients to your liking. I encourage you to give this recipe a try and let me know what you think! Share your creations with me in the comments below, and tell me what you’re pairing it with. Happy cooking!

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