Chimichurri, a refreshingly tangy and fresh sauce, is perfect for summer grilling. It is an Argentine tradition and is often used to condiment grilled meats.
This condiment often contains fresh parsley and oregano, garlic and red chilies (optional, if you don’t like spice), olive oil, red vinegar, sea salt.
There are many variations that you can make depending on your preferences and the resources you have.
Although it’s easy to make, you can end up with a large batch. This raises the question: what do you do with the leftovers?
Can you freeze chimichurri? Yes, you can! It is possible. You can portion it into the desired portions. Make sure you seal your container tightly and allow enough room for it to expand after it has been frozen.
For the best ways to freeze chimichurri, read on!
Can Chimichurri Be Frozen?
Although chimichurri tastes best fresh, there are some great ways to store leftovers. You can preserve the freshness of leftover chimichurri sauce by freezing it the day you make it.
There are several options available depending on what ingredients you have and how large the portions that you wish to freeze. Chimichurri will keep for 6 months once it has been frozen.
Freezing Chimichurri in Ice Cube Trays
1. Your ice cube tray should be cleaned and dried.
2. The tray should be filled about 3/4 full with chimichurri.
3. To set, place it in the freezer for at least one night.
4. To prevent freezing burn, transfer your chimichurri cubes once they are set.
5. For optimal freshness, label your bag with the date and contents.
Freezing Chimichurri In Containers
You can freeze chimichurri sauce in large portions using plastic containers or glass bottles.
1. You should choose the right size container for storage. The container should be large enough to hold the chimichurri that you are using at once.
2. Your chimichurri should fill your container to 3/4 of its capacity
3. Put a piece of plastic wrap on top of the sauce. Press it down to make sure the chimichurri is completely covered.
4. Seal the container
5. Write the contents and date on a piece masking tape. Attach it to your container.
6. Keep in the freezer for at least 3 months .
Freezing Chimichurri In Freezer Bags
You can also freeze chimichurri in a freezer bag. These bags are ideal if you have limited freezer space as they can be folded flattened and stacked to make storage easy.
1. You should ensure that you have freezer bags. To prevent freezer burn, they will be stronger.
2. The bags should be filled to about half the level with chimichurri.
3. Zip the bag around 3/4 closed and then place it on its side. Press the chimichurri flat gently and seal the bag.
4. You have two options: write on the bag directly with a marker, or use masking tape to record the contents and date.
5. Put the bag in the freezer. Make sure you use your chimichurri no later than 3-6 months.
How long can you keep Chimichurri for?
When you cook with fresh herbs and spices, the shelf life of your product will be shorter than if it is packaged.
Fresh condiments are the best. Learn how to preserve them, and how they can last so you don’t waste any of your wonderful kitchen creations.
You can store a batch of chimichurri in the refrigerator for 4 to 5 days. It is made with fresh herbs and may lose some of its brightness after a few days.
You can freeze your sauce if you aren’t sure you’ll be able to consume it all within a few days.
It will taste best if it is used within 3 months . However, it will still be tasty 6 months after being frozen.
How can you tell if your Chimichurri is bad?
Chimichurri that has been stored in the refrigerator will begin to darken over time as the herbs are broken down.
Oil can also go rancid and start to smell bad. Your sauce may taste bitter if these things occur.
It can also become spoiled if you don’t use clean utensils when removing it from the container.
This can lead to contamination and can result in the growth of bacteria and mold. Throw away any sauce that has pungent odors, other than from garlic, herbs, or mold. To avoid getting sick
How do you defrost Chimichurri
Once you have properly frozen your chimichurri it is time to learn how you can defrost it so that it retains as much flavor as possible.
Chimichurri should only be defrosted gently. You don’t want any heat while it thaws because it is made with fresh herbs.
For best results, I suggest taking your chimichurri from the freezer and letting it sit in the fridge overnight.
You can also fill a bowl with cold (not hot) water if you are in a hurry. Allow the chimichurri to cool in the bowl for several hours before placing it in the bowl.
Is Chimichurri supposed to be Sour?
Chimichurri uses red wine vinegar to give it its deliciously tart flavor. It is flavored with fresh herbs and garlic, which gives it a mildly spicy, sour, herbaceous flavor.
It’s similar to pesto but without the cream cheese or crunchy pine nuts.
Remember that great chimichurri must still be separated oil and herbs. If you make it from scratch, you won’t want it to be pureed in your food processor.
You can adjust the sweetness or bitterness of the olive oil to balance the strong taste. To enhance the flavor, I add maple syrup or honey.
Is Chimichurri Better Made In Advance?
You want your chimichurri flavorful, whether you are serving it to friends or family members. It is best to prepare your chimichurri at the least two hours before you intend on eating it.
Preparing your sauce several hours ahead of time allows it to fully blend and soften some of the garlic and fresh herbs.
To keep it fresh, make sure you store it in the refrigerator while it’s still sitting.
You can make it the night ahead and keep it in the refrigerator overnight. The flavors will come together even though it will be fresh.
What can I do with leftover Chimichurri?
There are many delicious ways to make chimichurri fresh, rather than freezing it.
1. It’s a great alternative to a pasta salad this summer.
2. It can be used as a sandwich spread. It’s a creamy spread that I prefer to add a little mayonnaise to, but you can use it just as it is.
3. Roasted potatoes are a favorite food of mine, and dipping the potatoes in chimichurri elevates them to a new level of deliciousness.
4. Add some sauce to your scrambled eggs once they are cooked. This will add an extra flavor boost.
5. Spread chimichurri onto slices of baguette and top with your favorite cheese. Broil for a few minutes to create a new version of garlic bread.
6. Spread it on your pizza after you remove it from the oven. This will give it a fresh, herbaceous flavor.
7. Make a cold potato salad by mixing chimichurri and mayo. This adds fresh flavor to what can be a heavy dish.
These are only suggestions. Chimichurri can be used in so many ways that it is practically limitless.
