Description
Chimichurri butter is a flavorful and aromatic butter infused with garlic, fresh herbs, and a touch of red wine vinegar. This versatile condiment is perfect for enhancing steaks, roast beef, cooked vegetables, and various proteins, offering a vibrant, zesty twist to your dishes with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Butter Base
- 125g / 1 stick (8 tbsp) unsalted butter
- 3/4 tsp cooking salt / kosher salt (reduce by 30% for table salt, increase by 30% for flakes)
Flavorings
- 3 tsp garlic, finely minced (3 - 4 cloves)
- 1 tsp large red chilli, deseeded and finely minced (or Birds Eye/Thai chili for extra spicy)
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar (or lemon juice)
- 1/4 cup finely minced parsley leaves (about 1 cup whole leaves before chopping)
- 2 tbsp fresh oregano, finely minced
Instructions
- Sauté the butter and aromatics: Melt the butter with the salt in a pan over medium heat. Add the finely minced garlic and red chili, sautéing gently until the garlic turns very light golden, about 30 seconds. This step infuses the butter with the rich flavors of garlic and chili without burning them.
- Incorporate the herbs: Remove the pan from heat and allow the mixture to cool for at least 5 minutes. Once cooled, stir in the finely minced parsley, oregano, and red wine vinegar just before serving. The cooling prevents the herbs from wilting and maintains their fresh flavor.
- Serve warm: Use the chimichurri butter while melted and warm. Spoon it over steak, roast beef slices, cooked vegetables, or other cooked proteins like fish, chicken, prawns, or pork for an elevated flavor experience.
- Make ahead option: The garlic butter base can be prepared in advance and stored. Before serving, melt to liquify, then stir in the fresh parsley and oregano to maintain freshness and vibrance.
Notes
- Adjust the salt type and amount based on your preference: reduce if using table salt, increase if using flaky salt for texture.
- For more heat, use Birds Eye or Thai chilies instead of large red chili.
- Chimichurri butter is best used warm and freshly prepared but can be stored for next-day use after reheating.
- This butter pairs exceptionally well with grilled or roasted meats and adds a fresh herbal kick to steamed or roasted vegetables.
