Are you searching for a flavorful, fresh bottle of store-bought chimichurri? You have stumbled on the right page. This delicious parsley-based sauce can elevate your favorite and not-so-favorite dishes.
Here we have calculated every factor, the quality of elements like cilantro, coriander, garlic, vinegar, olive oil content, texture, and affordability. We searched for different brands with these ingredients listed on their labels. But not every jar passed our standards.
It is not a secret that the best way to enjoy this aromatic sauce is to prepare it yourself. But our hand-picked bottles will not come short of flavors. Let us get started to find the best accompaniment for your steaks and dressings!
Contents
Reviews Of The Best Store-Bought Chimichurri Sauce
- Authentic Chimichurri Steak Sauce, Grilling Glaze, Marinade, Dressing and Specialty Spread by Gardel’s – Auténtico (Best Overall)
- Mr. Chimi’s Spicy Churri Sauce – A Cilantro based Chimichurri with Chiltepin Peppers (Our Second Choice)
- EMPANADUS CHIMICHURRI steak sauce (Best Quality and Quantity)
- Badia Chimichurri Steak Sauce with Olive Oil, 8 oz (2 Pack) (Best affordable pick)
- Mama Bay’s Cilantro Chimichurri | Steak Sauce | Chicken Marinade | Salmon Rub | Party Dip | Condiment (The Best Flavors)
- Ricante Tropical Guanabana ChimiChurri Everything Sauce, Keto and Gluten Friendly, Whole 30 Approved (A Sweeter Taste)
1. Authentic Chimichurri Steak Sauce, Grilling Glaze, Marinade, Dressing and Specialty Spread by Gardel’s – Auténtico (Best Overall)
This authentic, versatile chimichurri is our top pick. Gardel’s make this classic, handcrafted chimi from Italian flat-leaf parsley, Mediterranean oregano, red pepper flakes, olive oil, and red wine vinegar.
It has a bright green appearance and a perfect texture for marinating steaks and meat. It also serves well as a condiment.
Marinade your chicken with Gardel’s Authentico for a burst of flavors. The subtle hint of garlic does not make it too smoky but adds a rich, savory flavor.
It can be used to dress too. Its complex flavors make it a perfect dipping sauce for chips and grilled veggies, and it goes well with some crackers and bread. It can be paired with poultry, spread on grilled or baked fish, and even used on pizzas.
Our nutritional consultants are surprised to see all the healthy ingredients bottled up in a perfect spread. Without any added preservatives, it has a shelf life of up to six months after opening.
0.5 pounds of the sauce are packed in a glass jar of dimensions 3.4 x 3.4 x 3.4 inches.
Considering one tablespoon (17 grams) to be the regular serving size, it offers 16 servings per container. It has no trans fat or cholesterol. One can obtain 70 calories, 190mg sodium, 1gram sugar, and 2 grams of carbohydrates in one serving.
What we liked
- It is an authentic Argentinian chimichurri sauce.
- It is versatile and can be used as a marinade or a condiment.
- It is not very hot and spicy.
- It can be used in stews, with chips and grills.
- Its glass packaging is durable, and the sauce stays fresh for a long time.
- It is made without GMO ingredients and preservatives.
What We Didn’t Like
- The vinegar can be a little overpowering.
2. Chimi’s Spicy Churri Sauce – Cilantro-based Chimichurri with Chiltepin Peppers (Our Second Choice)
If you’re looking for a hot and spicy sauce to flavor your food, this is the one. It is crafted from cilantro, garlic, olive oil, onions, apple cider vinegar, and lime. This chimichurri is also laced with chiltepin peppers and jalapenos.
It has a creamy green appearance with speckles of spices floating in it.
It adds a zing to steaks and all types of grilled meat. But the heat does not overwhelm the other natural flavors of this sauce. It has a delicacy that is perfect for pasta and salad dressings.
Partnered with cob, chicken legs, or beef, it brings out an exotic richness in them. It can be used to elevate bland dishes like beans. It has a perfect balance of garlic and cilantro, which works wonders on roasted potatoes and other veggies.
Whip it up with some hung curd and turn it into a spread. Apply it on sandwiches, hotdogs, and burgers. It serves as a dip for chips and nachos.
The sauce arrives in a glass jar with a safe pop-up lid with no added preservatives, and it is gluten-free and vegan. One pound of sauce is presented in the 7.8 x 3.62 x 3.31 inches packaging.
A serving of 2 tablespoons of Mr. Chimi’s has 80 calories, 3 grams of carbohydrates, 210mg sodium, and 1 gram of protein.
What we liked
- It is keto-friendly and vegan.
- It does not contain any artificial flavors.
- No GMOs are used.
- It is mildly spicy.
What We Didn’t Like
- As it has added guar gums for consistency, it may trigger allergies in some people.
3. EMPANADUS CHIMICHURRI steak sauce (Best Quality and Quantity)
This smoky sauce is everything garlic lovers need to purchase. Seasoned with paprika, black pepper, kosher salt, and lemon, Empanadus is a necessary addition to your sauce collection. It is a perfect jar in terms of quality and quantity.
Though traditionally used to marinate steaks, it pairs wonderfully with poultry and seafood. It has become a staple for the fans of Argentinian empanadas. Its tart but herbal flavors symphonize with varieties of meat.
From chicken breasts to a generously cut piece of lamb, it blends in with the natural juices and amplifies the aroma.
The one thing that stands out about Empanadus is its robust garlic which can be used with any savory dish. Marinate some shrimps in the chimi and pop onto a hot pan to sear.
The fragrance wafting from your kitchen would compel the guests to show up. Serve it as an accompaniment to grilled fruits and veggies. Use it as a pasta sauce, and add it to salads as a dressing. This is your go-to chimichurri.
It is shipped in a plastic container of 4.3 x 3.9 x 3.6 inches and has a long shelf life if refrigerated.
It is made without any sugar or preservatives and bottled by hand. Its low calorie and fat content make it a prominent sauce choice among buyers. It contains 1.5 grams of saturated fats and 90mg of sodium per serving.
What we liked
- Its bold flavors.
- The balance of acidity and heat.
- It has no artificial preservatives.
- It’s simple but resistant packaging.
What We Didn’t Like
- The paprika can seem a bit too smoky for some people.
4. Badia Chimichurri Steak Sauce with Olive Oil, 8 oz (2 Pack) (Best affordable pick)
Here is the perfect choice for your budget-friendly requirements. The Badia Chimichurri Steak Sauce is a pack of two, each jar weighing 0.85 pounds.
This chimi is made especially for marinating steaks and delivers a fresh aroma to the meat. It blends well with the steak’s juices, and it can also be added to seafood.
It is ideal for other roasted meats such as pork and ribs. This spread adds a great flavor to burgers as well.
The extra virgin olive oil compliments leafy salads by working as a dressing.
It comes in a durable jar which makes the sauce easy to store. Package dimensions – 4.72 x 4.65 x 2.24 inches.
It is free of gluten, dairy, MSG, cholesterol, and trans fat. It contains 60 calories, 6 grams total fat, and 75mg sodium in one serving (15 grams).
What we liked
- It can be used with almost any type of meat.
- It is very accessible.
- The citric acid adds a tang to dishes.
- It does not contain any cholesterol.
What We Didn’t Like
- It has added preservatives.
5. Mama Bay’s Cilantro Chimichurri | Steak Sauce | Chicken Marinade | Salmon Rub | Party Dip (The Best Flavors)
Mama bay’s chimi is a unique blend of fresh cilantro and lemony goodness. It is enriched with scallions, olive oil, cayenne pepper, vinegar, and garlic. It has an orange-brown appearance.
The tangy sauce is well-known for its versatile utility, and it can work wonders when used as a marinade. Be it chicken, beef, or fish, Mama Bay’s chimichurri is all you would ever need.
It pairs perfectly with salmon, just coat it all over and bake!
Are you bored of eating plain rice? Add this sauce to create an ultimate balance. Children love the sauce with their veggies and beans, and it can also be used on burgers to add a zesty odor.
Mix it with some sour cream or mayonnaise and use it as a dip.
This aromatic sauce will leave you craving for more.
It is a low-fat, low-calorie, vegan dip with no added preservatives. One jar weighs around 1.08 pounds and arrives in a 4.49 x 4.29 x 4.17 inches package.
In one serving (28 grams), one can expect 40 calories, 4 grams of fat, and 12mg of calcium.
What we liked
- It is made from fresh cilantro.
- Artificial preservatives are not used.
- It adds the best taste to all kinds of seafood and meats.
- It is excellent for baking.
What We Didn’t Like
- The tangy flavor can dominate other aromas. It is not recommended for people who don’t like sour dishes.
6. Ricante Tropical Guanabana ChimiChurri Everything Sauce, Keto and Gluten Friendly, Whole 30 Approved (A Sweeter Taste)
Not your traditional chimichurri, Ricante is a sweet-sour-spicy sauce. Deviating from the characteristic green color and herby flavor, this chimi offers fresh Costa Rican fruits and habanero chilis in a reddish-brown appearance.
Derived from newly harvested soursop, seasoned with garlic, orange, and apple cider vinegar, Ricante has perfected the balance of different flavors.
It can be used as a marinade for meats and steaks, meat, and fish, adding garlic and a kick of spicy chili to the proteins.
This chimi tastes the best when paired with burritos, tortilla chips, and grilled fruits. Use it as a condiment to add a unique taste to your salads.
When brushed on seafood like cod and shrimp, it creates flavors that will dance in your mouth.
Use it as a condiment to add a unique taste to your salads. It also goes well with pizza (pineapple specifically).
It is rich in antioxidants, minerals, and vitamin C. The sauce is gluten-free and low-calorie. It contains 1 gram of fat and 75mg of sodium per serving.
Bottled up in a glass of 8.9 x 3.15 x 3.15 inches, it preserves its taste when refrigerated.
What we liked
- Fresh, tropical fruits are used.
- Soursop adds a unique taste.
- It can be used in savory as well as some sweet dishes.
- It is keto and gluten-friendly.
What We Didn’t Like
- It can cause bloating of the intestines in some people because it uses xantham gum as a thickener.
Things To Consider Before Purchasing Chimichurri Sauce
Type Of Food
Before buying the sauce, finalize the food in which you’d add it. Some sauces go well with meats and seafood, while others work as condiments and salad dressings. Based on what you’re cooking (or if you’re not), select the best chimi for you.
Your Taste
Some people like a tang in their sauce, while others prefer spiciness and bold flavors. If you are not acquainted with a sharp cilantro flavor, go with a parsley-based sauce.
Check the label for the ingredients and ensure that the chimichurri contains the right ingredients to satisfy your tastebuds.
The Price
Chimichurri sauce is abundant in the market. One of the most effective ways to narrow down your choices is to determine a budget.
It’ll not only keep you from spending extra but also introduce you to some reasonably priced products which are often overlooked.
The wide range of the prices is because of the varying quality of herbs and olive oil used in making the chimichurri.
What Do We Mean By These Terms?
Here is a brief description of what we mean by the following terms while describing the chimichurri sauce:
GMO ingredients – Plants/organisms whose genetic material is modified fall under GMOs. The sauces listed above are devoid of any such ingredients.
Heat/smoky – It is the measure of the spiciness of the chimichurri sauce.
Acidic/zesty – Sauces described as acidic or zesty carry a fresh flavor reminiscent of lemons.
Robust – These sauces have bold, well-defined flavors that may overpower other elements of the dish.
Keto-friendly – These are the sauces best suitable for those who follow a keto, low-carb diet.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What herbs and spices are used to make chimichurri sauce?
Chimichurri sauce is an uncooked sauce, primarily made from parsley. Other seasonings vary though the most commonly used are garlic, red wine vinegar, salt, black pepper, and olive oil. ‘
Sometimes sunflower is also used instead of olive oil. A combination of both will add a unique smell to the sauce. Some recipes use shallots and lemon to provide a tang. Some sweeter versions of the sauce utilize the flavors of tropical fruits.
What are some popular varieties of chimichurri?
You can find an assorted collection of different chimichurris in the market. Some of the most popular are –
- Jalapeno chimichurri
- Kale chimichurri
- Smoky red pepper chimichurri
- Sun-dried tomato chimichurri (a red version)
- Mint chimichurri
How to store chimichurri sauce?
You can store homemade chimichurri in the refrigerator for up to a week after opening.
If you wish to preserve it for a longer time, deep freeze it in a plastic/freezer bag. The vinegar in the sauce acts as a natural preservative. Therefore store-bought sauce will retain the taste for up to 2-3 weeks. Stow it towards the back of the freezer to prevent thawing.
How can chimichurri sauce be added to dishes?
Chimichurri is an extremely versatile sauce. It is used to marinate steaks, meats, fish, and poultry. It works well as a salad dressing and topping. If mixed with sour cream or mayo, it can also be used as a dip.
The Bottom Line
Chimichurri sauce is a jack of all sauces. It has gained immense popularity in recent years because of its distinct, exotic flavors.
If added in the right proportions to a dish, the sauce can turn the tables. It intensifies the subtlety of meat and enhances its flavor when used as a marinade.
It can also be brushed over grilled and baked proteins, fruits, and veggies as a final condiment.
The sauce compliments crackers, nachos, and toasted bread by adding a kick. Its use as a salad dressing is not a secret.
But selecting the correct chimichurri can be difficult because of many options. Choosing the right flavors which escalate your dishes is the crucial step.
All the six varieties that we have listed here fulfill the conditions of a good store-bought chimichurri sauce.
Nevertheless, Authentic Chimichurri Steak Sauce, Grilling Glaze, Marinade, Dressing, and Specialty Spread by Gardel’s – Auténtico is our conclusive and favorite pick.
It is the most versatile, luscious sauce which can be incorporated into any savory dish. It is easily accessible at an affordable rate.