For everything from Mexican food to grilled meats and salad dressings, for cilantro lovers this Cilantro Sauce is the ultimate condiment for jazzing up your food! Super quick and easy to make, this cilantro sauce recipe comes together in less than 5 minutes and keeps for several days.
The cilantro I planted in my garden last year did better than ever. It overwintered beautifully and is growing strong again. I was brainstorming what to do with large amounts of cilantro and whipped up this sauce that will definitely be a regular from now on.
Are you a cilantro lover or hater? Most likely if you’re taking the time to read this it’s because you like cilantro. But we all know people who can’t tolerate the stuff. And before we judge them too harshly, did you know it’s their genes that are to blame for that? That’s right, it’s not that they’re picky eaters (well, they may be that too but that’s not the reason!), it’s actually genetic. There’s a small percentage of the population that have a variation in their olfactory-receptor genes that causes them to be extra sensitive to the aldehydes in cilantro that create a perceived “soapy” flavor. And to be fair, if something tasted like soap to me I wouldn’t want to eat it either!
But fortunately for the rest of us we’re able to appreciate the delicious flavor element that cilantro contributes to food. And for the cilantro lover this cilantro sauce is unparalleled. Paired with fresh cilantro is the bright tanginess of lime juice, the spicy earthiness of garlic, and the sweetness of honey. It’s an incredible delicious way to jazz up your food!
How to Use Cilantro Sauce
This is the ultimate condiment for practically anything Mexican. Drizzle it over your beef, chicken, pork, fish and shrimp tacos, taco salads, carnitas, chilaquiles, burritos, tamales, taquitos, empanadas, gorditas, enchiladas, flautas, quesadillas, nachos, huevos rancheros, and more. I also like to add a dollop of it to pozole rojo for some fresh contrast to the deep smoky notes of the stew.
It’s delicious on sandwiches and wraps, mixed in to your pasta, potato and egg salads, served with roasted or grilled chicken, pork, beef and fish, as a dip for grilled shrimp and veggies, or drizzled on a juicy burger. It’s also delicious as a marinade or salad dressing. And for a creamy salad dressing or cilantro aioli simply mix in some mayonnaise and/or Greek yogurt. For a simple and delicious side dish, stir some cilantro sauce into your steamed rice.
Anything that can benefit from a little freshening and jazzing up, this cilantro sauce is it!
How Long Does Cilantro Sauce Keep?
Cilantro sauce is best eaten very fresh while the flavors are at their most vibrant, within a day or two. But stored in an airtight container it will keep in the fridge for up to 5 days.
Cilantro Sauce Recipe
Let’s get started!
Place all of the ingredients in a small food processor or a blender and pulse/blend until the mixture is smooth.
Transfer the cilantro sauce to an airtight non-reactive container and store in the fridge until ready to use. Best eaten the same day or within 2 days but will keep for up to 5 days.
Enjoy!
For more delicious sauces to add life and flavor to your food, be sure to try our:
- Romesco Sauce
- Jerk Sauce
- Ginger Sauce
- Teriyaki Sauce
- Bearnaise Sauce
- Remoulade
- Yum Yum Sauce
- Sweet and Sour Sauce
Cilantro Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup roughly chopped cilantro (about one bunch)
- 1/4 cup extra virgin olive oil
- 2 tablespoons lime juice
- 1 clove garlic
- 1 teaspoon honey (vegan: use agave syrup)
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
Instructions
- Place all of the ingredients in a small food processor or a blender and pulse/blend until the mixture is smooth.Transfer the cilantro sauce to an airtight non-reactive container and store in the fridge until ready to use. Best eaten the same day or within 2 days but will keep for up to 5 days.Makes approximately 1/2 cup cilantro sauce.
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