Aji Verde Recipe Zingy Peruvian Green Sauce

Culinary adventures often spark unexpected delights with aji verde, a vibrant Peruvian green sauce that dances across your palate.

Peppers and herbs mingle in this zesty condiment, creating a flavor explosion.

Peruvian kitchens have long celebrated this magical blend of fresh ingredients.

Bold and bright, the sauce brings remarkable depth to countless dishes.

Cilantro and jalapeños combine in a symphony of tangy goodness.

Creamy yet punchy, aji verde promises to revolutionize your meal preparation.

You’ll want to drizzle this emerald wonder on everything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables.

Prepare to transform ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences with this sensational sauce.

Why Aji Verde Adds Zing to Every Bite

• Elevate multiple dishes from grilled meats to roasted vegetables, sandwiches, and salads with this zesty Peruvian-inspired green sauce that packs a punch of herbaceous goodness.
• Store conveniently in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it an ideal meal prep companion that saves time and adds excitement to everyday cooking.
• Packed with fresh herbs and clean ingredients, this sauce offers a nutritious way to transform bland meals into vibrant, restaurant-quality experiences without complicated techniques.

What You’ll Need for Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce)

• Cilantro, Jalapeño Peppers: Fresh herbs that provide bright, spicy green color and zesty flavor profile with a kick of heat.

• Garlic Cloves: Adds sharp, pungent base flavor with aromatic depth; choose fresh, firm cloves.

• Mayonnaise, Sour Cream: Creates smooth, creamy texture and provides tangy richness; full-fat versions recommended for best consistency.

• Salt, Black Pepper: Fundamental flavor boosters that balance and brighten the sauce; use kosher or sea salt for cleaner taste.

• Lime Juice: Fresh citrus that adds vibrant tanginess and helps balance the rich, creamy elements; always use freshly squeezed for best flavor.

• Serrano Pepper: Extra option for more intense heat if jalapeños aren't spicy enough; remove seeds for milder sauce.

Making Aji Verde Like a Peruvian Pro

Step 1: Prepare Pepper and Herbs

Remove stems from jalapeños and roughly chop. Wash cilantro and pat dry with paper towels. Peel garlic cloves.

Step 2: Blend Sauce Components

Toss all ingredients into a blender or food processor. Start blending at low speed, gradually increasing to high. Pause occasionally to scrape down sauce from sides of container.

Step 3: Adjust Flavor Profile

Taste the sauce and fine-tune seasonings. Add extra salt, lime juice, or pepper as needed to balance flavors. The consistency should be smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Store and Serve

Transfer sauce to a clean glass jar or container with tight-fitting lid. Refrigerate immediately. Sauce stays fresh for up to one week. Serve chilled as a dip, marinade, or condiment for grilled meats, tacos, or roasted vegetables.

Tips for Blending Aji Verde Just Right

• Maximize Freshness: Use fresh cilantro and jalapeños for the most vibrant, authentic flavor profile of this Peruvian sauce.
• Control Spice Level: Remove jalapeño seeds for a milder sauce or keep them for extra heat, adjusting to your personal preference.
• Achieve Smooth Texture: Blend ingredients thoroughly, pausing to scrape down sides, ensuring a creamy, well-integrated sauce without chunks.
• Boost Versatility: Use as a marinade for grilled meats, drizzle over roasted vegetables, or serve as a dipping sauce for a multi-purpose condiment.
• Storage Hack: Store in an airtight container with a thin layer of olive oil on top to prevent discoloration and extend refrigerator life up to one week.

Keeping Aji Verde Fresh for Later

• Store aji verde in an airtight container, keeping it fresh in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Seal tightly to prevent air exposure and flavor loss.
• Give the sauce a quick stir before serving, as natural ingredients might slightly separate during storage.
• Transfer sauce to a freezer-safe container, leaving a little space at the top. Freeze for up to 3 months, thawing in the refrigerator overnight before use.
• Let the sauce come to room temperature naturally. Avoid microwaving, which can change the texture and potentially break the emulsion.

Foods That Work Well with Aji Verde

• Perfect Pairings for Aji Verde
• Pair this zesty green sauce with grilled chicken, steak, or fish to complement its bright, herbal flavors and add a kick of heat.
• Drizzle over roasted potatoes, sweet potato wedges, or plantain chips for a creamy, tangy dipping experience that transforms simple sides.
• Use as a vibrant spread for sandwiches, wraps, or tacos to instantly upgrade your lunch with Peruvian-inspired zestiness.
• Serve as a dipping sauce for empanadas, grilled vegetables, or use as a condiment to add excitement to any meal with its fresh, green punch.

Tasty Twists on Classic Aji Verde

• Dairy-Free Delight: Swap yogurt with coconut cream for a plant-based version that maintains creamy texture while catering to dairy-free diets.
• Spice Spectrum: Reduce jalapeño for mild heat or add habanero for intense kick, allowing customization based on personal spice tolerance.
• Herb Harmony: Substitute cilantro with parsley or mint for different flavor profiles, perfect for those who dislike cilantro's taste.
• Low-Sodium Option: Use salt-free herb blends and reduce added salt, making the sauce heart-healthy without compromising flavor intensity.

Aji Verde FAQs for the Curious Cook

• What are the key flavor components of Aji Verde?

The sauce combines jalapeños, cilantro, garlic, and lime juice, creating a bright, spicy, and tangy green condiment typical of Peruvian cuisine.

• Is this sauce very spicy?

The heat level depends on the jalapeños used. You can control spiciness by removing seeds or using fewer peppers for a milder version.

• What dishes pair well with Aji Verde?

It’s fantastic with grilled meats, seafood, roasted vegetables, as a dipping sauce, or a vibrant topping for tacos, sandwiches, and grain bowls.

• Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes, you can prepare Aji Verde up to a week in advance and store it in a sealed container in the refrigerator, which can help the flavors meld and intensify.

Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) Recipe

---

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.6 from 19 reviews

• Total Time: 10 minutes
• Yield: 4 1x

Print Recipe

Pin Recipe

Description

Zesty Peruvian Aji Verde dances with bold cilantro and jalapeño flavors, creating a creamy green condiment that elevates any dish. Drizzle this tangy sauce over grilled meats, tacos, or roasted vegetables for an instant flavor boost.

---

Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Main Ingredients:

• 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (packed)
• 2 jalapeno peppers, stemmed (seeds removed for less heat)
• ½ cup mayonnaise
• ¼ cup crumbled queso fresco or grated Parmesan cheese

Flavor Enhancers:

• 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
• 1 clove garlic
• 1 tablespoon olive oil

Seasoning:

• ¼ teaspoon salt

Cook Mode Prevent your screen from going dark

---

Instructions

1. Gather fresh jalapeños, cilantro, garlic, queso fresco, olive oil, lime juice, and salt in your blender.
2. Pulse ingredients thoroughly, ensuring all components are evenly integrated and no large chunks remain.
3. Stop blending periodically to scrape down the container walls, guaranteeing a consistent, silky texture.
4. Sample the sauce, carefully balancing the flavor profile by incrementally adding more salt or citrus juice to achieve desired tanginess.
5. Transfer the vibrant green sauce to an airtight container, which preserves its freshness and zesty character.
6. Refrigerate immediately, where the condiment will maintain its robust flavor for approximately seven days.
7. Before serving, give the sauce a quick stir to reincorporate any natural separation that might occur during storage.

Notes

• Customize heat levels by adjusting jalapeño quantity, removing seeds for milder sauce or adding extra for spicier kick.
• Achieve ultra-smooth texture by blending ingredients on high speed for an extra 30-45 seconds, ensuring no chunky bits remain.
• Transform into a lighter version by substituting part of the mayonnaise with Greek yogurt, reducing calories while maintaining creamy consistency.
• Extend storage life by adding a thin layer of olive oil on top before sealing container, which helps prevent discoloration and maintains fresh flavor profile.

• Prep Time: 10 minutes
• Cook Time: 0 minutes
• Category: Appetizer, Snacks
• Method: Blending
• Cuisine: Peruvian

Nutrition

• Serving Size: 4
• Calories: 400
• Sugar: 3g
• Sodium: 350mg
• Fat: 24g
• Saturated Fat: 4g
• Unsaturated Fat: 20g
• Trans Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 40g
• Fiber: 5g
• Protein: 10g
• Cholesterol: 15mg