Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) Recipe
Get ready to fall in love with Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce), the brilliantly vibrant, creamy green condiment that steals the show at any Peruvian table. This sauce isn’t just another dip – it’s a flavor-bomb of fresh cilantro, zesty lime, a gentle kick from jalapeños, and an irresistible richness from tangy sour cream and Parm. While it’s best known as the secret weapon alongside rotisserie chicken, you’ll soon want to drizzle, dip, or dollop it on everything from crisp veggies to fried potatoes. Let’s dive into just how easy it is to bring this addictive sauce home!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) comes from a few humble yet essential ingredients, each playing a starring role in its bold color, creamy texture, and unforgettable taste. Don’t skimp on freshness here – it makes all the difference!
- Fresh cilantro: The heart and soul of Aji Verde, providing that brilliant green color and herbal punch.
- Jalapeños: Seed them for a milder experience, or keep the seeds for more heat—your call!
- Mayonnaise: This gives body and richness, creating the sauce’s signature creamy texture.
- Sour cream: Adds a luscious tang and helps balance out the spice.
- Grated Parmesan cheese: The secret umami boost, lending a nutty, salty depth.
- Fresh lime juice: Brightens everything up and ties the flavors together with zesty acidity.
- Olive oil: Smooths the blend and delivers that silky finish.
- Garlic cloves: Adds a hit of savory sharpness—just two will do the trick!
- Salt: Essential for pulling all the flavors into focus.
- Black pepper: For just a hint of warmth to round it all out.
How to Make Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce)
Step 1: Prep Your Ingredients
Before you get blending, set yourself up for saucy success by gathering and prepping each component. Give the cilantro a rinse and shake (you want it clean and dry!), stem and seed your jalapeños, and have that lime juice squeezed and ready. A little mise en place goes a long way toward a velvety Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce).
Step 2: Add Everything to the Blender
Pile the cilantro leaves, jalapeños, mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper into your blender or food processor. Don’t stress about layering – as long as everything is in, you’re good to go!
Step 3: Blend Until Creamy and Vivid
Crank your blender on high and watch the ingredients magically transform into the famous emerald-green sauce. You’ll likely need to stop and scrape the sides once or twice to ensure everything emulsifies beautifully. Aim for a smooth, pourable consistency – a splash of water can help if it’s too thick.
Step 4: Taste and Tweak
This is your chance to make the Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) truly your own. Taste a spoonful—want more heat? Leave some jalapeño seeds or add a dab of aji amarillo paste. Too tangy? Add a touch more mayo or sour cream. Salt, acid, heat, and creaminess are all in your hands.
Step 5: Chill or Serve Right Away
Your vibrant sauce is ready! For the very best flavor, refrigerate it for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld. But honestly, nobody will judge if you swipe a fry through it immediately. Either way, it’s irresistible.
How to Serve Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce)
Garnishes
For a truly stunning table presentation, sprinkle your Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) with extra chopped cilantro, a few thin jalapeño slices, or a dusting of Parmesan. These little touches not only look beautiful but also hint at the bold flavors within.
Side Dishes
This sauce was made to mingle! Traditionally, it’s paired with golden Peruvian roast chicken, but don’t stop there. Drizzle it over roasted potatoes, tuck it into sandwiches, or use it as a creamy dip for fresh veggies and even crispy yucca fries. It easily elevates leftovers and brightens weeknight meals.
Creative Ways to Present
Take things up a notch by spooning Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) into little ramekins for platter-style dipping, or swirl it on plates as an herby bed for grilled shrimp or steak. Hosting brunch? Try drizzling it over eggs or avocado toast for a zingy twist.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) in an airtight container in the fridge; the flavors will actually deepen a bit over a day or two. It stays fresh and punchy for up to 4–5 days—just give it a good stir before serving, as it can separate a little.
Freezing
While the sauce is best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) if needed. Pour it into a freezer-safe container, leaving room for expansion, and freeze for up to one month. Thaw overnight in the fridge, and note that the texture may change slightly—stirring or a quick re-blend helps bring it back together.
Reheating
Since this sauce isn’t cooked, there’s no need to reheat—just bring it to room temperature for the brightest flavor and silkiest texture. If you’ve frozen it, stir or blend to re-emulsify before serving.
FAQs
What if I want it spicier?
You totally control the heat! Keep some or all of the jalapeño seeds, or toss in a bit of traditional aji amarillo paste if you have it. For the truly bold, even a small serrano pepper can join the mix.
Can I make Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) vegan?
Absolutely! Swap the mayonnaise and sour cream for plant-based versions and use nutritional yeast in place of Parmesan. The result is every bit as lush and flavorful.
Do I have to use Parmesan cheese?
While Parmesan adds a delicious savory note, you can experiment—try queso fresco for a classic Peruvian vibe, or skip it entirely if you prefer a lighter, dairy-free sauce.
How long does Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) last in the fridge?
Stored properly in a sealed container, it stays fresh for about 4 to 5 days. Just give it a quick stir before serving to remix any separated oil or liquid.
What dishes pair best with this sauce?
It’s divine over roast chicken (especially Peruvian pollo a la brasa), roasted or fried potatoes, grilled veggies, steak, shrimp, or even simple rice bowls. Honestly, once you taste it, you’ll want to put it on everything!
Final Thoughts
Once you’ve tried making Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) at home, it quickly becomes a staple you’ll crave on repeat—a little scoop of joy that brings home the bold, zesty flavors of Peru. Don’t be surprised if you find yourself reaching for this sauce again and again. Time to blend up a batch and see what all the fuss is about!
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Aji Verde (Peruvian Green Sauce) Recipe
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Aji Verde, also known as Peruvian Green Sauce, is a zesty and creamy sauce made with fresh cilantro, jalapeños, and a blend of savory ingredients. This versatile sauce is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to roasted chicken, grilled meats, vegetables, or used as a dip for fries.
Ingredients
Fresh Cilantro Sauce:
- 1 cup fresh cilantro leaves (packed)
Jalapeño Mixture:
- 1–2 fresh jalapeños (seeded for less heat)
Base Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 1/4 cup sour cream
- 1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese
- 2 tablespoons fresh lime juice
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 2 garlic cloves
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender or food processor, combine cilantro, jalapeños, mayonnaise, sour cream, Parmesan cheese, lime juice, olive oil, garlic, salt, and pepper. Blend until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
- Adjust Seasoning: Taste and adjust seasoning or lime juice to your liking.
- Serve: Serve immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
- Aji Verde is traditionally paired with roasted chicken but can also be used as a dipping sauce for fries, vegetables, or grilled meats.
- For a thinner consistency, add a splash of water.
- To increase spiciness, keep jalapeño seeds or add aji amarillo paste if desired.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Peruvian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 100
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 140mg
- Fat: 10g
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 8g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 10mg
