This spicy, fragrant herbaceous sauce is going to make your dishes pop with flavor! Great on meat, fish, vegetables or as a dipping sauce for bread. The possibilities are endless!
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Why This Recipe Works
- This spicy cilantro jalapeno sauce is super versatile and can be used in so many ways. Delicious served over Bavette Steak! I also love using this as a dipping sauce on my Trader Joe’s Charcuterie Board.
- Quick and easy to make.
- Incredible depth of flavor and spice. If you love BOLD, be sure to check out this Red Chimichurri and this Spicy Chimichurri!
What is Zhoug or Zhug?
Zhoug or Zhug (pronounced ZOO-g) is a spicy cilantro and jalapeño based condiment popular throughout the Middle East (and believed to have originated in Yemen).
This spicy herbaceous sauce is often referred to as Middle Eastern pesto, spicy cilantro sauce or cilantro pesto.
Some variations may use a combination or red and green peppers, some add parsley or additional middle eastern spices depending on personal preferences.
What do you eat this sauce with?
- Marinate for meat, fish or vegetables.
- Dip for vegetable crudités.
- Serve with hummus.
- Dip for pita, bread and chips.
- Sandwich spread or pasta sauce (similar to pesto).
How to Make this Recipe
Ingredients
- 2-3 jalapenos (rough chop or slice)
- 1 bunch cilantro (cut off large stems)
- 3 large cloves garlic
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp salt
- ⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil (or other neutral oil of choice)
- 3 tbsp lemon juice
- 1 tsp crushed red pepper (optional)
- ¾ tsp ground cardamon (optional)·
Instructions
- In food processor, combine all ingredients (except oil and lemon juice). Chop thoroughly.
- Add lemon juice and olive oil. Combine thoroughly.
- Add additional salt to taste or olive oil if desired.
Looking for other delicious dinner recipes?
- Dukkah Spice Chicken
- Furikake Salmon
- Stuffed Chicken (with Spinach and Artichokes)
- Mayak Eggs, Korean marinated soy eggs, served over warm rice.
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Zhoug (Cilantro Jalapeno Sauce)
Equipment
- Food processor
Ingredients
- 2-3 jalapenos (rough chop or slice)
- 1 bunch cilantro (cut off large stems)
- 3 large cloves garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin
- 1 teaspoon salt
- ⅔ cup extra virgin olive oil (or other neutral oil of choice)
- 3 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 teaspoon crushed red pepper (optional)
- ¾ teaspoon ground cardamon (optional)·
Instructions
- In food processor, combine all ingredients (except oil and lemon juice). Chop thoroughly.
- Add lemon juice and olive oil. Combine thoroughly.
- Add additional salt to taste or olive oil if desired.
Sabrina
This sauce is so yummy!!! I was planning on making grilled chicken for dinner and wanted to make it a little more exciting. I stumbled upon this recipe from Pinterest and WOW. It’s a perfect combination of zingy and spicy and was so delicious on our chicken. I loved it so much I ended up using on my eggs and potatoes the next day too. Do yourself a favor and make a double batch!
Aubrey
Thanks so much Sabrina! I love it on my eggs too! With some avocado for good measure.