Why You’ll Love Chermoula Paste (Moroccan Chermoula Sauce) Recipe
Chermoula is bright, herbaceous, and full of layered flavor that enhances even simple meals. It’s incredibly versatile — use it as a marinade, sauce, dip, or dressing. You can easily make a big batch ahead of time and store it for lunches and dinners throughout the week.
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
fresh parsley
fresh cilantro
olive oil
garlic cloves
lemon juice
smoked paprika
cayenne pepper
ground cumin
black pepper
turmeric powder
salt
Directions
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Add the fresh parsley, cilantro, garlic, lemon juice, and all the spices to a blender or food processor.
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Blend until the mixture is coarse or reaches your desired texture.
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If needed, add a bit more olive oil while blending to achieve the right consistency.
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Transfer the chermoula paste to an airtight container.
Servings and timing
This recipe makes approximately 12 servings (about 1 tablespoon each). Total time is about 5 minutes from start to finish.
Variations
You can customize chermoula in many ways:
• Add preserved lemon or more lemon zest for extra citrus brightness.
• Include a pinch of red pepper flakes or fresh chili for heat.
• Swap or add spices like cumin seeds, coriander seeds, or paprika to tailor the flavor.
• Mix into yogurt or mayonnaise for a creamy variation.
Storage/Reheating
Store chermoula paste in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays; once solid, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag and use as needed.
No reheating is necessary — thaw frozen cubes in the fridge before using.
FAQs
What does chermoula taste like?
Chermoula is bright and herbaceous with savory garlic, citrusy lemon, and warm spice notes.
Can I use dried herbs instead of fresh?
Fresh herbs give the best flavor, but you can use dried in a pinch — just reduce the amount.
Is chermoula spicy?
It can be mild or spicy depending on how much cayenne or chili you add.
What dishes pair well with chermoula?
It’s excellent with grilled fish, roasted chicken, vegetables, and as a condiment in wraps or sandwiches.
Can I make chermoula ahead of time?
Yes, you can prepare it ahead and store it in the fridge or freezer.
How long does chermoula last in the fridge?
Stored properly, it lasts up to about one week in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze chermoula?
Yes — freeze in small portions for up to a few months.
Can I use chermoula as a salad dressing?
Absolutely — thin it with a little extra oil or lemon juice for a dressing consistency.
Is chermoula gluten‑free?
Yes, chermoula is naturally gluten‑free.
Can I adjust the texture?
Yes, blend more for a smooth sauce or less for a chunkier paste.
Conclusion
Chermoula paste is a simple yet transformative North African sauce that brings fresh herb flavor and spice to countless dishes. Whether you’re elevating grilled proteins, dressing vegetables, or adding punch to everyday meals, this versatile sauce quickly becomes a staple in your kitchen.
Chermoula Paste (Moroccan Chermoula Sauce)
Chermoula paste is a traditional Moroccan marinade or sauce made with fresh herbs, garlic, lemon juice, and warm spices. It’s perfect for seasoning meats, fish, or vegetables and adds a bold, zesty flavor to dishes.
- Prep Time: 10 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Blending
- Cuisine: Moroccan
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
- 1 cup fresh parsley
- 1 cup fresh cilantro
- 4 garlic cloves
- 1 tsp paprika
- 1 tsp ground cumin
- 1 tsp ground coriander
- ½ tsp cayenne pepper (optional for heat)
- ½ tsp salt
- ¼ tsp black pepper
- 3 tbsp olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (freshly squeezed)
- 1 tbsp red wine vinegar
Instructions
- Wash and roughly chop the parsley and cilantro.
- Peel the garlic cloves.
- Add all ingredients—parsley, cilantro, garlic, paprika, cumin, coriander, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, olive oil, lemon juice, and vinegar—into a food processor or blender.
- Blend until the mixture forms a smooth paste. Scrape down the sides if necessary to ensure everything is blended well.
- Adjust seasoning to taste and use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Notes
- This sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Use as a marinade for meat or fish, or as a condiment with grilled dishes.
- For a milder version, reduce or omit the cayenne pepper.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 0g
- Sodium: 80mg
- Fat: 4.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.7g
- Unsaturated Fat: 3.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 1g
- Fiber: 0.5g
- Protein: 0.3g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
