Classic Chimichurri Sauce

Classic Chimichurri Sauce is a easy Argentinian recipe that serves 6. 30 calories per serving. Recipe by Emeril Lagasse on YouTube.

Prep: 20 min | Cook: PT0M | Total: 30 min

Cost: $3.68 total, $0.61 per serving

Ingredients

  • 1 medium Shallot (finely chopped)
  • 2 cloves Garlic (minced)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Red Chili Flakes (adjust for heat)
  • 2 tablespoons Lemon Juice (freshly squeezed)
  • 2 tablespoons Cherry Vinegar (or red wine vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon Salt (or to taste)
  • 1/2 teaspoon Black Pepper (freshly cracked)
  • 2 tablespoons Fresh Oregano (leaves only, loosely packed)
  • 1 cup Fresh Parsley (packed, flat‑leaf)
  • 1/2 cup Fresh Basil (packed)
  • 2 tablespoons Olive Oil (extra‑virgin, helps blend)

Instructions

  1. Prepare the aromatics

    Finely chop the shallot, mince the garlic, and measure out the chili flakes, lemon juice, cherry vinegar, salt, pepper, oregano, parsley and basil.

    Time: PT10M

  2. Blend the sauce

    Place all prepared ingredients into the blender, drizzle in the olive oil, and pulse on low speed, pressing the blade down with a spatula. Pulse slowly for about 5 minutes, stopping every minute to scrape down the sides, until the mixture is coarse‑textured but well combined.

    Time: PT5M

  3. Season and finish

    Taste the chimichurri and adjust salt, pepper, lemon juice or vinegar as needed. Transfer the sauce to a small bowl using a spatula.

    Time: PT5M

Nutrition Facts

Calories
30
Protein
0g
Carbohydrates
1g
Fat
2g
Fiber
0.5g

Dietary info: Vegan, Gluten‑Free, Dairy‑Free

Allergens: Olive oil

Last updated: April 20, 2026

Amazon Associates

Amazon Associates PartnerTrusted

As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases made through links on this page. This helps support our site at no extra cost to you. Clicking on ingredient or equipment links will take you to amazon.com where you can purchase these items.

Classic Chimichurri Sauce

Recipe by Emeril Lagasse

A vibrant green Argentine chimichurri sauce made with fresh herbs, garlic, shallots, lemon juice, cherry vinegar and a drizzle of olive oil. It’s blended quickly for a rustic texture and works beautifully on grilled steak, chicken, fish, pork, vegetables, or any protein you like.

EasyArgentinianServes 6

Shop all ingredients on Amazon in one click • Printable PDF with shopping checklist

Source Video
20m
Prep
0m
Cook
10m
Cleanup
30m
Total

Cost Breakdown

$3.68
Total cost
$0.61
Per serving

Critical Success Points

  • Do not over‑blend; keep the texture slightly chunky
  • Taste and adjust seasoning before final transfer

Safety Warnings

  • Use caution when handling the blender blade – it is very sharp
  • Be careful when chopping raw garlic and shallots; keep fingers tucked away

Frequently Asked Questions

Everything you need to know about this recipe

Q

What is the cultural significance and history of Chimichurri Sauce in Argentine cuisine?

A

Chimichurri is a traditional Argentine condiment that dates back to the 19th‑century gauchos who mixed herbs, garlic, vinegar and oil to flavor grilled meats. It has become a national staple, served at asados (barbecues) and family meals across Argentina.

cultural
Q

What are the traditional regional variations of Chimichurri Sauce in Argentina?

A

In the Pampas region the sauce is typically herb‑heavy with parsley and oregano, while in the north you’ll find versions that add more cilantro or red pepper flakes for heat. Some provinces use red wine vinegar, others use the sweeter cherry vinegar described by Emeril Lagasse.

cultural
Q

How is Chimichurri Sauce traditionally served in Argentine culture?

A

It is spooned over freshly grilled steak at the table, sometimes served on the side in a small bowl so diners can add as much as they like. It’s also offered with chicken, pork, and even grilled vegetables at Argentine asados.

cultural
Q

On what occasions or celebrations is Chimichurri Sauce traditionally associated in Argentine culture?

A

Chimichurri shines at asados, which are weekend barbecues, family gatherings, national holidays like Independence Day, and any celebration that features grilled meat as the centerpiece.

cultural
Q

What other Argentine dishes pair well with Chimichurri Sauce?

A

Besides steak, Chimichurri complements grilled chicken (pollo a la parrilla), chorizo sausages, empanadas with meat filling, and roasted root vegetables. It’s also delicious drizzled over grilled fish like trout or salmon.

cultural
Q

What makes Chimichurri Sauce special or unique in Argentine cuisine?

A

Its bright, herb‑forward flavor and the balance of acidity from vinegar and lemon juice set it apart. The rustic, slightly chunky texture preserves the freshness of the herbs, giving it a lively mouthfeel unlike smoother sauces.

cultural
Q

What are the most common mistakes to avoid when making Chimichurri Sauce?

A

Over‑blending the sauce into a puree, not tasting and adjusting seasoning, and using wilted herbs are the biggest pitfalls. Keep the blend coarse and always finish with a taste check for salt, pepper and acidity.

technical
Q

Why does this Chimichurri Sauce recipe use cherry vinegar instead of red wine vinegar?

A

Cherry vinegar adds a subtle fruitiness and milder acidity that balances the sharp garlic and lemon, giving the sauce a smoother overall flavor profile as demonstrated by Emeril Lagasse.

technical
Q

Can I make Chimichurri Sauce ahead of time and how should I store it?

A

Yes, you can prepare it up to a week in advance. Store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator; the flavors will meld and improve. For longer storage, freeze in portioned bags for up to a month.

technical
Q

What texture and appearance should I look for when making Chimichurri Sauce?

A

The sauce should be bright green with visible flecks of parsley, basil and oregano. It should be slightly chunky, not a smooth puree, and have a glossy sheen from the olive oil.

technical
Q

How do I know when Chimichurri Sauce is done cooking?

A

Since Chimichurri is a no‑cook sauce, it’s done when the herbs are evenly incorporated, the texture is rustic, and the seasoning is balanced after a final taste test, as shown by Emeril Lagasse’s final spoon‑test.

technical
Q

What does the YouTube channel Emeril Lagasse specialize in?

A

The YouTube channel Emeril Lagasse specializes in bold, flavorful American and international cuisine, featuring easy‑to‑follow tutorials, classic techniques, and Emeril’s signature “Bam!” style of cooking.

channel
Q

How does the YouTube channel Emeril Lagasse's approach to Argentine cooking differ from other cooking channels?

A

Emeril Lagasse brings his high‑energy personality and emphasis on bold seasoning to Argentine dishes, often simplifying traditional recipes—like his quick blender chimichurri—while still respecting authentic flavors, setting his approach apart from more traditional, slower‑paced Argentine cooking channels.

channel

You Might Also Like

Similar recipes converted from YouTube cooking videos

Classic Italian Pomodoro Sauce
16

Classic Italian Pomodoro Sauce

A silky, vibrant tomato sauce made from whole aromatics and San Marzano tomatoes, finished with fresh basil and Parmigiano Reggiano rind for depth. Perfect for pasta or any dish calling for tomato sauce.

55 minServes 4$11
Italian
Five Classic French Mother Sauces with Variations (Béchamel, Velouté, Espagnole, Hollandaise/Béarnaise, Tomato‑Romesco)
32

Five Classic French Mother Sauces with Variations (Béchamel, Velouté, Espagnole, Hollandaise/Béarnaise, Tomato‑Romesco)

Learn to master the five foundational French mother sauces – Béchamel, Velouté, Espagnole, Hollandaise (and its Béarnaise twist) and a classic Tomato sauce with a Romesco twist. Detailed step‑by‑step instructions, tips, troubleshooting, and storage advice make these sauces approachable for home cooks while preserving the professional techniques taught in Michelin‑star kitchens.

2 hrs 25 minServes 6$15
French
Classic Flan (Crème Caramel) with Caramel Sauce
17

Classic Flan (Crème Caramel) with Caramel Sauce

A smooth, glossy flan made with whole eggs, whole milk, and coconut cream, set in a caramel‑lined ramekin and baked in a water bath. The recipe walks you through a wet‑caramel base, gentle tempering of the custard, and the perfect jiggle‑to‑set ratio for a restaurant‑quality dessert.

1 hr 30 minServes 6$6
French
Classic Italian Pomodoro Sauce
17

Classic Italian Pomodoro Sauce

A silky, vibrant tomato sauce made from whole aromatics and San Marzano tomatoes, finished with fresh basil and Parmigiano Reggiano rind for depth. Perfect for pasta or any dish calling for tomato sauce.

55 minServes 4$11
Italian
Classic British Fish and Chips with Tartar Sauce
16

Classic British Fish and Chips with Tartar Sauce

A homemade take on the iconic London fish & chips. Crispy beer‑battered Alaskan pollock paired with golden potato wedges and a tangy homemade tartar sauce. All components are made from scratch for authentic pub‑style flavor.

1 hr 5 minServes 2$13
British
Classic Capricorn Sauce
15

Classic Capricorn Sauce

A timeless pepper‑forward steak sauce passed down through generations. Toasted black pepper, shallots, flambéed brandy, double cream, reduced beef stock, green peppercorns, lemon juice and parsley combine for a silky, aromatic finish that never gets overly creamy.

25 minServes 4$3
French
Classic Mustard Sauce (Sauce à la Moutarde)
58

Classic Mustard Sauce (Sauce à la Moutarde)

A velvety French‑style mustard sauce made with a nutty butter‑flour roux, white wine, hot chicken stock, fresh tarragon, Dijon mustard, and a splash of cream. Perfect over chicken, fish, or pork.

35 minServes 4$4
French
Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce Recipe » Classic Pasta Pomodoro
10

Spaghetti with Tomato Sauce Recipe » Classic Pasta Pomodoro

A bright, silky Italian pomodoro sauce made from peeled fresh tomatoes blended with sweet San Marzano canned tomatoes, finely grated onion and garlic, finished with sea salt, cracked black pepper and fresh basil. Perfect for tossing with linguine or any pasta, and versatile for lasagna, eggplant Parmesan, or as a base for other dishes.

1 hr 25 minServes 4$34
Italian