Nandos Peri Peri Sauce Recipe

This Nando’s peri peri sauce recipe is an addictive, spicy Portuguese-style sauce that features African bird’s eye chilies, garlic, onion, lemon, and various spices to create a flavorful and tangy marinade sauce with a spicy kick.

Nando’s peri peri is known for its versatility and can be used as a marinade for meats, a dipping sauce for vegetables, or as a condiment for sandwiches and burgers.

This recipe will show you how to make this delicious sauce at home with just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of time.

The main ingredient of this recipe is African Bird’s Eye Chilies, which gives the sauce its signature heat. To make the peri peri sauce, the chilies are first soaked in water for a few minutes to soften them.

Then, the chilies are blended with garlic, onion, lemon juice, and vinegar until smooth. The spices are added to the mixture and blended again until everything is well combined.

Add more or fewer chilies to suit the level of heat you prefer, or add more spices if you want.

The prepared sauce can be used immediately, but it’s recommended to let it sit for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to develop.

Ingredients for Nando’s peri peri sauce

• African Bird’s Eye Chilies
• Garlic
• Onion
• Lemon juice
• Vinegar
• Paprika
• Salt
• Black pepper
• Olive oil (optional)

How to make nandos peri peri sauce

To create the rich and fiery Nando’s Peri Peri sauce, begin by handling the potent African Bird’s Eye Chilies.

First, soak the chilies in a bowl of water for around 10-15 minutes, allowing them to soften and unleash their intense heat.

Once they’ve absorbed enough moisture, drain the water and eliminate the stems, preparing them for the next step.

Now, it’s time to infuse the sauce with aromatic flavors. In a powerful blender or food processor, combine the softened chilies with four garlic cloves and a small onion that’s been roughly chopped.

These ingredients will contribute depth and complexity to the sauce, with the garlic adding a pungent kick and the onion offering a subtle sweetness.

Enhance the sauce’s zesty tang by introducing the vibrant essence of fresh lemon juice. Pour in a half-cup of lemon juice, allowing its citrusy notes to balance the robust spiciness of the chilies.

Following this, add an equal amount of red wine vinegar, which will contribute a hint of acidity and a slightly fruity undertone, further enriching the flavor profile.

To elevate the sauce’s color and complexity, incorporate two teaspoons of paprika. This smoky spice adds a touch of earthiness and depth to the overall taste, complementing the fiery chilies.

As you proceed, balance the flavors with one teaspoon of salt and half a teaspoon of black pepper, ensuring a harmonious blend that tantalizes the palate.

If a smoother consistency is desired, consider incorporating a quarter-cup of olive oil into the mixture. This will not only enhance the sauce’s texture but also provide a rich, velvety mouthfeel that complements the fiery flavors.

Slowly drizzle in the olive oil as the blender or food processor is running, allowing it to seamlessly integrate with the other ingredients.

Once all components are combined, pause to savor the aroma and take a small taste to assess the balance of flavors.

Feel free to adjust the seasoning according to your preference, whether it’s an extra hint of heat, a touch more acidity, or a deeper savory note.

Finally, transfer the completed Nando’s Peri Peri sauce into a sterilized glass jar or airtight container. Seal it tightly and refrigerate for a few hours or, ideally, overnight.

This resting period allows the diverse flavors to meld and develop, resulting in a harmonious and explosive sauce that’s ready to elevate your culinary creations.

What to serve with Nando’s peri peri sauce

Here are some ideas for what to serve Nando’s peri peri sauce with:

• Grilled chicken, red meat, or seafood
• Roasted or grilled vegetables such as zucchini, bell peppers, and onions
• French fries or sweet potato fries
• Sandwiches and burgers
• Tacos and burritos
• Rice dishes such as paella or jambalaya
• Roasted potatoes or sweet potatoes
• Grilled corn on the cob
• Stir-fries and noodle dishes
• Dipping sauce for bread, crackers, or chips

How to store nandos peri peri sauce

This tangy, hot peri peri sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

To store the sauce, transfer it to an airtight container, such as a glass jar with a lid or a plastic container with a tight-fitting lid.

Before storing the sauce, make sure it has cooled down to room temperature.

When storing the sauce, make sure to keep it in the refrigerator and not at room temperature, as it can spoil quickly.

If you want to extend the shelf life of the sauce, you can also freeze it for up to 3 months. Transfer it to a freezer-safe container or a ziplock bag and remove any excess air before sealing it.

When you’re ready to use the sauce, let it thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using it.

Nando’s Sauce FAQs

If you like your food to have a bit of a kick, this Nando’s spicy peri peri is for you. We hope you enjoy this recipe and use it to add some spice and flavor to your meals.

Print Recipe

Nando’s Peri Peri Sauce Recipe (Copycat)

This Nando's peri peri sauce recipe is an addictive, spicy Portuguese-style sauce that's flavorful and tangy marinade sauce with a spicy kick.

Ingredients

• 10-12 African Bird’s Eye Chilies or more, depending on your desired level of heat
• 4 garlic cloves
• 1 small onion roughly chopped
• 1/2 cup lemon juice
• 1/2 cup vinegar
• 2 teaspoons paprika
• 1 teaspoon salt
• 1/2 teaspoon black pepper
• 1/4 cup of olive oil optional

Instructions

• Begin by soaking the African Bird’s Eye Chilies in a bowl of water for 10-15 minutes, or until they are soft.
• Drain the water from the chilies and remove the stems.
• In a blender or food processor, combine the chilies, garlic, onion, lemon juice, and red wine vinegar. Blend until everything is smooth.
• Add the paprika, salt, and black pepper to the mixture and blend again until everything is well combined.
• If using, slowly add the olive oil while blending until the sauce has a smoother consistency.
• Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
• Transfer the sauce to a sterilized jar or airtight container and refrigerate for a few hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld together.

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