What is Peri-Peri Sauce Recipe🌶️? Origin, 🥄 Ingredients, and 🍗 Traditional Uses

“Good food 🍽️ is all the sweeter 💛 when shared with good friends 👫.”

I’m excited to share this authentic peri-peri sauce recipe with you! It’s a deliciously spicy sauce that brings life to any dish.

If you’re wondering, what is peri-peri sauce? It’s a vibrant blend of fiery chili, garlic, and a few simple peri peri sauce ingredients that I’ll share with you. Let’s get cooking!

What Is Peri-Peri Sauce?

Peri-Peri sauce is a hot sauce made with peri-peri, also known as African Bird’s Eye chilli. It’s small but fiery, and it brings bold heat to every bite, no wonder it’s loved worldwide.

Mozambique farmers grew these chillis, and Portuguese explorers turned them into a sauce. That’s how it became part of both African and Portuguese cuisine.

Peri-Peri sauce is used for seasoning, and it’s also amazing as a marinade. The flavour, you can say wow! It hits with fire, tang, and a touch of citrus.

Sometimes you make it at home for spicy, lemony, and garlic flavour. It’s up to you what you want, milder or bolder, you’re the boss!

Peri-Peri Sauce Origin

Peri-Peri was created in the 15th century by Portuguese explorers in Mozambique. They found the chilli in Africa and added garlic, paprika, oil, and vinegar to create a sauce.

It spread across colonies like Angola and Brazil, bringing a mix of African and European flair. The name “Peri-Peri” comes from Swahili “pili pili”, it simply means “pepper.”

Fun fact: The actual chilli is part of the Capsicum frutescens family. That’s the same family as Tabasco peppers, no wonder it’s fiery!

This sauce was never just about heat, it’s about flavour and heritage. It tells a story of culture, trade, and delicious invention.

Peri-Peri Sauce Popularity

Peri-Peri sauce is famous in South Africa, Portugal, and the UK. But now it’s everywhere, from London kitchens to New York BBQS.

Nando’s was born in South Africa in 1987, made Peri-Peri global. They use it on chicken, burgers, and even in salad dressings.

Their Peri-Peri bottles are sold in major supermarkets. So if you’re craving that tangy fire, you can grab a bottle and pour it at home.

Google shows 60,000+ monthly searches for “Peri Peri Chicken” worldwide. That proves it, the world is obsessed with this spicy masterpiece.

Peri-Peri Sauce Ingredients: The Secret Kick

Some people used different ingredients for different tastes, but here are some key ingredients for peri-peri sauce:

African Bird’s Eye chillies
lemon juice,
oil
Garlic
Salt
Onions
Herbs
Vinegar
Smoked paprika,
cayenne pepper
Bay leaves

Peri-Peri Sauce Recipe

“Spices are the punctuation marks in the sentence of life.” 🌶️ *And peri peri sauce adds the perfect fiery twist!*🔥”

I bought too many bottles of peri-peri sauce from stores, but when I make this hot sauce at home, I say “goodbye to stores.” If you’re a foodie, this Tangy and slightly sweet recipe is for you!

This Authentic Portuguese piri-piri recipe is easy, delicious, dairy-free, and egg-free. Pick some of these Kitchen Ingredients: African eye-bird chilli, onions, peppers, garlic & lemons and say to your taste buds,“ My Love It’s Your Day”!

What will you need? Ingredients

Grab these ingredients, most of which you probably already have in your kitchen.

🌶 Veggies & Spices:

4 large red peppers – Sweet and smoky base. Use fresh, roasted beans for a deeper flavour.
10 large red chillies – For that classic kick. Use African Bird’s Eye chillies if you can, don’t worry! And swap with cayenne or red jalapeños.
5 bird’s-eye chillies – Optional, for extra heat lovers only.
1 large red onion – Adds depth and balances the spice.
4 garlic cloves – Don’t skip! Crush them for smooth blending and bold taste.
2 large tomatoes – Fresh or canned, they add a rich body to the sauce.

🍋 Liquids & Oils:

100ml (3½ fl oz) extra virgin olive oil – Adds richness. Feel free to use regular olive oil if that’s what you have.
100ml (3½ fl oz) fresh lemon juice – Only fresh! Bottled won’t give the same brightness.
70ml (2⅓ fl oz) red wine vinegar – Balances the flavour with a tangy twist.

Seasonings & Extras:

1 heaped tbsp smoked paprika – Adds essential smoky depth. Don’t swap for regular paprika.
1 tbsp dried oregano – Adds a warm, herby aroma. Make sure it’s not too old.
15g (½ oz) sea salt – Adjust to taste.
1 tsp black pepper – Use pre-ground for better measurement.
1 lemon, zest only – Adds brightness and aroma.
1 tsp sugar (optional) – Helps balance acidity if needed.
2 bay leaves – Add background warmth during cooking (remove before blending).

Directions

🔪 Step 1: Prep Your Veggies

Let’s start by getting everything chopped and ready.

Roughly chop your 4 red bell peppers, 10 large red chillies, and 5 bird’s eye chillies (if you’re going for the extra heat).
Dice 1 large red onion and crush those 4 garlic cloves (trust me, it blends smoother).
Chop up the 2 tomatoes. You can use canned if that’s what you have — no shame in that

💡 Tip: Wear gloves if you’re sensitive to chilli. The burn is real!

Step 2: Sauté for Flavour

In a large pan or frying pan, heat half of your olive oil (about 50ml) over medium heat.

Add the onion first and sauté for 2–3 minutes until soft.
Then toss in the garlic, tomatoes, and all the peppers.
Let it all cook down for about 10–12 minutes, stirring often.

🧡 I usually wait until the red peppers are slightly blistered, it gives such a rich, roasted flavor.

Step 3: Blend It Up

Now comes the magic moment, blending everything into that signature sauce.

Transfer your sautéed mix to a blender or food processor.
Add the remaining olive oil, lemon juice, red wine vinegar, smoked paprika, dried oregano, sea salt, black pepper, zest of one lemon, and 2 bay leaves (don’t forget to pull them out before blending!).

💡 If it’s too thick, add a splash of warm water or a bit more lemon juice for the consistency you like.

Step 4: Season Like a Pro

Time to taste and tweak!

If it’s too sharp? Add a teaspoon of sugar to balance the tang.
Want it creamier? Stir in 2 tablespoons of coconut milk or Greek yoghurt once it’s blended. It mellows the heat and adds a silky texture — I love it this way for chicken marinades!

🧄 Bonus Tip: Let the sauce sit for a few hours or overnight in the fridge — the flavors deepen beautifully!

Step 5: Store or Use Right Away

Store in a clean, airtight jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
You can freeze it in small portions, too — perfect for meal prep!

And a Little Tip From Me;

This isn’t just a sauce. It’s a flavor bomb that can turn any meal into something memorable.

I use it as:

A marinade for grilled chicken or prawns 🍗
A dip for chips or veggie sticks 🍟🥕
A drizzle over rice bowls or roasted veggies 🍚

❤️ My favourite? Mix it with mayo or Greek yoghurt for a quick, spicy dip that never fails to impress.

Why is My Recipe Method Good For You?

It’s the real deal! I use African Bird’s Eye Chillies—the same fiery peppers used in traditional Portuguese peri-peri sauce. There are no fakes here, just bold, authentic flavour.
All fresh, whole ingredients. Everything’s real, nothing processed, from red bell peppers to garlic and juicy tomatoes. That means better taste and better for your body.
Packed with natural goodness. Garlic, lemon juice, olive oil — this sauce is loaded with natural antioxidants and ingredients that support your immune system.
You’re in control. Make it mild or super spicy — you get to decide! Plus, you control the salt, sugar, and oil, so it’s healthier than any store-bought version.
Homemade with love. Blending your sauce means it’s made with care, just how you like it, not mass-produced in a factory.
Healthy eaters – It’s made with real veggies, fresh herbs, and no preservatives. Guilt-free and full of flavor — perfect for clean eating!

🔥 Peri-Peri Sauce Uses

This sauce isn’t just bold — it’s versatile, exciting, and a total flavour lifter. Here’s how I use my homemade Peri-Peri sauce in the kitchen (and honestly, it never sits in the fridge for long!).

🥩 1. Marinade Magic

Use it to marinate chicken, fish, prawns, steak, or even tofu!

Tip: Let it sit overnight in the fridge for a deeper flavour.
It also works wonders on veggies like cauliflower, mushrooms, or grilled courgettes before roasting or BBQing.

🥣 2. Dipping Delight

Serve it as a dipping sauce alongside:

Chips or sweet potato fries 🍟
Grilled wings or meat skewers
Crusty bread — it soaks up all that goodness!

🥗 3. Topping Power

Drizzle it on anything that needs a punch of heat and tang:

Buddha bowls
Rice, couscous, or quinoa
Roasted veg, wraps, and sandwiches
Even scrambled eggs — trust me!

🍲 4. Add Bold Flavour to Cooking

Stir a spoonful into:

Soups for a smoky-spicy twist
Stews and curries for added depth
Pasta sauces or tomato-based dishes to lift the flavour
It’s like turning the volume up on your favourite recipes 🔊

🍔 5. Spicy Mayo Game-Changer

Mix 1–2 tablespoons with mayo, Greek yoghurt, or sour cream and BOOM — you’ve got:

A zesty spread for burgers and wraps
A creamy dip for nuggets or roasted potatoes
A sandwich upgrade that no one saw coming!

💡 6. Other Genius Uses

Pizza base sauce: Swap plain tomato with this for a fiery twist.
Toss it into stir-fries: Adds a beautiful colour and flavour kick.
Salad dressing: Mix with olive oil and lemon juice for a bold vinaigrette.
Brush it on grilled cheese before toasting — thank me later 😋

Peri-Peri Sauce Nutrition (Full Batch)

Calories	1139 kcal
Protein	6.7 g
Fat	102.6 g
Carbohydrates	56 g

Tip: This batch is usually divided across multiple servings—when used as a marinade, dip, or sauce, each portion has just a fraction of these numbers. And most of the calories come from olive oil, which is a heart-healthy fat!

Is PERi-PERi Sauce Healthy?

Yes, peri-peri sauce can be part of a healthy diet if you don’t use too much. The main ingredient — peri-peri (or piri piri) chillies — is full of good stuff for your body, like:

vitamin A and C to support your immune system
Antioxidants to help fight damage in your body
Capsaicin (the spicy part), which may help with things like boosting your metabolism and reducing inflammation

Just enjoy it in small amounts, and you’ve got a tasty, spicy sauce that’s also good for you!

Closure

Now that you’ve discovered the magic of peri-peri sauce Recipe, it’s your turn to bring that fiery, tangy flavor into your kitchen! Whether you’re marinating juicy chicken, dipping crispy fries, or drizzling it over your favorite veggies.

This sauce will turn every meal into a mouthwatering experience. So, why wait? Give this peri peri sauce recipe a try today

I promise, once you taste it, you’ll never want to go back to store-bought sauces. Get ready to spice up your meals and impress your friends and family with your new cooking skills. Enjoy every bite!

FAQs

Yes, it is. Peri-Peri sauce originates from Africa and is a part of Portuguese cuisine.

No, it’s not because it has Portuguese roots.

Yes, it is. Generally, it is made from vegan products.

The key ingredients are African Bird’s Eye chillies, lemon juice, oil, and garlic. Some other ingredients can also be added, like onions, Herbs, and Vinegar.

Peri-Peri sauce tastes feels fiery, lemony, tangy, and garlicy.

Yes, it is. But you also have a choice for the spice level. The Peri-Peri has the 50,000-125,000 Scoville Heat Units (SHUS). For reference, jalapeño peppers are about 3500 SHUS.

The name “Peri Peri” (also spelt “Piri Piri” or “Pili Pili”) originates from the Swahili language, where it means “pepper-pepper,” referring to the African Bird’s Eye chilli.

It is delicious due to its unique heat flavor that comes from African eye-bird chillies.

Peri-peri sauce originated from Mozambique, and then it expanded to other countries.

What is Peri-Peri Sauce Recipe🌶️? Origin, 🥄 Ingredients, and 🍗 Traditional Uses

What Is Peri-Peri Sauce?

Peri-Peri Sauce Origin

Peri-Peri Sauce Popularity

Peri-Peri Sauce Ingredients: The Secret Kick