Introduction
If you love the bold, fiery, and flavorful kick of Nando’s PERi PERi sauce, you’re in for a treat! This homemade copycat recipe delivers the perfect balance of heat, tang, and smokiness, bringing restaurant-quality flavor right into your kitchen. Whether you’re marinating chicken, spicing up fries, or using it as a dipping sauce, this PERi PERi sauce is a must-try for spice lovers!
Why You’ll Love Copycat Nando’s PERi PERi Sauce
- Authentic Flavor – Tastes just like the beloved Nando’s sauce.
- Easy to Make – Simple ingredients, quick preparation.
- Versatile – Perfect for marinating, dipping, or drizzling.
- Customizable – Adjust spice levels to suit your preference.
- No Preservatives – Fresh, homemade goodness with no artificial additives.
Ingredients
- 4-5 red bird’s eye chilies (or substitute with small hot chilies)
- 1 red bell pepper (adds sweetness and depth)
- 4 cloves garlic (minced)
- 1/4 cup white vinegar
- 1/4 cup olive oil
- 2 tbsp lemon juice (for acidity and brightness)
- 1 tbsp smoked paprika (for a deep smoky flavor)
- 1 tsp ground cumin (adds warmth)
- 1 tsp salt (to enhance flavors)
- 1 tsp sugar (balances heat)
- 1/2 tsp oregano (adds an herby touch)
Necessary Tools for Copycat Nando’s PERi PERi Sauce
- Blender or food processor
- Saucepan
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Cutting board and knife
- Airtight jar or bottle for storage
Ingredient Swaps and Additions
- Chilies – Use serrano or habanero for a different heat profile.
- Sweetness – Substitute sugar with honey or maple syrup.
- Acidity – Swap white vinegar for apple cider vinegar.
- Herbs – Add fresh cilantro or parsley for extra freshness.
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. Roast the Peppers & Chilies
- Lightly char the red bell pepper and bird’s eye chilies over an open flame or in a hot pan.
- Allow them to cool, then remove stems and seeds if you prefer a milder sauce.
2. Blend the Ingredients
- In a blender, combine the roasted peppers and chilies, garlic, vinegar, olive oil, lemon juice, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, sugar, and oregano.
- Blend until smooth, adding a little water if necessary for consistency.
3. Cook the Sauce
- Pour the blended sauce into a saucepan and simmer over low heat for 10 minutes.
- Stir occasionally until the sauce thickens and flavors meld together.
4. Cool & Store
- Let the sauce cool completely before transferring to an airtight jar or bottle.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Pro Tips for Success of Copycat Nando’s PERi PERi Sauce
- Roasting peppers enhances sweetness and flavor depth.
- Adjust spice levels by adding more or fewer chilies.
- Use a fine-mesh strainer for an ultra-smooth sauce.
- Let it sit overnight for the best flavor development.
Serving Suggestions
- Marinate Chicken – Coat chicken and grill to perfection.
- Dip for Fries – Spicy and tangy, perfect for crispy fries.
- Burger Spread – Add a kick to your favorite burgers.
- Pizza Drizzle – Spice up your pizza with a dash of PERi PERi sauce.
Storing and Reheating
- Refrigeration – Store in an airtight jar for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing – Freeze in small portions for up to 3 months.
- Reheating – Gently warm over low heat before use.
Nutritional Information (Per Tablespoon)
- Calories: 25
- Fat: 2g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Protein: 0.5g
- Sugar: 1g
- Sodium: 90mg
FAQs – Copycat Nando’s PERi PERi Sauce
1. How spicy is this sauce?
It’s quite spicy due to the bird’s eye chilies, but you can adjust the heat by reducing the amount of chilies or using milder varieties.
2. Can I use dried chilies instead of fresh ones?
Yes, but soak them in hot water for 10 minutes before blending.
3. What’s the best way to make it milder?
Remove chili seeds, use fewer chilies, and add more bell pepper.
4. Can I use this as a salad dressing?
Yes! Mix it with a little extra olive oil for a spicy vinaigrette.
5. Is this sauce vegan?
Yes, as long as you use plant-based sugar or sweeteners.
Conclusion
Making your own Nando’s-style PERi PERi sauce at home is simple, delicious, and allows you to customize the heat to your liking. Whether you’re grilling, dipping, or drizzling, this sauce will elevate any dish with its bold and tangy flavor. Try it today and spice up your meals!
