Peri Peri Sauce Recipe

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If you’re looking to spice up your meals, this homemade peri peri sauce is just the ticket. It’s packed with flavor, has a strong kick, and is way easier to make than you might think.

This homemade peri peri hot sauce is a flavor-packed condiment with a rich history. Also known as Piri Piri Sauce or Pili Pili, this sauce has its roots in southern Africa, particularly in South Africa. Portuguese settlers fell in love with the flavorful peri peri sauce and helped spread it to other parts of the world.

The name “Peri Peri” comes from the Swahili word for pepper, “pili-pili.” Traditionally, the sauce is made with African bird’s eye chili, which pack quite a punch! For our recipe, you can use any red chili that you’re able to find locally.

This sauce brings together the heat of red chili peppers, the sweetness of roasted peppers, and the perfect blend of spice. While recipes vary, authentic Peri Peri sauce often includes lemon juice, garlic, and African herbs along with the chilis. Our version stays true to these flavors while adding a few twists like fire-roasted red peppers for extra flavor. Some traditional recipes might also include bay leaves or whiskey, but we’ve kept it simple.

While some homemade hot sauces are more complicated, this recipe is very straightforward. You just throw everything in a blender, give it a whirl, and then let it simmer for a bit. The hardest part is waiting for it to cool down before you start putting it on everything!

This sauce is also very versatile. It’s great on grilled veggies, makes an awesome marinade for meat or fish, and can even jazz up a plain old sandwich. You can also mix a little bit into sour cream or mayo for a spicy dip.

Recipe Highlights

• This sauce is very customizable. You can adjust the heat level by changing the number (or types) of chilis you use.
• The recipe is pretty forgiving, so don’t stress if you need to substitute an ingredient or two.
• This sauce keeps well in the fridge, so you can make a batch and enjoy it for a couple of weeks.
• It’s much fresher and more flavorful than store-bought versions, with no artificial preservatives.
• The recipe is quick to make! It only takes about 20 minutes from start to finish.

Ingredients

• Red chilis – These are the heart of this Peri Peri sauce. African bird’s eye pepper is traditional, but you can use any red chilis you like. Adjust the amount based on your heat preference.
• Olive oil – Use a good quality extra virgin olive oil for the best flavor. If you’re out of olive oil, avocado oil can work as a substitute.
• Garlic – Fresh is best here. If you’re a garlic lover, feel free to add an extra garlic clove or two. In a pinch, you can use 1 teaspoon of garlic powder, but fresh will give you a much better flavor.
• Red onion – Red onion adds a nice sweetness and depth. You can substitute with white onion if needed, but red gives a better color and slightly sweeter taste.
• Fire roasted red peppers – These add a lovely smoky sweetness. If you can’t find fire-roasted, regular roasted red peppers work too. If you’re up for it, you could roast your own red bell peppers under the broiler.
• Red wine vinegar – This adds tanginess and helps preserve the sauce. Apple cider vinegar can work as a substitute if you don’t have red wine vinegar.
• Brown sugar – This balances out the heat and acidity. You could use white sugar or even maple syrup as alternatives.
• Cilantro – Cilantro adds a fresh, herby flavor. If you’re not a cilantro fan, you can leave it out – it is still delicious without it.
• Oregano – Dried oregano works great here. If you only have fresh, use about 3 tablespoons of fresh chopped oregano leaves.
• Salt – Sea salt or kosher salt work well. Adjust to your taste.
• Black pepper – Freshly ground is best for maximum flavor.
• Smoked paprika – This adds a wonderful smoky flavor that you won’t get from regular paprika.
• Lemon zest – This adds a bright, citrusy flavor that really lifts the sauce. In a pinch, you could use 1-2 teaspoons of lemon juice instead.

How To Make Peri Peri Sauce

Blend the ingredients – Toss all the ingredients into your food processor or blender. Give it a whirl until everything’s smooth and well incorporated.

Simmer the sauce – Pour the blended mix into a pan and let it simmer on medium heat for about 15 minutes.

Taste and adjust – While it’s simmering, give it a taste. Add more salt, sugar, or vinegar if needed.

Store – Once it’s cooled down, pour your Peri Peri sauce into jars. Pop them in the fridge and you’re all set!

Storage and Serving

This Peri Peri Hot Sauce will keep in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Make sure to store it in an airtight container or jar.

Serve it cold or at room temperature. It’s great as a condiment for sandwiches, burgers, or wraps. Try it as a marinade for meat or seafood, or use it as a sauce for roasted veggies.

For a quick snack, mix a bit of the sauce with some mayo for a spicy spread. Or add a dash to your avocado toast and eggs for a breakfast with a kick.

Recipe Tips and FAQs

• If you’re not a fan of super spicy food, start with fewer chilis and add more to taste. Or, try using a less spicy peppers like jalapeños or Fresnos.
• For a smoother sauce, blend it again after simmering.
• If you don’t have fire-roasted red peppers, you can use regular roasted red peppers or even fresh red bell peppers.

Can I make this sauce less spicy?

Absolutely! Use fewer spicy chilis or replace some with bell peppers for a milder sauce.

Is this sauce gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free.

What types of pepper can I use in this recipe?

Traditionally, peri peri sauce uses bird’s eye chiles. However, you can substitute and use any spicy red chili pepper you would like. Santaka peppers or even Fresno peppers can work as a substitution.

If you try this recipe, let us know your thoughts in the comments below. Be sure to tell us any modifications you made and how you used the sauce in your cooking!