Peri Peri sauce, also known as Piri Piri or Pili Pili, is a spicy, tangy, and flavorful sauce originating from Portuguese and African cuisine. It is primarily made from African bird's eye chilies and is used as a marinade, dipping sauce, or seasoning for grilled meats, especially chicken.
Ingredients:
To make a homemade Peri Peri sauce, you will need the following ingredients:
Main Ingredients:
- Red chilies (African bird's eye chilies) – 8 to 10 (or use red Thai chilies for a spicier version)
- Red bell pepper – 1 large (roasted, for sweetness and balance)
- Garlic cloves – 5 to 6 (for flavor)
- Red onion – 1 small (roughly chopped)
- Olive oil – ¼ cup (adds richness and smoothness)
- White vinegar – 3 tbsp (for acidity and tanginess)
- Lemon juice – 2 tbsp (enhances the tangy flavor)
- Smoked paprika – 1 tsp (gives a smoky depth)
- Salt – 1 tsp (adjust to taste)
- Sugar – ½ tsp (balances acidity and heat)
- Oregano – 1 tsp (adds a herby aroma)
- Black pepper – ½ tsp (optional, for additional depth)
- Water – 2 to 3 tbsp (adjust for consistency)
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Roast the Bell Pepper
- Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C).
- Place the red bell pepper on a baking sheet and roast for 20-25 minutes until the skin is charred.
- Once roasted, place it in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap for 5 minutes. Peel off the charred skin and remove seeds.
2. Prepare the Chilies and Other Ingredients
- If using dried chilies, soak them in warm water for 15 minutes to soften.
- Remove stems from the fresh chilies (de-seed them if you prefer a milder sauce).
- Roughly chop the onion and garlic.
3. Blend Everything Together
- In a blender or food processor, add roasted bell pepper, chilies, garlic, onion, olive oil, vinegar, lemon juice, smoked paprika, salt, sugar, oregano, and black pepper.
- Blend until smooth. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water (1 tbsp at a time) to adjust consistency.
4. Cook the Sauce (Optional for Better Flavor)
- Pour the blended sauce into a saucepan and simmer over low heat for 5-7 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Cooking enhances the flavors and improves texture.
5. Cool and Store
- Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight jar or bottle.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Ways to Use Peri Peri Sauce:
- As a marinade – Coat chicken, shrimp, or tofu before grilling.
- As a dipping sauce – Perfect with fries, grilled meats, or veggies.
- As a spread – Use on sandwiches, burgers, or wraps.
- As a seasoning – Mix with mayo, yogurt, or butter for an extra punch of flavor.
Tips & Variations:
✅ For a milder version – Reduce the number of chilies and remove seeds.
✅ For extra smokiness – Add ½ tsp more smoked paprika or a dash of liquid smoke.
✅ For a creamier version – Blend in 2 tbsp of Greek yogurt or mayonnaise.
✅ For a richer texture – Use roasted garlic instead of raw garlic.
