dish Recipes

Copycat Nando’s PERi-PERi Sauce: Recreate the Famous Fiery Flavor at Home

If you’re a fan of Nando’s, you’re probably familiar with their iconic PERi-PERi Sauce—a zesty, fiery condiment packed with bold flavors. This versatile sauce, inspired by Portuguese-African flavors, is perfect for marinating, basting, or dipping everything from chicken to vegetables. While buying a bottle is convenient, making your own at home allows you to customize the spice level and enjoy a fresh, preservative-free version. Follow this step-by-step guide to create a delicious copycat Nando’s PERi-PERi Sauce in your kitchen.

What Is PERi-PERi Sauce?

PERi-PERi sauce is a spicy chili-based sauce made with African bird’s eye chilies, garlic, lemon, and a mix of herbs and spices. Originating from Mozambique and popularized by Portuguese cuisine, it’s the perfect balance of heat, tang, and smokiness.

Why Make It at Home?

Customizable Heat: Adjust the spice level to suit your palate.
Fresh Ingredients: Enjoy a sauce free from artificial preservatives.
Versatile: Use it as a marinade, dip, or topping for a variety of dishes.

Ingredients

To make about 2 cups of PERi-PERi sauce, gather the following ingredients:

Essential Ingredients:

African bird’s eye chilies: 6–8 (adjust to your spice preference; substitute with Thai chilies if unavailable)
Red bell pepper: 1 large, roasted and peeled
Garlic cloves: 4, minced
Lemon juice: 2 tablespoons
White vinegar: 2 tablespoons
Olive oil: ½ cup
Smoked paprika: 1 teaspoon
Oregano: 1 teaspoon
Salt: 1 teaspoon
Sugar or honey: 1 teaspoon (optional, for balance)

Optional Enhancements:

Onion: ½ small, finely chopped
Cayenne pepper: ½ teaspoon (for extra heat)
Fresh parsley or cilantro: 2 tablespoons, chopped (for added herbaceous notes)