Step 1: Roast the Bell Pepper

  1. Preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C) or use a stovetop flame to roast the bell pepper.
  2. Place the bell pepper on a baking sheet and roast until the skin is charred, turning occasionally (about 15–20 minutes).
  3. Once roasted, place the bell pepper in a bowl and cover with plastic wrap or a lid for 10 minutes. This helps loosen the skin.
  4. Peel off the charred skin, remove the seeds, and chop the flesh.

Step 2: Prep the Chilies

  1. If you prefer a milder sauce, remove the seeds from the chilies. Leave them in for a spicier version.
  2. Chop the chilies into small pieces for easier blending.

Step 3: Sauté the Aromatics

  1. Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a skillet over medium heat.
  2. Add the chopped onion (if using) and sauté for 3–4 minutes until translucent.
  3. Stir in the minced garlic and cook for another minute, until fragrant.

Step 4: Blend the Sauce

  1. In a blender or food processor, combine the roasted bell pepper, chilies, sautéed onion and garlic, lemon juice, vinegar, smoked paprika, oregano, salt, and sugar or honey.
  2. Blend until smooth, gradually adding the remaining olive oil to achieve a creamy consistency.
  3. Taste and adjust seasoning, adding more salt, sugar, or lemon juice as needed.

Step 5: Cook the Sauce

  1. Pour the blended mixture into a saucepan and simmer over low heat for 10–15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and deepens the sauce’s richness.
  2. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking.

Step 6: Cool and Store

  1. Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature.
  2. Transfer to a clean glass jar or airtight container.
  3. Store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

How to Use Your PERi-PERi Sauce

  • Marinade: Coat chicken, shrimp, or tofu with the sauce before grilling or roasting.
  • Basting Sauce: Brush onto meats or vegetables while cooking for an extra layer of flavor.
  • Dip: Serve alongside fries, chips, or roasted vegetables.
  • Topping: Drizzle over pizza, burgers, or sandwiches.

Tips for the Perfect PERi-PERi Sauce

  1. Control the Heat: Adjust the number of chilies and whether you include the seeds to customize the spice level.
  2. Experiment with Herbs: Swap oregano with thyme or parsley for a slightly different flavor profile.
  3. Add Smoke: For an extra smoky touch, use fire-roasted chilies or add a pinch of chipotle powder.
  4. Make It Creamy: Stir in a dollop of yogurt or mayonnaise for a milder, creamy version.

Conclusion

Recreating Nando’s PERi-PERi Sauce at home is easier than you might think and allows you to tailor the flavors to your liking. With its perfect balance of heat, tang, and smokiness, this versatile sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Whether you’re grilling chicken, dipping fries, or spicing up your sandwiches, this copycat recipe will bring restaurant-quality flavor to your table. Give it a try and enjoy the fiery, zesty goodness of homemade PERi-PERi sauce!