Peri-peri seasoning is growing more and more popular every day. You’ve probably seen it on the menu at Nando’s, or maybe you’ve picked up a bottle at the grocery store. But have you ever thought about making your own?
Peri-peri spice is known for its unique flavor – a spicy, savory, and slightly tangy kick that’s simply delicious. And while it’s easy to buy pre-made, making it at home lets you customize the heat and ingredients to your taste. Plus, it’s often cheaper and fresher than store-bought versions.
This article will walk you through everything you need to know to create your own amazing piri piri spice recipe, including ingredients, step-by-step instructions, tips for variations, and ideas for using it in your cooking.
What is peri-peri?
First, the name: “peri-peri” refers to the African Bird’s Eye chili pepper. The Portuguese popularized it, and now it’s used in cuisines all over the world.
Peri-peri peppers are small but mighty. They pack a serious punch of heat. The flavor is fruity and bright, with a lingering warmth.
It’s important to know that peri-peri seasoning is more than just the peppers themselves. It’s a blend of spices that includes the chili, but it’s usually got other ingredients in there too, to balance the flavor.
Ingredients for Homemade Peri-Peri Seasoning
Peri-peri seasoning is a versatile spice blend you can use to add some heat and flavor to practically anything. Here’s what you’ll need to make your own:
Core Spices
- Paprika: Adds color and a touch of sweetness. For a smoky flavor, try smoked paprika.
- Chili flakes: For heat and texture. For an authentic peri-peri taste, use Bird’s Eye chili flakes.
- Cayenne pepper: Another source of heat. Adjust to your preferred spice level.
- Garlic powder: Adds savory depth.
- Onion powder: Enhances the overall flavor.
Supporting Spices and Herbs
- Oregano: Provides an herbaceous note.
- White pepper: Adds subtle heat and complexity.
- Sugar: Balances the heat with a touch of sweetness. Granulated white sugar or brown sugar both work well.
- Salt: Enhances all the other flavors.
Optional Ingredients for Added Complexity
- Ground coriander: Adds a citrusy, earthy note.
- Ground ginger: Provides warmth and a slight zing.
- Ground cardamom: Contributes a unique aromatic flavor.
- Dried parsley: Adds a fresh, herbaceous element.
How to make piri-piri spice
- First, gather all your ingredients and measuring spoons.
- Next, put all the spices and herbs in a bowl. Make sure you measure carefully for the best flavor.
- Mix everything together until it’s well combined. Break up any clumps of spices with your fingers or a spoon.
- Now, put the spice mix in an airtight container.
- Label the container with the name and the date you made it. This will help you keep track of how fresh it is.
- Give the container a good shake before you use the spice to make sure everything is mixed well.
Customizing Your Peri-Peri Seasoning
The recipe above is a starting point. Feel free to tweak it to your liking! Here’s how you can customize your peri-peri spice blend:
Adjusting the Spice Level
- Want more heat? Add more cayenne pepper or chili flakes. For a serious kick, try using hotter chili powders like scotch bonnet or habanero.
- Want less heat? Decrease the amount of cayenne pepper or chili flakes. You can also add more paprika (sweet or smoked) or other non-spicy spices to balance the heat.
Adding Sweetness
- Incorporate a bit of brown sugar for a richer, molasses-like sweetness.
- Use honey powder for a more subtle sweetness.
Creating a Smoky Flavor
- Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika. This adds a wonderful depth of flavor.
- Add a tiny pinch of smoked salt. A little goes a long way!
Experimenting with Herbs
- Add dried thyme or rosemary for an earthy, savory flavor.
- Include dried basil for a sweeter, more aromatic profile.
How to store your homemade piri-piri spice mix
To keep your spice blend fresh, you’ll want to store it in an airtight container to keep moisture out.
Keep the container in a cool, dark, and dry place, like a pantry or spice cabinet. Direct sunlight will degrade the spices.
Properly stored, your piri-piri seasoning should last for up to 6 months. Give it a sniff and a taste before using it if it’s been sitting for a while to make sure the flavor is still potent.
Ways to Use Peri-Peri Seasoning
Once you’ve whipped up a batch of homemade peri-peri seasoning, you’ll find all sorts of ways to use it. Here are a few of my favorites.
As a Dry Rub for Meats
Peri-peri seasoning is wonderful on all kinds of meat.
- Chicken: Sprinkle it generously on chicken before grilling, baking, or roasting. For an extra punch of flavor, combine the seasoning with olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh herbs to create a zesty marinade.
- Fish: Season salmon, cod, or any other fish fillets with peri-peri before cooking.
- Steak: Add a kick to steaks before grilling or pan-frying.
Seasoning for Vegetables
Don’t think peri-peri is only for meat! It’s also terrific on veggies.
- Roasted vegetables: Toss carrots, potatoes, zucchini, and other vegetables with peri-peri seasoning before roasting.
- Grilled vegetables: Sprinkle it on grilled corn, bell peppers, or eggplant.
Adding Flavor to Sauces and Dips
Looking for a quick and easy way to spice up a sauce or dip? Peri-peri to the rescue!
- Tomato sauce: Stir a bit into tomato sauce for a spicy kick.
- Dips: Mix it with mayonnaise or yogurt to create a simple peri-peri dip.
Seasoning for Snacks
Peri-peri seasoning elevates your snacks with a burst of flavor and heat.
- French fries: Sprinkle it on French fries for a spicy twist. (McDonald’s even uses peri-peri seasoning on fries in some countries!)
- Popcorn: Add it to popcorn for a flavorful and addictive snack.
In Closing
Making your own peri-peri spice blend is a great way to customize the heat level to your liking, save money, and enjoy the freshest possible flavors.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with different types of chili peppers and dried herbs to create your signature blend. Peri-peri seasoning is incredibly versatile and can add a spicy, flavorful kick to almost any dish you can imagine.
Homemade peri-peri seasoning will take your cooking to the next level and bring the taste of Nando’s—and so much more—to your own kitchen.