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Tuga Pops − Thursday, April 6, 2017, 9 Years ago in Side Recipes
4 out of 5 with 164 ratings

Quick and Easy Piri Piri Sauce Recipe

Elevate your meals with this quick Piri Piri sauce! Bursting with zesty lemon and spices, it's perfect for grilled chicken or seafood delight!
5 min 1 servings Very Easy Prep time 5 min Cooking Time n/a

Why you will love this Quick and Easy Piri Piri Sauce Recipe

Elevate your grilled dishes with this quick and easy Piri Piri sauce! Inspired by the beloved Nando's flavor, this sauce balances zesty lemon and garlic with a touch of heat. Perfect for brushing on chicken or seafood, it transforms any meal into a spicy delight. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of prep, get ready to enjoy a burst of flavor that's sure to impress!


Ingredients

4 tablespoons of lemon juice5 tablespoons of olive oil1/4 cup of vinegar1 tablespoon of cayenne pepper1 tablespoon of garlic, minced1 tablespoon of paprika1 teaspoon of salt1 tablespoon of chili flakes

Equipment:

Small bowlWhiskBrush

With all your ingredients and equipment gathered, you are ready to get started!

Directions

  1. Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk together.
  2. Brush on chicken or seafood before grilling or baking.

Recipe Tips

For a more balanced flavor, consider using a mix of lemon juice and lime juice in equal parts. This will add complexity to the sauce without overpowering the other ingredients.
To enhance the depth of flavor, allow the sauce to sit for at least 30 minutes before using. This resting time allows the garlic and spices to infuse into the oil and vinegar, resulting in a more cohesive taste.
Avoid using too much cayenne pepper if you are sensitive to heat; start with 1/2 tablespoon and adjust to taste. Remember that the spice level can increase after the sauce is mixed and allowed to rest.
Adapted from a Recipe by: recipezazz.com

Nutritional Facts (Per Serving)

Calories
713 kcal
Fat
73 g
Carbs
17 g
Protein
3 g

Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of cayenne pepper in the Piri Piri sauce?

If you don't have cayenne pepper, you can substitute it with crushed red pepper flakes for similar heat or use paprika for a milder flavor. Adjust the quantity based on your spice preference.

How should I store leftover Piri Piri sauce?

Leftover Piri Piri sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. You can also freeze it in ice cube trays for longer storage, then transfer the cubes to a freezer bag for up to three months.

What can I do if my Piri Piri sauce is too salty?

If your sauce turns out too salty, you can balance it out by adding a bit more lemon juice or vinegar to dilute the saltiness. Another option is to add a little bit of sugar or honey to cut through the salt.

Recommended Drink Pairings

Wine

Portuguese: Vinho Verde - This lightly sparkling wine offers refreshing acidity and citrus notes that complement the zesty flavors of Piri Piri sauce.

General: Sauvignon Blanc - Its bright acidity and herbal characteristics enhance the spiciness while balancing the richness of the sauce.

Beer

Portuguese: Super Bock - This lager's crisp and clean profile makes it a perfect match for the bold spices of Piri Piri sauce.

General: Pale Ale - The hoppy bitterness and fruity notes of a pale ale can stand up to the heat and spices of the dish.

Other Beverages

Spiced Rum: The warm spices and sweetness of spiced rum can complement the chili and garlic notes in the sauce beautifully.

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Reviews (4) Add a review

Jody Driscoll
Jody Driscoll
I did this recipe on chicken. It was delicious! There is a recipe for sauce I'm looking for that I had in Toronto. The take out place would brush the sauce on the chicken after it was cooked. It had olive oil as well it was red on the bottom of the sauce when it divided when left sitting. I use to order extra sauce. Do you know the recipe for this sauce??
5 Years ago, Friday, January 14, 2022

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
5 Years ago, Friday, January 14, 2022

Leigh-Ann
Leigh-Ann
Can you please let me know what type of vinegar is required for this recipe, is it plain white vinegar?
5 Years ago, Saturday, July 17, 2021

Tuga Pops
Tuga Pops
Hi Leigh-Ann, we always just use plain white vinegar here at home for this.

5 Years ago, Saturday, July 17, 2021

Tuga Pops

Joined 11 Years ago n/a
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