If you’re a fan of bold and fiery flavours, then peri peri seasoning is a must-have ingredient in your kitchen cupboard, whether you buy a mix or make your own.
I love peri peri. Whether it’s on chicken, in a dip, or even sprinkled on roasted veg. Such a vibrant and firey flavour.
Sauces are very popular, but this easy spice mix gives you a great way to add flavour to plenty of homemade recipes. It’s excellent sprinkled on chicken with olive oil but could also be used on things like fish and halloumi or even chips and dips.
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Why Make Homemade Peri Peri Seasoning
You can buy a peri peri spice mix. I quite often do. It’s nice and handy to have in.
But it’s not one of the most popular spices, and you can’t always get it, so it’s worth having a recipe so you can add this delicious flavour to your dinners when you can’t find a store-bought mix.
What is Peri Peri Seasoning?
Peri peri, or piri piri, is derived from the Swahili word “piri,” meaning pepper.
The seasoning has its roots in African and Portuguese cuisines, particularly Mozambique and Angola. It was introduced by Portuguese explorers who brought chilli peppers from the New World to Africa in the 15th century.
The locals embraced this fiery ingredient and soon began incorporating it into their dishes, giving birth to the beloved peri peri. Nando’s have made it, and peri peri sauce super famous, though, of course.
How to Use Peri Peri Seasoning
You can use peri peri spice on things like traybakes or chicken for spicy wraps or burgers. You could also add it to mayo for a spicy dip. Some ideas for using this recipe for peri peri mix include:
Enhance Your Grilled Chicken
Piri piri seasoning is widely recognised for its perfect pairing with grilled chicken. To add a tantalising twist to your chicken, marinate the meat with a generous amount of peri seasoning, olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic.
Allow the flavours to infuse by letting the chicken marinate for at least 30 minutes before grilling. The result will be a juicy, flavorful peri peri chicken with a delightful spicy kick.
Add a Zesty Kick to Seafood
Sprinkle a pinch of peri peri seasoning over grilled prawns or fish fillets to give them a spicy kick.
Alternatively, you can create a marinade by mixing peri spice with lime juice, coriander, and olive oil. Coat the seafood in the marinade for about 15 minutes, then grill.
Spice Up Your Roasted Vegetables
Roasted vegetables are a healthy and delicious side dish, but they sometimes lack excitement. Peri peri seasoning can come to the rescue! Toss your favourite vegetables, such as peppers, courgettes, and onions, in olive oil and sprinkle them with peri-peri seasoning before roasting.
The seasoning will infuse the vegetables with a burst of flavour and a subtle heat, turning a simple side dish into something special.
Create Flavorful Dips and Sauces
Peri peri seasoning can be the secret ingredient in your homemade dips and sauces. Mix a teaspoon of peri peri seasoning with mayonnaise, yoghurt, or sour cream to create a tangy and spicy dip for chips, crackers, or fresh vegetables.
Alternatively, blend peri peri seasoning with tomato sauce, garlic, and a hint of honey to make a lip-smacking sauce for grilled meats or a topping for burgers and sandwiches.
Sprinkle on Snacks for an Extra Kick
Take your snacks to the next level by adding a sprinkle of peri peri seasoning. Whether you’re enjoying popcorn, roasted nuts, or even homemade potato chips, a dash of peri peri seasoning can transform them into addictive treats with a fiery twist.
Or, just make some peri peri chips by sprinkling liberally on some oven chips or wedges!
Dry Ingredients for Peri Peri Spice Blend
Peri peri seasoning is characterised by its unique blend of spices and herbs, which contribute to its distinct flavour profile.
While different variations exist, the core ingredients remain relatively consistent. Here are the essential components of peri peri seasoning:
Chili Peppers
Chilli peppers are the heart and soul of peri peri. They provide the fiery kick that sets this spice blend apart.
Traditional recipes call for African bird’s eye chilli peppers, also known as peri-peri peppers. However, you can use other hot chilli peppers like habanero or Scotch bonnet as alternatives.
If you are making a dry peri peri spice that you can keep in a tub and use on a range of dishes, then I recommend dried cayenne pepper, which is readily available.
Citrus Zest
Citrus zest, usually from lemons or limes, adds a refreshing and tangy note to the seasoning.
It balances out the heat from the chilli peppers and brings a delightful brightness to the overall flavour profile.
Garlic and Onion
Garlic and onion are staple ingredients in peri peri sauce and spice mix, providing aromatic depth and complexity.
They complement the spiciness of the chilli peppers and create a harmonious blend of flavours.
Herbs and Spices
Various herbs and spices are used to enhance the seasoning and add depth to the taste. Common additions include ground paprika, oregano, thyme, and parsley.
These ingredients contribute to the well-rounded flavour that easy peri peri seasoning powder is known for.
How to Make Peri Peri Seasoning
For a wet periperi seasoning, I recommended using fresh chillis and lemon zest and blending all of the ingredients to a paste, which you can rub on to meat or veg before grilling.
To make a dry seasoning, stir the ingredients in a small bowl and keep them in an airtight tub.
Is This Seasoning Spicy?
Most of the spice in my peri peri spice mix recipe comes from the cayenne pepper chilli powder, which is fairly spicy. But you can add more or less to get the spice level right for you.
Peri Peri Seasoning
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons paprika
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon dried thyme
- 1 tablespoon dried basil
- 1 tablespoon cayenne pepper (adjust to your preferred spice level)
- 1 tablespoon salt
- 1 tablespoon black pepper
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika (optional for a smoky flavour)
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine all the ingredients: paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, dried thyme, dried basil, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and smoked paprika (if using).
- Mix well until all the spices are evenly incorporated.
- Taste the seasoning and adjust the spice level or saltiness if desired. Add more cayenne pepper for extra heat or more salt and black pepper for additional seasoning.
- Transfer the peri peri seasoning to an airtight container or jar.
- Store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight.
- Use the seasoning to add a spicy and flavourful kick to grilled meats, vegetables, or any dish that could use a peri peri twist.
Notes
- You can also customise this recipe by adding other spices or herbs like lemon zest, dried parsley, or dried rosemary, based on your preference.
Any nutritional information is given as a general guide only and may not be accurate. The information is provided using an online calculator and is specific to my ingredients. Please make your own calculations if you want precise information.
