Trader joe’s Peri Peri Sauce Recipe
Like me, you like trying new dishes and flavours. Peri-peri sauce is familiar to spicy meal lovers. Due to its unique flavour and flexibility, this tangy and spicy condiment from Africa has spread worldwide.
I first discovered peri peri sauce recipe during a trip to South Africa, where I was blown away by the bold and zesty flavors of the local cuisine.
From peri peri chicken to peri peri prawns, this sauce seemed to be everywhere – and for good reason! I quickly became hooked on its fiery taste and started experimenting with different ways to incorporate it into my cooking.
I love peri peri sauce’s flexibility. It can marinate meats, dip greens, and top sandwiches and pizzas. While there are many store-bought peri peri sauces, I’ve found that making my own is cheaper and lets me customize the heat level and flavor profile.
How To Make Trader joe’s Peri Peri Sauce
You probably know what peri peri sauce is if you like spicy cuisine. This condiment is a staple in many cuisines around the globe, but its roots are in Africa.
Many regulars at the gourmet supermarket Trader Joe’s swear by the store’s take on the popular peri peri sauce.
I’m going to show you how to replicate Trader Joe’s peri peri sauce at home, from start to finish, in this detailed blog article.
Trader joe’s Peri Peri Sauce Ingredients
The first step to making peri peri sauce is to gather the necessary ingredients. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 10-12 peri peri peppers (can substitute with other hot peppers if peri peri peppers are not available)
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of white vinegar
- 3 cloves of garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
- Juice of 1 lemon
All of these ingredients can be found at your local grocery store or specialty food store. If you can’t find peri peri peppers, you can use other hot peppers like serrano, jalapeno, or habanero.
Step by Step Instructions To Make Trader joe’s Peri Peri Sauce
Roast the Peppers
The next step is to roast the peri peri peppers. This will help to bring out their flavor and make them easier to blend.
To roast the peppers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the peppers on the sheet.
Roast the peppers for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are slightly charred and soft.
Blend the Ingredients
Once the peppers are roasted, let them cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a blender or food processor.
Add the rest of the ingredients to the blender, including olive oil, white vinegar, minced garlic, salt, sugar, paprika, and lemon juice.
Blend the ingredients until they are well combined and the sauce has a smooth consistency.
Adjust the Flavor
After blending, taste the peri peri sauce and adjust the flavor as needed. If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add more peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
If you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce the number of peppers or add a bit more sugar or lemon juice to balance out the flavors.
How spicy is peri peri sauce?
Peri peri sauce can vary in spiciness depending on the type and amount of peppers used. Trader Joe’s Peri Peri Sauce is known for being moderately spicy. If you prefer a milder sauce, you can adjust the number of peppers used.
Can I use other types of vinegar besides white vinegar?
Yes, you can use other types of vinegar like apple cider vinegar or other vinegar, but the flavor of the sauce may be slightly different.
How To Use peri-peri sauce in Cooking
Peri peri sauce can be used in a variety of ways, depending on your personal taste and preference. Here are some ideas to get you started:
Marinade: Use peri peri sauce as a marinade for chicken, shrimp, or tofu. Simply coat your protein of choice in the sauce and let it sit for at least 30 minutes (or up to overnight) in the fridge. Then grill, bake, or pan-fry for a delicious and spicy main dish.
Dipping sauce: Peri peri sauce makes a great dipping sauce for veggies, chips, or even pizza. Mix it with some sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamier dip, or serve it as is for a bold and zesty flavor.
Sandwich topping: Spread peri peri sauce on your favorite sandwich for an extra burst of flavor. It pairs particularly well with grilled chicken, turkey, or veggies.
Salad dressing: Mix peri peri sauce with olive oil, vinegar, and a pinch of salt for a spicy and tangy salad dressing. It works particularly well with greens like arugula, spinach, and kale.
Burger sauce: Use peri peri sauce as a topping for burgers or sliders, along with some avocado, sliced onions, and cheese. It adds a nice kick of heat and flavor to any burger.
Trader joe’s Peri Peri Sauce Variations
There are many variations of peri peri sauce that you can try depending on your taste and the ingredients you have on hand. Here are some popular variations I use:
Garlic Peri Peri Sauce: Add 2-3 cloves of garlic to the basic recipe for a garlicky twist.
Smoky Peri Peri Sauce: Add 1-2 tablespoons of smoked paprika to the basic recipe for a smoky flavor.
Citrus Peri Peri Sauce: Add the juice and zest of 1 lemon or lime to the basic recipe for a tangy citrus flavor.
Sweet Peri Peri Sauce: Add 1-2 tablespoons of honey or maple syrup to the basic recipe for a touch of sweetness.
Creamy Peri Peri Sauce: Mix the basic recipe with 1/4 cup of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a creamier texture.
Pineapple Peri Peri Sauce: Blend 1 cup of diced pineapple with the basic recipe for a fruity and spicy sauce.
Herb Peri Peri Sauce: Add a handful of fresh herbs such as cilantro or parsley to the basic recipe for a herbaceous flavor.
How to Store Homemade Trader joe’s Peri Peri Sauce
Peri peri sauce lasts two weeks in the fridge. Put your homemade peri peri sauce in an airtight container like a jar or plastic container with a top. Label the sauce’s jar with the date you made it to keep it fresh.
Peri peri sauce can be frozen for up to three months. Before sealing, transfer your sauce to a freezer-safe container or bag and remove as much air as feasible. Simply thaw the sauce in the fridge overnight and mix before using.
After freezing, the sauce’s consistency may alter, so blend or stir it before using.
Trader joe’s Peri Peri Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
- 10-12 peri peri peppers can substitute with other hot peppers if peri peri peppers are not available
- 1/2 cup of olive oil
- 1/4 cup of white vinegar
- 3 cloves of garlic minced
- 1/2 teaspoon of salt
- 1/2 teaspoon of sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon of paprika
- Juice of 1 lemon
Instructions
- The next step is to roast the peri peri peppers. This will help to bring out their flavor and make them easier to blend.
- To roast the peppers, preheat your oven to 400°F (200°C). Line a baking sheet with aluminum foil and place the peppers on the sheet.
- Roast the peppers for about 10-15 minutes, or until they are slightly charred and soft.
- Once the peppers are roasted, let them cool for a few minutes before transferring them to a blender or food processor.
- Add the rest of the ingredients to the blender, including the olive oil, white vinegar, minced garlic, salt, sugar, paprika, and lemon juice. Blend the ingredients until they are well combined and the sauce has a smooth consistency.
- After blending, taste the peri peri sauce and adjust the flavor as needed. If you prefer a spicier sauce, you can add more peppers or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- If you prefer a milder sauce, you can reduce the amount of peppers or add a bit more sugar or lemon juice to balance out the flavors.