nando’s peri peri sauce

Nando’s Sauce Magic: Strong Flavors That Change Any Meal

Nando’s is renowned for its famous flame-grilled PERi-PERi chicken, sauce but it’s the sauces that truly steal the show. Nando’s sauce selection provides a range of choices to enhance your meals, regardless of your preference for milder flavors or a strong taste for heat. The core of the brand are these sauces, which have Portuguese influences yet are based in South African roots. Let’s examine how Nando’s sauces might enhance your meals and discover what makes them so unique.

PERi-PERi Sauce: What is it?

The spicy African Bird’s Eye chili, PERi-PERi, is the main ingredient in Nando’s sauces. Local farmers grow this little yet powerful chile in the warm temperatures of South Africa, Malawi, and Mozambique. The chili is combined with onion, lemon, garlic, and other spices to make a fiery, tangy, and completely irresistible sauce.

Beyond simply being condiments, Nando’s sauces are an exploration of strong, tangy flavors that capture the essence of the company’s Afro-Portuguese heritage.

Ingredients for PERi-PERi Sauce

To create a flavorful and authentic PERi-PERi sauce, you’ll need a combination of bold, aromatic, and spicy ingredients. Here’s a detailed list:

Core Ingredients

1. African Bird’s Eye Chili

• Quantity: 5–10 chilies (adjust for desired heat level)
• The star ingredient, providing the signature heat and flavor. Substitute with red Thai chilies or cayenne peppers if unavailable.

1. Garlic

• Quantity: 3–4 cloves, minced
• Adds depth and a bold, aromatic flavor.

1. Red Bell Pepper

• Quantity: 1 large, roasted and peeled
• Balances the heat with sweetness and contributes to the sauce’s smooth texture.

1. Lemon Juice

• Quantity: 2–3 tablespoons, freshly squeezed
• Brings tanginess and freshness to the sauce.

1. White Vinegar

• Quantity: 1–2 tablespoons
• Enhances the tangy profile and acts as a preservative.

1. Olive Oil

• Quantity: 1/4 cup
• Provides richness and helps emulsify the sauce.

Spices and Herbs

7. Smoked Paprika

• Quantity: 1 teaspoon
• Adds a smoky depth that complements the chili heat.

7. Oregano

• Quantity: 1 teaspoon, dried
• Brings a herby, earthy note to the sauce.

7. Salt

• Quantity: 1/2 teaspoon (adjust to taste)
• Enhances all the flavors.

7. Black Pepper
   • Quantity: 1/4 teaspoon
   • Adds a mild spiciness and balance.
8. Sugar (Optional)
   • Quantity: 1 teaspoon
   • Balances the acidity and heat for a rounded flavor.

Optional Additions

12. Water
    • Quantity: 2–3 tablespoons
    • To adjust the consistency of the sauce.
13. Cilantro (Fresh Coriander)
    • Quantity: 1–2 tablespoons, chopped
    • Optional garnish or blended into the sauce for a fresh, green touch.
14. Onion
    • Quantity: 1 small, finely chopped or roasted
    • Adds sweetness and body to the sauce (optional but recommended).

Notes

• For an Extra Hot version, increase the number of chilies or use spicier varieties.
• For a milder sauce, reduce the number of chilies or deseed them before blending.
• Adjust the olive oil and water to achieve the desired consistency (thicker for dips, thinner for marinades).

These ingredients form the base of a classic PERi-PERi sauce, ideal for marinating, dipping, or drizzling. Customize the proportions to suit your heat tolerance and taste preferences! 🌶️

The Sauce Lineup at Nando’s

Nando’s offers a choice of sauces to suit every palate, from mild to blazing spicy. Below is a summary of their well-liked sauces:

1. Herb and Lemon

The temperature is mild.

The flavor profile is citrusy, acidic, herbaceous, and slightly spicy.

Perfect For: Novices or people who don’t mind a lot of heat. Goes nicely with salads, grilled chicken, and seafood.

2. Garlic

The temperature is mild.

The flavor profile is: Full-bodied garlic flavor with a hint of acidity and spice.

Perfect For: Lovers of garlic! Excellent for dipping bread, pasta, and roasted vegetables.

3. Medium

The temperature is moderate.

The flavor profile is: a well-balanced combination of flavor and heat, with hints of chile and lemon.

Perfect For: People who want a little spiciness. It tastes great on wraps, burgers, and poultry.

4. Hot

• Level of Heat: Hot
• Flavor Profile: Strong, with citrus notes and a stronger chile kick.

Perfect For: Fans of spicy cuisine. Perfect for stir-fries, tacos, and wings.

5. Extra Hot

Level of Heat: Extremely Hot

The flavor profile is: layers of smokey and zesty flavors combined with intense heat.

Daredevils who enjoy spicy food will find this to be the best option. Ideal for pouring over grilled meats or marinating them.

The sixth item is PERinaise (PERi-PERi Mayonnaise).

• Heat Level: Depending on the kind, mild to medium

The flavor profile is creamy with a touch of tartness and spice.

Ideal For: An adaptable dip for sandwiches, burgers, and fries.

Nando’s Sauce Usage

Nando’s sauces are very flexible and aren’t just for dipping. You can use these sauces in your cuisine in the following ways:

1. Marinades

Before grilling or baking, coat chicken, shrimp, or tofu with your preferred sauce and allow it to marinade for a few hours.

Use the Hot or Extra Hot varieties for a smokey BBQ.

2. Glazes

• For a tart glaze, brush roasted veggies with Lemon & Herb or Medium sauce.

To add even more flavor, use it on pork chops or ribs.

3. Dipping Sauce

Serve the Garlic or PERinaise sauce as a dip for breadsticks, chips, or fries.

To add a fiery touch to wings or spring rolls, use Hot or Extra Hot.

4. Dressings for Salads

To make a zesty salad dressing, combine vinegar, olive oil, and Lemon & Herb sauce.

To make a tasty and creamy dressing, mix Greek yogurt with Garlic sauce.

5. Pasta sauce or stir-fry

For a spicy twist, add a few teaspoons of Medium or Hot sauce to spaghetti or stir-fries.

For pasta recipes, use PERinaise as a basis for a creamy sauce.

4.5

A condiment with rich complex heat

A condiment with rich complex heat

Made in South Africa

6.76fl oz/200ml per bottle

4Buy on Amazon

6. Topping

For an added flavor boost, drizzle over tacos, burgers, or pizza.

For a spicy twist, add to avocado toast or scrambled eggs.

What Is Unique About Nando’s Sauce?

1. Authenticity: Nando’s sauces are bursting with authentic tastes, made with fresh ingredients and real African Bird’s Eye Chili.
2. Adaptability: There is a sauce for every dish, ranging from mild to hot.
3. Sustainability: Nando’s supports sustainable farming methods by collaborating with regional farmers in South Africa, Malawi, Zimbabwe, and Mozambique.
4. Health Aware: The majority of sauces don’t contain artificial flavors, colorants, or preservatives. Many are also vegetarian-friendly and gluten-free.

Where to Purchase Sauces from Nando’s

Around the world, Nando’s sauces can be found in major grocery shops, online, and in Nando’s restaurants. You may find them next to marinades and hot sauces in the condiments section. You can stock up on your favorites because they come in a variety of bottle sizes.

Conclusion

For anyone who appreciates strong, delicious, and adaptable condiments, Nando’s sauces are revolutionary. These sauces give each dish a distinctive edge, whether they are used as a marinade, glaze, or just a dip. There is a Nando’s sauce for every occasion and palate thanks to its variety of spice levels and flavor characteristics.

To bring the vivid atmosphere of South Africa into your kitchen, try incorporating Nando’s sauces into your meals. Now let’s start the PERi-PERi magic!