Expand your culinary horizons with our delightful peri peri mayonnaise recipe. This fusion of creamy mayo and fiery African flavors is the perfect way to add an exciting twist to your meals. So, gather up your spices, fasten your apron, and let's start whipping up this spicy delicacy!
Craving more flavorful and easy recipes? Then try our peri peri seasoning, keto deviled egg salad, and air fryer frozen sweet potato fries next!
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what is peri peri mayonnaise (perinaise)
Peri Peri mayonnaise is a flavorful and spicy sauce made by combining mayonnaise, pepper, and other flavorful seasonings, resulting in a creamy, spicy, and tangy taste. Traditionally used as a dipping sauce or condiment, its rising popularity has led to its versatile use in many other ways across kitchens.
And while I cannot tell you exactly whether it owes its origins to South Africa's international restaurant chain Nandos, Nandos has indeed played a key role in significantly contributing to the international recognition and appeal of peri peri flavors, including that of peri peri mayonnaise (perinaise).
peri peri mayo ingredients
This is a summary of the ingredients you will need to make peri peri mayonnaise (perinaise), as well as possible substitutions, if any. You will find the detailed ingredients with measurements in the recipe card provided below.
- paprika powder - this helps add some colour to the sauce.
- ground African bird eye chilis - use cayenne pepper in case you cannot get hold of ground African bird eye chilis.
- ground garlic (garlic powder).
- sugar - the sugar is totally optional so feel free to leave it out, if you prefer.
- mayonnaise - here, feel free to use egg-free or vegan mayonnaise, if you prefer.
- some lemon juice, and some salt, to taste.
how to make peri peri mayonnaise
Making Peri Peri Mayonnaise is straightforward. You start by combining all dry ingredients in a bowl. Stir them until they're well-mixed, and then add your mayonnaise, ensuring the blend is smooth. Once your spicy mayo base is ready, add the lemon juice, stir again, and then adjust the flavor with a pinch of salt if needed. Once satisfied with the taste, serve or store in the fridge for later.
Related recipes: For more easy and tasty recipes, try our peri peri sauce, aioli sweet potato fries, and Moroccan chermoula spice, next!
how to use
This fiery, flavorful peri peri mayonnaise can be used in so many ways which we absolutely love! Here are my favorite suggestions on how to use it:-
- As a spicy dip: If you love Nandos as I do, then you have certainly had it served alongside a meal as a dip, or perhaps bought it from the stores for use as a dip at home. It tastes amazing served as a dipping sauce with chips (french fries), vegetable sticks, or even chicken wings.
- As a spread: amp up the taste of your sandwiches, tacos, and burgers by using it as a spread. It works especially well with chicken or turkey sandwiches.
- Drizzle it over your salads for a unique, tangy twist. It pairs excellently when drizzled on a green salad or a classic Caesar salad.
- For a spicy and garlicky flavor, use it as a marinade for your poultry dishes, tofu, or shrimp.
- Use it as a topping for roasted vegetables. We always get compliments whenever we serve it with our air fryer roast potatoes or air fryer whole baked potatoes.
variations
The beauty of this DIY spicy mayo is its flexibility so feel free to tweak this recipe to cater to your palate or dietary needs. A few variations you can try include:-
- spice- while I used ground African bird eye chilis for an authentic taste, you can substitute with cayenne pepper or your preferred spicy chili powder.
- fieriness- or use more or less of the chili peppers depending on how spicy you like to have your perinaise.
- mayonnaise variations- regular mayonnaise works great, but you can opt for a low-fat, or sugar-free version for a healthier take. If on a plant-based diet, simply use vegan mayonnaise.
- sugar- leave out the sugar if you're cutting down on refined sugar, or simply feel free to substitute with other sweeteners like keto sweeteners, coconut sugar, honey or agave syrup.
These are just a few suggestions and remember, it's all about achieving the taste that suits your palate so feel free to experiment in your own kitchen!
storage
Storing your peri peri mayo is simple and easy. Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 5 days. Similar to our spicy aioli sauce for sweet potatoes, I do not recommend freezing it as freezing can cause the emulsion to break, thereby altering the texture upon thawing.
other world cuisine recipes
Check out our collection of recipes from around the world!
- Make some Nigerian ogi for a nourishing, tasty and filling breakfast!
- For a quick and tasty side dish, try our German green bean salad, Moroccan carrot salad, or habanero pineapple mango salsa.
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📖 Recipe
Peri Peri Mayonnaise - Perinaise
Equipment
Ingredients
- ½ teaspoon paprika powder
- ½ - 1 teaspoon ground African bird eye chilis or cayenne pepper (use more or less depending on how spicy you like to have your dip)
- ¾ teaspoon ground garlic
- 1 teaspoon sugar (optional)
- ½ cup mayonnaise (alternatively, use low-carb or vegan mayo)
- 1½ tablespoon lemon juice (juice from half of a medium-sized lemon)
- a pinch of salt or more, to taste.
Instructions
- Start by mixing all dry ingredients in a bowl until well combined.
- Add the mayonnaise and stir until smooth. Next, slowly add the lemon juice, stir again, and then adjust the flavor with a pinch of salt or more as preferred. Once satisfied with the taste, serve your peri peri mayonnaise immediately or store it in the fridge for later.
Notes
- Use more or less of the chili peppers depending on how spicy you like to have your perinaise.
Jenn
Wow this sauce is now a bbq grill staple, I used it on my grilled veggies, burgers and wings! I loved how it had a great kick of flavour with the African bird eye chilis.
Jere Cassidy
Thanks for posting this mayo recipe. We love Nandos peri peri chicken and I was able to get the sauce for a while and now it's not available. This mayo has so many uses and is super easy to make.
Kate Hahnel
Thanks and yes, it is so versatile!
Ali
AMAZING!! Easy to make and delicious 🙂 my kind of recipe! Served it with fries and baked chicken and my family loved it!!
Kate Hahnel
I am glad you loved your perinaise sauce!
Gina
Love turning peri peri sauce into a mayo! This was delicious as a dip with some air fryer chicken tenders. We're big spicy people in this house and devoured it!
Shelby
So far I've used this peri peri mayo on quesadillas and a veggie wrap and it's amazing! Such a potent flavor addition.