Peri peri mayonnaise (perinaise) - This fusion of creamy mayo and fiery African flavors is the perfect way to add an exciting twist to your meals.
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You know that delicious sauce you get at Nando’s? What if I told you it’s so easy to make at home? So, gather your spices, fasten your apron, and let’s start whipping up this spicy favorite.
ingredients
Below is a summary of the ingredients you need to make peri peri mayo, plus a few easy swaps. Find the exact measurements in the recipe card below.
- paprika powder.
- ground African bird eye chilis - while I used ground African bird eye chilis for an authentic taste, you can substitute with cayenne pepper or your preferred spicy chili powder.
- ground garlic (garlic powder).
- sugar (optional) - leave out the sugar if you're cutting down on refined sugar, or simply feel free to substitute with other sweeteners.
- mayonnaise - regular mayonnaise works great, but you can opt for a low-fat, vegan, or sugar-free mayo.
- some lemon juice, and some salt, to taste.
how to make peri peri mayonnaise
- 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.
how to use peri-naise
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: use it on your sandwiches, tacos, and burgers as a spread.
- Drizzle it over your salads.
- 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.
quick tip
For the heat, feel free to use more or fewer chilli peppers, depending on how spicy you like your sauce.
storage
Keep it in an airtight container in the refrigerator, for up to 5 days. I do not recommend freezing it as freezing can cause the emulsion to break, thereby altering the texture upon thawing.
frequently asked questions
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.
more sauce related recipes
- Peri Peri Sauce
- Aioli Sweet Potato Fries
- Chermoula Sauce
- Ninja Foodi Tomato Sauce
- Pili Pili Sauce
- Hearty Marinara Sauce
other world cuisine recipes
Updated on March 20, 2026: Certain parts of this recipe have been simplified to enhance clarity and readability.
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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 sauce.
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.