Nando's Perinaise Sauce Recipe (Easy Copycat)

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"><li class="ingredients-single-item">200g mayonnaise (good quality or homemade)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">2-3 tbsp peri-peri sauce (adjust to taste)</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tsp lemon juice</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/2 tsp garlic powder</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp smoked paprika</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">1/4 tsp dried oregano</li><li class="ingredients-single-item">Pinch of salt (optional, to taste)</li></ul>

<ul class="equipment-main-list"><li class="equipment-single-item">Mixing bowl</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Whisk</li><li class="equipment-single-item">Airtight container for storage</li></ul>

<ol class="no-list-style"><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4>Measure your mayonnaise into a medium mixing bowl. For the best results, ensure your mayonnaise is at room temperature as this will help all the ingredients incorporate smoothly. If you're using homemade mayonnaise, the fresher the better for maximum flavor.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4>Add the peri-peri sauce to the mayonnaise, starting with 2 tablespoons. The sauce is the heart of this recipe, providing both heat and that distinctive Nando's flavor. Different brands vary in intensity, so start conservatively—you can always add more later.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4>Add the lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano to the bowl. The lemon juice brightens the flavor and cuts through the richness, while the herbs and spices add complexity and authenticity to the sauce.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4>Whisk all ingredients together thoroughly until completely smooth and uniform in color. The sauce should be a light orange-pink shade with visible flecks of spices. Ensure there are no streaks of mayonnaise or peri-peri sauce remaining.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4>Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. For a spicier version, add more peri-peri sauce 1/2 teaspoon at a time. If it needs brightness, add a few more drops of lemon juice. Season with a pinch of salt if needed, remembering that most mayonnaise already contains salt.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4>For the best flavor development, transfer the Perinaise to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully, creating that signature Nando's taste.</li><li class="MethodStepper"><h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4>Store leftover Perinaise in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors will continue to develop over the first 24 hours, so don't be surprised if it tastes even better the next day! Stir well before using if any separation occurs.</li></ol>