Copycat Nando's Perinaise Recipe

Learn how to make the best homemade Nando's-style Perinaise with this easy recipe! This creamy, spicy condiment combines the rich tanginess of mayonnaise with fiery peri-peri sauce for that authentic Portuguese-inspired flavor. Perfect for dipping, spreading, or drizzling over your favorite chicken dishes.

Difficulty:

Beginner

Prep Time:

10 mins

Cook Time:

0 mins

Serves:

250ml sauce

Ingredients

<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>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving

🔥 Calories: 115 calories

🥑 Fat: 12 g

🧈 Saturated Fat: 2 g

🍞 Carbohydrates: 1 g

🍭 Sugar: 0.5 g

🍗 Protein: 0.5 g

🫀 Cholesterol: 18 mg

🧂 Sodium: 180 mg

Equipment

<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>

Directions

<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>

FAQs

Find answers to your most pressing questions about this delicious recipe right here.

What ingredients are used in Copycat Nando's Perinaise Recipe?

The main ingredients for Nando's-style Perinaise are mayonnaise, peri-peri sauce, lemon juice, garlic powder, smoked paprika, and dried oregano. Optional salt can be added to taste. Use quality mayonnaise for the best results.

How to cook Copycat Nando's Perinaise Recipe at home?

Learn how to cook Copycat Nando's Perinaise Recipe by simply whisking together room temperature mayonnaise with peri-peri sauce, lemon juice and a blend of herbs and spices until smooth. No actual cooking is required - just mix, let the flavours develop in the refrigerator for 30 minutes, and it's ready to enjoy!

What's the best peri-peri sauce to use for authentic Perinaise?

For authentic Perinaise, Nando's branded peri-peri sauce works wonderfully, but other Portuguese or African-style peri-peri sauces like Encona or Africana also give excellent results. You can even use homemade peri-peri sauce for a truly personalized flavour.

Can I make a healthier version of Perinaise sauce?

Absolutely! For a healthier Perinaise, substitute traditional mayonnaise with light mayo, Greek yoghurt, or avocado-based mayo. You'll still get that creamy texture with fewer calories, though the flavour profile may be slightly tangier with yoghurt-based versions.

How spicy is Perinaise and can I adjust the heat level?

Perinaise typically has a medium spice level, but you can easily customize the heat by adjusting the amount of peri-peri sauce. Start with less for a milder version or add extra for a fiery kick. Different brands of peri-peri sauce also vary in heat intensity.

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