Spice up taco night with homemade Peri Peri seasoning! No artificial stuff here, just pure flavor and a fraction of the cost. Plus, you control the heat – crank up the chili for that extra kick! Get ready for a fiesta with a whole lot of great flavors!
Peri Peri Seasoning in a jar on a broken clay platter.

What is Peri Peri Seasoning?

Peri Peri, also spelled Piri Piri or Peli Peli, refers to the African Bird’s Eye Chili, which is the key ingredient in this seasoning. Combined with a variety of herbs and spices, Peri Peri seasoning delivers a punchy flavor that adds excitement to any dish.

If you’re a fan of bold flavorful food, and a bit of heat, then you’re in for a treat with this homemade Peri Peri Seasoning recipe. Originating from Portuguese-speaking countries like Mozambique and Angola, this fiery blend has gained worldwide popularity for its unique taste and versatility. I am a big fan! Try it with just about everything!

Related Recipes: Peri Peri Chicken / Peri Peri Sauce

What You’ll Fall in Love With Peri Peri


  • QUICK & EASY – it is super quick and easy to make in less than 5 minutes.
  • VERSATILE and BUDGET FRIENDLY – Making your own seasoning blend is not only more affordable but also allows you to customize the flavors to suit your preferences.
  • LOW CARB AND KETO FRIENDLY – For those following a low-carb or keto lifestyle, this seasoning is the perfect way to add flavour without compromising your dietary goals. Plus, it’s sugar-free!
Peri Peri ingredients all laid out with labels.

Peri Peri Seasoning Ingredients

  • Spices – I have used ground spices to make this a super easy recipe. You can be authentic and use African Bird’s Eye Chilies, or other spicy peppers like cayenne or red pepper flakes. Adjust the quantity based on your preferred level of heat. Use whole spice if you prefer too. I love making my own seasonings. Play with them and adjust the amounts and heat level to make this seasoning suit your tastes.

How to Make Peri Peri Seasoning

piri piri spice mix in a large white bowl.

Step 1. Combine all the ingredients in a large mixing bowl.

A bowl and spoon with spices in it.

NOTE: Adjust the spice level to your preference.

TIPS

  1. Toast the Spices: Toasting dried chillies and whole spices before grinding them can enhance their flavors. Simply heat them in a dry skillet over medium heat until fragrant, then allow them to cool before grinding.
  2. Adjust Heat Level: Start with a small amount of chillies and gradually increase until you reach your desired level of spiciness. Remember, you can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away!
  3. Storage: Store your homemade Peri Peri seasoning in an airtight container in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. This will help preserve its flavor and freshness.
  4. Labelling: Be sure to label your seasoning with the date it was made. This will help you keep track of its freshness and ensure you use it before it loses its potency.
  5. Customization: Don’t be afraid to customize the seasoning to suit your taste preferences.
  6. Use Fresh Ingredients: Whenever possible, use fresh, high-quality ingredients for the best flavor. This will make a noticeable difference in the taste of the piri piri spice mix.

How to Use Peri Peri Seasoning

Peri Peri seasoning is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways:

  1. Marinades: Mix the seasoning with olive oil, lemon juice, and garlic to create a zesty marinade for chicken, shrimp, or vegetables.
  2. Seasoning: Sprinkle it over grilled meats, roasted vegetables, or even popcorn for a spicy kick. Peri peri seasoning seasoning for chips... Yummo!
  3. Dips and Sauces: Stir it into mayonnaise or Greek Haydari yogurt for a tangy dip or sauce that pairs perfectly with fries or grilled kebabs.

FAQs

How long will it store for?

You can store for months in an airtight container in the pantry. Alternatively, place into an airtight container and store it in the freezer.

Is Peri Peri Seasoning spicy hot?

Not for me, it isn’t, but it is all relative. Start with a small amount of chillies and gradually increase until you reach your desired level of spiciness. Remember, you can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away!

Next Recipes To Try

Here are just a few more deliciously easy seasoning recipes to try soon.

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Peri Peri Seasoning in a jar on a plate.

Peri Peri Seasoning

Spice up taco night with homemade Peri Peri seasoning! No artificial stuff here, just pure flavor and a fraction of the cost. Plus, you control the heat – crank up the chili for that extra kick! Get ready for a fiesta with a whole lot of great flavors!
5 from 15 votes!
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Total Time: 2 minutes
Course: Seasoning
Cuisine: portuguese
Diet: Diabetic, Gluten Free
Recipe Category: Low Carb
Calories: 17kcal
Author: Megan Ellam
Servings: 11 tablespoons
Tap or hover over number to scale ingredients
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Ingredients 

Instructions

CONVENTIONAL METHOD

  • Place all ingredients into a small bowl and stir until combined. Store in an airtight jar.

THERMOMIX METHOD

  • Place all ingredients into mixer; mix 5 sec/speed 4. Store in an airtight jar.

Notes

STORAGE
Homemade Peri Peri seasoning can be stored in an airtight container for up to six months. However, for the best flavor, use it within three months.
INGREDIENTS
  1. Chilies: If you can’t find African Bird’s Eye Chilies, you can use other spicy peppers like cayenne or red pepper flakes. Adjust the quantity based on your preferred level of heat.
  2. Paprika: Substitute smoked paprika for regular paprika to add a smoky flavor to the seasoning.
  3. Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: For a fresher taste, you can use finely minced fresh garlic and onion instead of the powdered versions. Just keep in mind that fresh ingredients may have a shorter shelf life.
  4. Dried Herbs: Feel free to experiment with different dried herbs based on your preferences. Basil, parsley, or even cilantro can add interesting flavor profiles to the seasoning.
  5. Salt: If you’re watching your sodium intake, you can reduce or omit the salt altogether. You can always adjust the saltiness of your dishes when using the seasoning.
SERVING SIZES
This recipe yields approximately 11 tablespoons. Each tablespoon of seasoning will make approximately 11 servings. The actual number of servings will depend on your preferred portion sizes. This is based on 11 heaped tablespoon serves.
SERVING SIZE BY WEIGHT
To calculate the weight of one serving, prepare the recipe as instructed. Weigh the finished recipe, then divide the weight of the finished recipe by 8. The result will be the weight of one serving. 
NUTRITIONAL VALUES
Nutritional values shown are guidelines only. They are for 1 tablespoon using the ingredients listed. So this can be halved, quartered or whatever depending on the dish the seasoning is added to. Actual macros may vary slightly depending on the brands and types of ingredients used. 
 
The recipe card instructions contain the most basic of steps and a list of ingredients. If you have any queries, questions or are unsure of substitutions, please scroll up to the blog post for more information.
CONVERSIONS
If you want to increase the volume, use our calculator to see how many tablespoons are in a cup and make much larger batches. We also have a calculator to show how many ounces in a cup so you can measure on a set of scales if preferred.

Your Own Notes

Nutrition

Serving: 1tablespoon | Calories: 17kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.3g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.04g | Sodium: 1272mg | Potassium: 79mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 0.3g | Vitamin A: 722IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 21mg | Iron: 1mg | Magnesium: 8mg | Net Carbs: 2g
Tried this recipe?Mention @meganellam or tag #madcreations!

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2 responses to “Peri Peri Seasoning”

  1. Nina

    5 stars
    Easy to pull together we had it with chicken tights and on the whole chicken, cooked on BBQ. Very nice!

  2. Nat

    5 stars
    So simple and delicious. I had it with shrimp and rice. #perfection!

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