
Peri Peri Salmon Recipe
Learn how to make Nando's famous peri peri salmon recipe at home! This quick and easy recipe shows you how to cook tender salmon with authentic Portuguese spice blend. Perfect weeknight dinner ready in 30 minutes.
Prep
Cook
Serve
Kcal
- 4 salmon fillets (150g each), skin on
- 3 tbsp peri peri sauce
- 2 tbsp olive oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 red bell pepper, sliced
- 1 yellow bell pepper, sliced
- 1 red onion, sliced
- 1 lemon, juiced
- 1 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/2 tsp dried oregano
- 1/2 tsp ground cumin
- 1/4 tsp cayenne pepper (or chili powder)
- Salt and black pepper to taste
- 2 tbsp fresh coriander, chopped (or parsley)
- Lemon wedges for serving
Step 1
Remove the salmon fillets from the refrigerator 15 minutes before cooking to bring them to room temperature. Pat each fillet completely dry with kitchen paper - this is crucial for getting that beautiful crispy skin. Season both sides generously with salt and black pepper, then set aside while you prepare the marinade.Step 2
In a small bowl, whisk together the peri peri sauce, 1 tablespoon of olive oil, minced garlic, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, and cayenne pepper until well combined. This fragrant mixture will be your flavor powerhouse. Brush or rub this marinade all over the salmon fillets, making sure to coat both sides evenly. Allow the salmon to marinate for at least 10 minutes, or up to 30 minutes for deeper flavor penetration.Step 3
Heat a large non-stick or cast iron pan over medium-high heat. Add the remaining tablespoon of olive oil and swirl to coat the bottom of the pan. The oil should shimmer but not smoke - this indicates the perfect temperature for searing.Step 4
Gently place the salmon fillets skin-side down in the hot pan, ensuring they don't overlap. You should hear an immediate sizzle - this is exactly what you want. Press each fillet down gently with a spatula for the first 30 seconds to ensure even contact with the pan. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes until the skin is golden and crispy. Resist the urge to move them too early.Step 5
Carefully flip the salmon fillets using a thin spatula, being gentle to keep the beautiful crispy skin intact. Cook for another 3-4 minutes for medium doneness, or adjust timing based on your preference. The internal temperature should reach 63°C for perfectly cooked salmon. Remove the salmon from the pan and set aside on a warm plate, covering loosely with foil.Step 6
In the same pan with all those lovely caramelized bits, add the sliced bell peppers and red onion. Cook over medium heat for 5-6 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the vegetables are tender and slightly charred around the edges. The residual peri peri flavors from the salmon will infuse beautifully into the vegetables.Step 7
Return the salmon fillets to the pan, nestling them among the colorful vegetables. Drizzle the fresh lemon juice over everything and sprinkle with the chopped coriander. Let everything warm through for 1-2 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together beautifully.Step 8
Transfer to serving plates, ensuring each portion gets a generous helping of the peri peri vegetables alongside the salmon. Garnish with fresh lemon wedges and an extra sprinkle of coriander if desired. Serve immediately while the salmon skin is still crispy and the vegetables are vibrant and warm. Perfect with rice, couscous, or a simple green salad.
What ingredients are used in Peri Peri Salmon Recipe from Nando's?
The recipe uses salmon fillets, peri peri sauce, olive oil, garlic, bell peppers, red onion, lemon juice, smoked paprika, oregano, cumin, cayenne pepper, salt, black pepper, and fresh coriander for authentic Nando's flavours.
How to cook Peri Peri Salmon Recipe from Nando's at home?
Learn how to cook Nando's Peri Peri Salmon Recipe from Nando's by marinating salmon in peri peri spices, searing skin-side down for crispy texture, then cooking with peppers and onions. Finish with lemon juice and coriander for restaurant-quality results at home.
What's the best cooking method for crispy skin salmon?
Pan-searing skin-side down in a hot non-stick or cast iron pan is ideal. Cook undisturbed for 4-5 minutes, pressing gently with a spatula initially. The key is proper heat and not moving the fish too early for golden, crispy skin.
How spicy is peri peri sauce and can I adjust the heat level?
Peri peri sauce has medium heat with fruity undertones. You can adjust spiciness by reducing cayenne pepper or adding extra for more heat. Start with less sauce if you're sensitive to spice, then add more to taste during cooking.
What's the perfect internal temperature for cooked salmon?
Salmon should reach an internal temperature of 63°C for perfectly cooked, flaky fish. This typically takes 3-4 minutes after flipping for medium doneness. The flesh should be opaque pink and easily flake with a fork when properly cooked.

