
Peri Peri Salt Recipe
Master how to make homemade peri peri salt with this quick and easy recipe. This versatile African-Portuguese spice blend adds fiery, tangy flavor to any dish. Perfect for grilling, roasting or as a quick seasoning for chips, popcorn or vegetables. #periperisalt #homemadespice #easyrecipe
Prep
Cook
Serve
Kcal
- 50g sea salt flakes
- 20g dried red chili flakes
- 15g smoked paprika
- 10g dried oregano
- 10g garlic powder
- 5g onion powder
- 5g dried lemon peel (or finely grated zest of 1 lemon, dried)
- 5g ground black pepper
- 3g cayenne pepper (adjust according to your heat preference)
- 3g dried thyme
- 2g brown sugar
Step 1
Gather all your ingredients and ensure they're dry. If you're using fresh lemon zest instead of dried lemon peel, spread it on a baking sheet and place in an oven at 70°C for about 20-30 minutes until completely dry, stirring occasionally.Step 2
In a clean, dry spice grinder or food processor, add the sea salt flakes and pulse 2-3 times to break them down slightly - you want some texture, not a fine powder.Step 3
Transfer the salt to a mixing bowl. If your dried chili flakes are quite large, pulse them in the spice grinder for a few seconds to break them down a bit.Step 4
Add all the remaining ingredients to the bowl with the salt: the chili flakes, smoked paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, dried lemon peel, ground black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and brown sugar.Step 5
Using clean hands or a spoon, mix everything thoroughly until well combined and the color is uniform throughout. Take your time with this step - about 2-3 minutes of mixing - to ensure the flavors will be evenly distributed.Step 6
Transfer your homemade peri peri salt to an airtight container or spice jar. If any ingredients seem to separate or settle at the bottom, give it a good shake before each use.Step 7
Allow the flavors to meld together by letting the mixture sit for at least 24 hours before using. This will give you a more authentic taste similar to Nando's famous peri peri salt.Step 8
Use your homemade peri peri salt to season chicken, fish, roasted vegetables, fries, popcorn, or even sprinkle on eggs. Store in a cool, dark place for up to 6 months, though the flavors will be most vibrant in the first 3 months.
What ingredients are used in Peri Peri Salt from Nando's?
Nando's Peri Peri Salt contains sea salt flakes, dried chili flakes, smoked paprika, oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, dried lemon peel, black pepper, cayenne pepper, dried thyme, and a touch of brown sugar for a perfect balance of heat, smoke, and citrus notes.
How to cook Peri Peri Salt from Nando's at home?
Learn how to cook Peri Peri Salt from Nando's by mixing sea salt flakes with dried chili flakes, smoked paprika, dried herbs, and spices. Allow the mixture to rest for 24 hours before using to enhance the flavours. Sprinkle it on chicken, chips, vegetables, or eggs for that authentic Nando's taste experience.
How spicy is homemade Peri Peri seasoning compared to store-bought versions?
Homemade Peri Peri seasoning allows you to control the heat level by adjusting the cayenne and chili flake quantities. This recipe produces a medium-hot blend, but you can reduce the cayenne to make it milder or increase it for extra fire, offering more flexibility than pre-made options.
What's the best way to store homemade spice blends to maintain freshness?
Store homemade spice blends like Peri Peri Salt in airtight glass containers away from heat, light, and moisture. Keep in a cool, dark cupboard rather than near your cooker. While it lasts up to 6 months, the flavours are most vibrant in the first 3 months.
Can I use Peri Peri seasoning for vegetarian or vegan dishes?
Absolutely! Peri Peri seasoning works brilliantly on vegetarian and vegan dishes. Try it on grilled halloumi, roasted cauliflower steaks, plant-based protein alternatives, avocado toast, or sprinkle over sweet potato fries for a flavourful kick to meat-free meals.

