What Is Peri Peri Marinade?

Peri Peri marinade is a spicy and flavorful sauce that originated in Africa and has now become a global culinary sensation with the rise of flame-grilled peri-peri style chicken restaurants like Nando’s.

This unique marinade is made with ingredients like chili peppers, garlic, lemon juice, and herbs, which blend together to create a bold and fiery flavor profile.

The history of Peri Peri marinade can be traced back to Portugal, where it was introduced by African settlers who brought with them their own cultural flavors and spices.

Over time, the marinade made its way to South Africa, where it became a staple in local cuisine, particularly in grilled chicken dishes.

Today, Peri Peri marinade has a global following and is used in a variety of recipes, from meat and fish to vegetables and tofu. With its tangy and spicy taste, it’s a perfect way to add a kick to any meal.

Here are reasons why you might love this recipe:

1. It is a spicy and flavorful marinade that will add a delicious kick to any protein.

2. It is easy to make with simple ingredients that are likely already in your pantry.

3. It is versatile and can be used on a variety of meats, including chicken, beef, and seafood.

 

How Long Does Homemade Peri Peri Marinade Last?

In general, homemade marinades usually last up to a few weeks in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. This can vary depending on how much vinegar you use too.

To prolong its shelf life, you can freeze the marinade for up to three months. When storing in the freezer, put the marinade in a freezer-friendly container or bag, and leave enough room for the marinade to expand as it freezes.

To defrost, take out the marinade from the freezer and let it thaw overnight in the fridge. You can use it from there, or give the container a good shake or mix to combine the ingredients thoroughly.

Method	Duration
Fridge	3-4 weeks (airtight container)
Freezer	3 months (airtight container)

Ingredients Explained

Main Ingredients	Brief Description	Possible Alternatives
Red bell pepper	Provides sweetness to the marinade	Roasted tomatoes, Hungarian paprika
Red onion	Adds sharpness and tanginess	Shallots, white onion
Garlic	Provides pungent and earthy flavor	Garlic powder, minced garlic
Red wine vinegar	Adds acidity to balance the sweetness	White wine vinegar, apple cider vinegar
Lemon juice	Gives a tangy, citrusy flavor	Lime juice, orange juice
Olive oil	Emulsifies the marinade and adds richness	Vegetable oil, avocado oil
Chili pepper flakes	Adds heat and smokiness to the marinade	Ground cumin, smoked paprika
Salt and pepper	Essential for seasoning the dish	N/A (use as needed)

Some potential health benefits of the ingredients involved in this Peri Peri marinade recipe:

1. Cayenne Pepper: This spice is rich in capsaicin, which is known to have anti-inflammatory and pain relief properties. It can also help with digestion and boost metabolism. (Source: Medical News Today)

2. Garlic: Garlic is a prebiotic food that can promote healthy gut bacteria and boost the immune system. It also has anti-inflammatory properties that may reduce the risk of chronic diseases. (Source: Healthline)

3. Lemon Juice: Lemon juice is an excellent source of vitamin C, which can boost the immune system and promote healthy skin. It may also improve digestion and support weight loss. (Source: Healthline)

4. Olive Oil: Olive oil is rich in monounsaturated fats, which have been linked to a lower risk of heart disease and improved brain function. It also contains antioxidants that may aid in cancer prevention. (Source: Healthline)

5. Paprika: Paprika contains high levels of antioxidants, specifically beta-carotene, which supports eye health, lowers inflammation, and reduces the risk of chronic diseases. (Source: Healthline)

Budgeting Tips

Here are some tips on how to save money when making a Peri Peri Marinade:

1. Buy ingredients in bulk: Instead of purchasing small quantities of ingredients, consider buying in bulk. This can help lower the cost per unit of the ingredient.
2. Use store brand ingredients: Opt for store brand spices and condiments instead of branded ones. They are usually cheaper and work just as well.
3. Substitute expensive ingredients: If a recipe calls for an ingredient that is too expensive, consider using a substitute. For instance, you could use red bell pepper instead of expensive red chili pepper.
4. Grow your own herbs: If you have a small garden or balcony, consider growing your own herbs. This can save money on buying fresh herbs every time you make the marinade.
5. Store leftover marinade: If you have any leftover marinade, store it in an airtight container and use it to marinate other meats or vegetables. This will help avoid waste and save money on making marinades repeatedly.

Time Saving Tips

1. Use pre-made spice blends to save time instead of measuring individual spices.
2. Use pre-chopped garlic and ginger instead of fresh to save time on prep.
3. Use a food processor to blend the ingredients together quickly instead of chopping by hand.
4. Use a store-bought Peri Peri sauce instead of making the marinade from scratch.
5. Marinate the meat in a sealable plastic bag and squeeze out the air to reduce the marinating time.
6. Use thawed meat if you don’t have time to defrost it completely.
7. Cook the marinated meat on a grill or in a broiler to save time on cooking.

However, note that the quality and taste might not be as good as it would be when making the marinade from scratch.

Recipe Variations

1. Lemon Peri Peri Marinade: This variation includes lemon juice and zest, giving the marinade a more citrusy flavour.
2. Garlic Peri Peri Marinade: Garlic is the main ingredient in this variation, adding a pungent taste to the marinade.
3. Smoky Peri Peri Marinade: This variation involves adding smoked paprika to the mix, giving the marinade a smoky flavour.
4. Sweet Peri Peri Marinade: To make this variation, one can use honey or brown sugar to add a sweet taste to the marinade.
5. Herb Peri Peri Marinade: By adding fresh herbs like thyme, rosemary, or oregano, the marinade gets a more herbaceous flavour.
6. Creamy Peri Peri Marinade: This variation involves adding mayonnaise or yoghurt to give the marinade a creamy texture.
7. Spicy Peri Peri Marinade: To make this variation, one can add extra chillies or cayenne pepper to the original recipe, making it even hotter.

What To Serve With

Here are some options for what to serve with Peri Peri Marinade as well as some meats that can be marinated with it:

What to serve with Peri Peri Marinade:

• Grilled vegetables (such as zucchini or bell peppers)
• Roasted potatoes
• Coleslaw
• Garlic bread
• Salad (such as mixed greens with cherry tomatoes and sliced avocado) – Rice or couscous.

Meats that can be marinated with Peri Peri Marinade:

• Chicken (breasts, thighs, or wings)
• Shrimp
• Pork (chops or tenderloin)
• Beef (steak tips or sirloin)
• Tofu or tempeh (for a vegetarian/vegan option)