Let’s breathe fiery life into your kitchen with a South African‑inspired peri‑peri spice mix! This homemade dry mix is loaded with smoky, tangy, and spicy flavors that coat meats, vegetables, and even veg-centric dishes in an unforgettable way. Think of it as your key to recreating a nandos peri peri chicken recipe in your own backyard—or transforming weeknight dinner into a flavorful feast. It’s a versatile spice blend that brings the heat while balancing citrus, garlic, and chili notes. Lean into the experience: no preservatives, no hidden sugars, just pure, delicious peri peri masala magic!
South African‑Inspired Peri‑Peri Spice Mix
Prep Time 10 minutes mins
Total Time 10 minutes mins
Course Condiment, Seasoning
Cuisine South African
Servings 0.5 cup, dressing roughly 8 bone-in chicken pieces or seasoning for veggies
Mixing bowl medium-sized, for blending all dry spices.
Measuring Spoons to accurately portion ingredients.
Small whisk or spoon for even mixing.
Storage container airtight glass or BPA-free plastic jar to preserve freshness.
Coffee grinder or spice mill (optional) to powder saltier ingredients, or to grind whole spices if you choose to upgrade your spice mix.
Label and marker to date and name your mix (e.g., “Peri‑Peri Masala Spice Blend – June ‘25”).
- 2 tablespoons smoked paprika – adds smoky depth and vibrant color.
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano – delivers herbal warmth.
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder – a must for savory richness.
- 1 tablespoon onion powder – for gentle sweetness.
- 2 teaspoons ground cayenne pepper – fiery kick; adjust to taste.
- 2 teaspoons ground black pepper – background spice richness.
- 1 teaspoon ground cumin – subtle earthiness.
- 1 teaspoon dry lemon zest or citric acid – tangy citrus brightness.
- 1 teaspoon sea salt – balances the spice; adjust if using salted dishes.
- ½ teaspoon smoked chili flakes – optional for texture and extra fire.
Optional add‑ins
- ½ teaspoon chili powder for more depth.
- ½ teaspoon dried thyme or bay leaf powder for more herbal notes.
Gather your spices
Organize ingredients on your counter. Having everything measured before starting streamlines the process—especially when working with fiery spices.
Combine in a bowl
Place smoked paprika, dried oregano, garlic powder, onion powder, ground cayenne, black pepper, ground cumin, lemon zest, salt, and optional smoked chili flakes into your mixing bowl.
Whisk thoroughly
Use a whisk or spoon to mix the spices evenly, breaking up clumps and ensuring balanced distribution of heat and flavor.
Taste & adjust
Take a tiny pinch and sample. Looking for more tang? A bit more lemon zest or citric acid can do wonders. Want more smokiness? Just a dash more smoked paprika or chipotle powder.
Store
Transfer into your airtight jar. Add a label with the date. Keep in a cool, dark place—away from stove heat or direct sunlight.
Use
For a classic peri peri chicken, coat bone-in thighs or drumsticks with olive oil, then dust with this spice mix before grilling or baking (roasting at 200 °C/400 °F for about 35–40 minutes, turning once).
Other uses
Sprinkle on grilled veggies, roasted potatoes, or popcorn. Mix into oil and drizzle over seafood. Use like you'd use za’atar or chaat masala: try it on fresh avocado toast or as a seasoning for eggs!
Perfect Pairings
- Grilled or roasted chicken – replicate the famous peri peri chicken experience.
- Roasted vegetables – cauliflower, sweet potatoes, and carrots get a fiery makeover.
- Seafood – shrimp or fish fillets tossed in olive oil and spice blend, then pan‑seared, are divine.
- Sandwiches and wraps – rub on chicken breasts or thighs for sandwiches; pair with mayo or garlic aioli.
- Chaat-style snacks – dust over chickpeas, fried potatoes, or fruit chunks for a chaat masala-type twist.
- Spiced rice or grains – stir 1 teaspoon into coconut rice, quinoa or couscous for a kick.
- Dips and dressings – whisk into yogurt with lime juice for a quick dip, or stir into vinaigrette for vibrant salad dressing.
FAQs
1. Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder?
Absolutely! Use one clove minced fresh garlic per tablespoon of garlic powder. Fresh adds a brighter flavor but makes the mix perishable. If you want to keep your mix shelf‑stable, stick with powder.
2. Which cuts of chicken work best with this peri peri masala recipe?
Bone‑in pieces (like thighs, drumsticks, or split breasts) are perfect—moist and flavorful. You can also use boneless thighs or breasts; just adjust cooking time (~5 minutes less for boneless).
3. How hot is this peri peri spice mix?
With 2 teaspoons cayenne and chili flakes, it’s moderately spicy (4–5 on a 1–10 scale). Reduce cayenne to 1 teaspoon to mellow the heat, or boost it by adding more or including hotter chilies.
4. Is this peri peri masala recipe gluten-free?
Yes! All ingredients are naturally gluten-free. Make sure your spices are labeled gluten-free if cooking for someone with celiac disease.
5. Can I add other spices like cumin seeds or turmeric?
Sure. Add ½ teaspoon turmeric for earthiness or sautéed cumin seeds for depth before crushing. Just blend thoroughly so your homemade dry mixes stay balanced.
