This peri peri seasoning is a versatile blend of spices that can be used as a dry
rub for grilled meats, sprinkled over veggies, or incorporated into simmering
dishes, perfect for the spicy food lover. Try my Peri Peri Chicken and Peri Peri Sauce, too!
Mike's Signature Homemade Peri-Peri Seasoning Recipe
If you're a fan of big, bold flavors like I am, you're going to love this Peri Peri Seasoning.
It's a spicy, zesty blend that brings the perfect punch to grilled meats, roasted veggies, and just about anything you want to liven up in the kitchen.
I use it as a dry rub, a finishing sprinkle, or mixed right into sauces, super versatile and packed with heat!
Let me show you how to make Peri Peri Seasoning.
Ingredients
The full peri peri seasoning ingredients list with measurements is listed in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post.
- Paprika. Use hot, sweet, or smoked paprika to your preference. I love it with a mix of both hot and smoked.
- Ground African Bird's Eye Chilies (Piri Piri Chilies). You can buy this online, or use cayenne pepper as a substitute.
- Garlic Powder.
- Ground Ginger.
- Dried Oregano.
- Ground Coriander.
- Dried Lemon Peel. Or use citric acid.
- Salt. To taste.
- Sugar. Optional for a touch of balancing sweetness to the heat.
How to Make Peri Peri Seasoning
Add all of the ingredients to a small mixing bowl and mix the spices well to combine.
Transfer the spice mix to an airtight container, then store in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
Boom! Done! Your Homemade Peri Peri Seasoning is ready to use. Time to get cooking!
Recipe Tips & Notes
- This is a great recipe to make for gardeners who enjoy dehydrating. I love to grow African bird's eye chilies, then dehydrate them for making crushed chili pepper flakes or grinding into a powder, which can be used to make your own signature blends.
- Consider purchasing whole dried African bird's eye chilies (piri piri peppers) for grinding your own fresh chili powder. Dried pequin chilies are great as well. The whole dried pods will last much longer than store bought powder.
What is Peri Peri?
Peri peri, also spelled piri piri or pili pili, refers to both a specific type of chili pepper and the popular sauce made from it.
The chili pepper is the African Bird's Eye chili, which is a small, vibrantly colored hot and spicy pepper found in the African wild, clocking in at 175,000 Scoville Heat Units, popular in soups, hot sauces and more.
Uses for Peri Peri Seasoning
This versatile seasoning can be used as a dry rub for meats like chicken, beef, or pork. It's especially great for any cut of chicken when grilling or searing.
Just drizzle the meat with oil, then rub thoroughly with the seasoning.
It's also excellent sprinkled over roasted or grilled vegetables. Mix it into marinades and sauces for an extra kick.
Storage
Store peri peri seasoning in a sealed container and keep in a cool, dark place, like a pantry. It will last 6 months or longer, but seasonings tend to lose potency after 6 months.
That's it, my friends. I hope you enjoy the spice blend, my friends! I'd love to hear how you're going to use yours. Cheers!
Cookbook Recommendation
If you enjoy spicy cooking, I hope you'll check out my cookbook! 75 easy recipes with big, bold flavor.
- The Spicy Food Lovers' Cookbook, by Mike Hultquist (affiliate link, my friends!)
Recommended Products
Amazon Affiliate links, my friends! As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.
Get More Peri Peri Recipes
- This peri peri chicken recipe smothers chicken in a homemade peri peri sauce then bakes or grills them and serves them with extra sauce. It's a quick and easy weeknight meal.
- Looking for a twist? Try my peri peri chicken wings, great as an appetizer or full meal!
Looking for More Seasoning Recipes?
- Beef Stew Seasoning - Take your next beef stew to the next level!
- Carne Asada Seasoning - This is such a great steak rub.
- Homemade Blackening Seasoning - Perfect for the spicy food lover.
- See All of My Seasonings Recipes
Got any questions? Ask away! I’m happy to help. If you enjoy this recipe, I hope you’ll leave a comment with some STARS. Also, please share it on social media. Don’t forget to tag us at #ChiliPepperMadness. I’ll be sure to share! Thanks! — Mike H.
Peri Peri Seasoning Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons paprika use hot, sweet, or smoked paprika to preference
- 1 tablespoon ground African Bird’s eye chilies/piri piri chilies use cayenne pepper as a substitute - adjust to heat preference
- 1 tablespoon garlic powder
- 1 tablespoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon ground ginger
- 1 tablespoon dried oregano
- 1 teaspoon ground coriander
- 1 teaspoon dried lemon peel or use citric acid
- 1 teaspoon salt or to taste
- ½-1 teaspoon sugar optional, for a touch of balancing sweetness
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix until well blended.
- Transfer the seasoning to an airtight container.
- Store in a cool, dry place until ready to use.
Nutrition Information
Jesus Lamazares says
We have a restaurant down in South Florida called The Port Of Peri Peri. Outstanding flavor and their Peri Peri sauce is HOT! I'm gonna try this spice mix. Mike if you could come up with a Peri Peri sauce, I'd love to try it!
Mike H. says
Here you go: https://www.chilipeppermadness.com/chili-pepper-recipes/sauces/peri-peri-sauce/ 😉
Heidi Engel says
I would definitely substitute natural instead of the citric acid— citric acid is made from black mold— it is definitely not a healthy choice— a quick tip; when we spend the money to buy organic lemons, limes, oranges, mandarin, grapefruits—any citrus, after washing, peel before juicing, and then dehydrate your peels so you have them on hand.
Mike Hultquist says
OK, Heidi. Thanks for sharing your thoughts.