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Portuguese-Style Chili Sauce Recipe

4.6 from 99 reviews

A vibrant and spicy Portuguese-style chilli sauce made with simple ingredients like chilli paste, olive oil, lemon juice, and fresh aromatics. This versatile sauce is perfect as a condiment to enhance grilled meats, seafood, or vegetables with a bold, tangy heat.

Ingredients

Scale

Chilli Sauce Ingredients

  • 125 g chilli paste (Italian chilli paste or sambal oelek)
  • 60 ml olive oil
  • 1 tbsp fresh lemon juice
  • ½ tsp freshly minced garlic
  • ½ tsp freshly minced ginger
  • ½ tsp caster (superfine) sugar
  • Sea salt flakes, to taste
  • Freshly cracked black pepper, to taste

Instructions

  1. Combine Ingredients: In a small bowl, mix together the chilli paste, olive oil, fresh lemon juice, minced garlic, minced ginger, and caster sugar. Stir well to fully incorporate all the ingredients into a smooth sauce.
  2. Develop Flavours: Allow the mixture to sit for a few minutes so the flavours meld together and intensify, enhancing the overall taste of the sauce.
  3. Serve or Store: Use the sauce immediately as a zesty condiment, or transfer it to a container and refrigerate. When stored in the fridge, let it come back to room temperature before use, as the olive oil may solidify.

Notes

  • Use sambal oelek or any good-quality Italian chilli paste for the best results.
  • Adjust the amount of chilli paste to control the heat level according to your preference.
  • The sauce keeps well for up to 3 days refrigerated; always bring to room temperature before serving.
  • Try this sauce with grilled seafood, chicken, or roasted vegetables for an added kick.

Keywords: Portuguese chilli sauce, spicy condiment, chilli paste sauce, easy chilli sauce, no-cook sauce