Spicy Peruvian Pepper Sauce
This vibrant and flavorful Spicy Peruvian Pepper Sauce is a delightful adaptation of the traditional Aji Amarillo Sauce, crafted for accessibility using common ingredients. Roasted yellow bell peppers blend harmoniously with fresh scallions, jalapenos, and zesty lime, creating a sauce that is both tangy and spicy. Ideal for drizzling over grilled meats, poultry, seafood, or incorporating into dishes that call for Aji Amarillo, this sauce elevates any meal with its bold flavors. Plus, it’s easy to prepare and can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week, making it a convenient addition to your culinary repertoire.
N/A
Servings
75
Calories
12
Ingredients
Ingredients
yellow bell pepper
1 large (grilled and chopped)
scallions
2 (trimmed and finely chopped)
garlic cloves
2 (minced)
jalapeno
1 (seeded and minced)
olive oil
3 tablespoons (measured)
distilled white vinegar
2 tablespoons (measured)
fresh lime juice
1 tablespoon (freshly squeezed)
ground cumin
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
ground turmeric
1/2 teaspoon (measured)
ground cayenne pepper
1/4 teaspoon (measured)
salt
to taste (measured)
black pepper
to taste (measured)
Instructions
1
Preheat your grill to high heat.
2
Place the whole yellow bell pepper on the grill grate. Grill until the skin is charred and blackened on all sides, about 4 to 6 minutes per side.
3
Once charred, carefully transfer the pepper to a plate and allow it to cool for a few minutes.
4
When the pepper is cool enough to handle, gently scrape off the burnt skin using a knife or your fingers. It’s fine if some skin remains.
5
Remove the stem and seeds from the pepper, then cut it into 1-inch pieces.
6
In a food processor or blender, combine the grilled pepper pieces with the scallions, minced garlic, jalapeno, olive oil, distilled white vinegar, fresh lime juice, ground cumin, ground turmeric, ground cayenne pepper, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
7
Puree the mixture until it reaches a smooth, pourable consistency. If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to achieve your desired consistency.
8
Serve the sauce at room temperature for the best flavor. Pair it with your favorite grilled dishes or use it in recipes calling for Aji Amarillo.
9
Store any leftovers in a covered container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Information
6.75g
Fat
5.5g
Carbs
1g
Protein
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Spicy Peruvian Pepper Sauce?
It is a vibrant and flavorful adaptation of traditional Aji Amarillo Sauce, designed to be accessible by using common ingredients like yellow bell peppers.
How long does it take to grill the yellow bell pepper?
The whole yellow bell pepper should be grilled for about 4 to 6 minutes per side until the skin is charred and blackened.
How should I store the Spicy Peruvian Pepper Sauce?
Store any leftover sauce in a covered container in the refrigerator.
How long will the sauce stay fresh in the refrigerator?
The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
What is the best temperature to serve this sauce?
For the best flavor, serve the sauce at room temperature.
What can I do if the sauce is too thick after blending?
If the sauce is too thick, simply add a little water until you achieve your desired consistency.
Do I need to remove all the charred skin from the pepper?
While you should gently scrape off the burnt skin, it is fine if some small bits of skin remain.
What makes this sauce a good substitute for Aji Amarillo?
By using roasted yellow bell peppers combined with turmeric and jalapeno, it mimics the color and heat profile of traditional Aji Amarillo.
What are the primary ingredients in this recipe?
The main ingredients include yellow bell pepper, scallions, garlic, jalapeno, olive oil, vinegar, lime juice, and various spices.
Is this sauce spicy?
Yes, it contains both a fresh jalapeno and ground cayenne pepper to provide a bold, spicy kick.
How many calories are in a serving of this sauce?
There are 75 calories per serving of this Spicy Peruvian Pepper Sauce.
What type of vinegar is used in this recipe?
This recipe calls for 2 tablespoons of distilled white vinegar.
Can I use this sauce on grilled meats?
Yes, it is ideal for drizzling over grilled meats, poultry, and seafood.
How should the garlic be prepared?
You should use 2 cloves of garlic, finely minced.
What spices are included in the sauce?
The sauce uses ground cumin, ground turmeric, and ground cayenne pepper, along with salt and black pepper.
How much fat is in this recipe?
The sauce contains 6.75g of fat.
How many carbohydrates are in this sauce?
There are 5.5g of carbohydrates per serving.
How much protein does the sauce contain?
This sauce contains 1g of protein per serving.
Do I need to remove the seeds from the jalapeno?
Yes, the instructions specify to seed and mince the jalapeno before adding it to the mixture.
What equipment is needed to make the sauce smooth?
You can use either a food processor or a blender to puree the ingredients into a smooth consistency.
Can I use bottled lime juice?
The recipe recommends using 1 tablespoon of freshly squeezed lime juice for the best flavor.
How do I prep the scallions?
The two scallions should be trimmed and finely chopped before being added to the blender.
What should I do with the pepper after grilling?
Transfer it to a plate to cool, then remove the skin, stem, and seeds before cutting it into 1-inch pieces.
What color is the final sauce?
The sauce is typically a vibrant yellow or orange color due to the yellow bell pepper and turmeric.
Is there any salt in the recipe?
Yes, salt and black pepper are added to taste during the blending process.
Is the bell pepper chopped before grilling?
No, you grill the yellow bell pepper whole to char the skin properly.
How much olive oil is used?
The recipe calls for 3 tablespoons of olive oil.
What is the role of turmeric in this recipe?
Turmeric adds an earthy flavor and helps provide the iconic yellow color associated with Aji Amarillo.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians and vegans?
Yes, based on the ingredients provided, this sauce is both vegetarian and vegan-friendly.
What heat setting should the grill be on?
You should preheat your grill to high heat for the best results in charring the pepper.