Easy Peri Peri Shrimp (2025)

By: Oriana Romero/Published: /4 Comments

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This quick and Easy Peri Peri Shrimp recipe is perfect for any night of the week! This shrimp will be a big hit, smothered in a tangy, garlicky, spicy sauce—so much flavor and so easy to throw together.

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Table of Contents hide

1.Peri Peri Shrimp Recipe Highlights

2.What Is Peri Peri?

3.Ingredients You’ll Need

4.Shopping for Shrimp

5.How To Clean Shrimp

6.How To Make Peri Peri Shrimp

7.Recipe Tips

10.More Recipes You’ll Love!

11.Recipe Card 📖

Peri Peri Shrimp Recipe Highlights

These Easy Peri Peri Shrimp are huge in flavor, tender, and ridiculously succulent!

I love cooking seafood because it is healthy, requires a short cooking time, and has so much flavor. Definitely, seafoodis a wonderful alternative to meat when you need dinner in a flash.

What Is Peri Peri?

Peri-Peri, also known as the African Bird’s-Eye pepper or African Red Devil pepper, is a very hot chili pepper that was originally produced in Mozambique by Portuguese explorers. The name of this chili pepper is pronounced and spelled differently, depending on where it is used. Called “Piri Piri” in several African regions and “Peri Peri” in Portugal.

This chili pepper is used to make a chili-based sauce used as a seasoning or marinade for meat. As I mentioned before, this chili is very spicy, so be cautious about how much you add to your dish. I usually add ¼ – ½ teaspoon, so the dish is spicy but enjoyable.

Peri peri chili comes grounded and whole and can be found in gourmet stores or online.

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Ingredients You’ll Need

Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions(scroll down).

  • Butter and olive oil
  • Veggies: bell peppers and garlic.
  • Spices and Herbs: smoked paprika, sweet paprika, oregano, ground peri-peri
  • Shrimp: Use raw medium or large-sized shrimp that have been peeled and deveined.You can use fresh or frozen, but make sure they’re raw. I wouldn’t recommend using precooked shrimp. It tends to taste rubbery and extra chewy.
  • Salt and black pepper
  • A fresh lemon
  • Honey
  • Fresh chopped parsley to garnish

You will also need a big skillet – This is the one I used.

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I recommend using large sustainable shrimp (peeled and deveined). Look for the Marine Stewardship Council (MSC) blue fish label! Their certified seafood products can be found at retailers worldwide.

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How To Clean Shrimp

To make this recipe easier, I recommend using large sustainable shrimp (peeled and deveined). If you need to clean your shrimp, you need to pull off the small legs and then pull off the rest of the shell. Then remove the vein by simply cutting a small slit with a small sharp knife at the top of the shrimp and pulling the vein out with the tip of the knife.

How To Make Peri Peri Shrimp

Please check the recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact quantities and detailed instructions(scroll down).

  1. Melt butter and oil in a large skillet over medium heat.
  2. Sauté peppers and garlic until soft and fragrant.
  3. Add spices and herbs.
  4. Cook shrimp on both sides.
  5. Add lemon juice, honey, and zest.
  6. Garnish with chopped parsley, and enjoy!

PRO TIP: Have all of your ingredients ready to use and close to your cooking area if possible. This recipe cooks FAST. You don’t want to end up with over-cooked shrimp, which are rubbery, tough, and unpleasant to eat.

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Recipe Tips

  • Have all of your ingredients ready to use and close to your cooking area if possible. This recipe cooks FAST.
  • Shrimp cooks quickly and can easily become overcooked if you leave it in the skillet for too long. To avoid rubbery shrimp, cook only until it has just turned pink. Then remove the skillet from the heat.
  • Use raw medium or large-sized shrimp that have been peeled and deveined.I wouldn’t recommend using precooked shrimp. It tends to taste rubbery and extra chewy.

Storing & Freezing Instructions

STORE: refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

FREEZE: You can freeze the shrimp from this recipe for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Just allow the dish to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before heating.

REHEAT: the secret to reheating shrimp is doing it gently. You can reheat them in a sauté pan over low-medium heat or in the microwave (covered with a lid) for 40 sec, then turn and heat for 20 more seconds. If they are still cool, continue heating in 20-sec increments until hot.

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Serving Ideas

I love to serve Peri-Peri Shrimp with polenta, but you can also serve it with pasta, rice, or steamed veggies.

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More Recipes You’ll Love!

  • Easy Honey Chipotle Grilled Shrimp
  • Grilled Barbecue Shrimp and Corn Avocado Salad Bowls
  • Spanish Style Garlic Shrimp
  • Sheet Pan Mustard Salmon Dinner
  • Easy Teriyaki Salmon
  • Cheesy Potatoes and Cod Casserole
  • Easy Fish and Mango Ceviche
  • Creamy Fish Fillet Casserole

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Recipe Card 📖

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Easy Peri Peri Shrimp

Easy Peri Peri Shrimp (14)Oriana Romero

This quick and Easy Peri Peri Shrimp recipe is perfect for any night of the week! Smothered in a tangy garlicky spicy sauce, this shrimp will be a big hit. So much flavor and so easy to throw together.

4.80 from 15 votes

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Cook Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 20 minutes mins

Servings 4

Equipment

Ingredients

Instructions

  • Heat a skillet over medium-high heat. Add butter and oil. When the butter is melted, add pepper and cook for 2-3 minutes or until slightly soft. Add garlic and sauté until fragrant (about 30 seconds – 1 minute). Then add paprika, oregano ,and ground peri-peri; mix to combine.

  • Add the shrimp, season with salt and pepper, and sauté for 1-2 minutes on one side (until just beginning to turn pink and opaque), then flip and cook the other side.

  • Pour lemon juice, honey, and zest; mix to incorporate. Bring to a simmer for 1-2 minutes. Note: don't overcook your shrimp, or they will turn rubbery.

  • Sprinkle with fresh parsley and take off the heat immediately.

  • Serve over polenta, pasta, rice, or steamed vegetables.

Oriana’s Notes

PERI PERI: The peri-peri chili pepper is HOT for sure, so be cautious about how much you add to this dish. I only added ¼ teaspoon, and it turned out spicy but enjoyable.

STORE: refrigerated in an airtight container for up to 3 days.

FREEZE: You can freeze the shrimp from this recipe for up to 2 months in an airtight container. Just allow the dish to thaw overnight in the refrigerator before heating.

REHEAT: the secret to reheating shrimp is doing it gently. You can reheat them in a sauté pan over low-medium heat, or in the microwave (covered with a lid) for 40 sec, then turn and heat for 20 more seconds. If they are still cool continue heating in 20-sec​ increments until hot.

★ Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

Please note that nutritional information is a rough estimate and it can vary depending on the products used.

I appreciate your feedback, and it helps others, too!Recipe reviews on the website are extremely valuable to other readers online. So, please don’t forget to give it a 5-star rating below.

Nutrition

Calories: 321.66kcalCarbohydrates: 10.39gProtein: 24.52gFat: 20.36gSaturated Fat: 8.44gCholesterol: 315.86mgSodium: 1568.05mgPotassium: 278.26mgFiber: 2.27gSugar: 6.24gVitamin A: 2999.83IUVitamin C: 81.44mgCalcium: 187.83mgIron: 3.22mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Click To Rate This Recipe

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Course Main Course

Cuisine Mediterranean

Calories 321.66

Keyword dinner peri peri seafood Shrimp spicy

This recipe is sponsored by The Marine Stewardship Council (MSC).

This recipe was originally published in October 2019. The recipe remains the same, but more notes, tips, photos, and information were added to the post in April 2023 to make it as helpful as possible!

Welcome to my eggless kitchen!

Easy Peri Peri Shrimp (15)Thanks for stopping by! I’m Oriana, a wife, mom to three wonderful kids, and a passionate baker and cooker of all eggless things delicious. My goal is to give you the confidence and knowledge to cook and bake without eggs while providing quality recipes that your whole family will love. I’m really happy that you’re here, so take a seat and have fun exploring! Read More…

Easy Peri Peri Shrimp (2025)

FAQs

What is piri-piri sauce made of? ›

What Is Peri-Peri Sauce Made From? Recipes vary, but peri-peri sauce is typically made from crushed chiles, lemon, pepper, garlic, salt, onion, bay leaves, vinegar, and oil. To make peri-peri sauce, all of the ingredients are pureed together.

Are peri-peri and piri-piri the same? ›

Piri-piri, peri-peri or peli-peli is the name used in Portuguese and a number of African languages to describe the African bird's-eye chili. The variations in spelling derive from the various pronunciations of the word in parts of Africa, although 'piri-piri' is the correct spelling in Portuguese.

What is Nando's peri peri sauce used for? ›

So much more than a condiment, PERi-PERi makes every meal memorable. Available in a range of heat and flavors, Nando's PERi-PERi sauce can be used for dipping, basting, and pouring—you name it. You probably already know how well it goes with chicken, check out how it transforms pork, seafood and vegetables, too.

What can you eat with peri peri sauce? ›

Dipping Sauce: Enjoy it as a dipping sauce for chicken wings, french fries, or bread. Sandwiches and Burgers: Drizzle peri-peri sauce over sandwiches or burgers for a spicy kick. Rice and Pasta: Stir it into cooked rice or pasta for a spicy, saucy accompaniment.

Is peri-peri Portuguese or African? ›

While Peri-Peri is a South African staple it's the Mozambique Portuguese who introduced it into the country and if you're visiting South Africa and want the best Peri-Peri experience it's the Portuguese restaurants to look for. Growing up in South Africa Johannesburg was the mecca for Peri-Peri chicken and prawns.

What's the difference between Sriracha and piri piri sauce? ›

Unlike sriracha, which has a rather one-dimensional garlic-and-vinegar accent, piri piri is traditionally made with sweet pimento peppers as well as spicy chiles, and often contains garlic as well as onions, occasionally some herbs, and usually a splash of lemon, vinegar, or whiskey, too.

Do you need to refrigerate peri peri sauce? ›

Shake well before use, the bottle too. Once opened, refrigerate and use within 3 months.

Why is PERi-PERi so good? ›

It's a Pepper

It tastes amazing, but the benefits don't stop there: PERi-PERi chilli seeds are rich in Vitamins A, B, and C. They also have capsaicin, which enhances mood: your pupils dilate, your metabolic rate increases, and there's a rush of endorphins when you consume it!

Is Peri Peri sauce healthy? ›

Beyond its fiery taste, it offers an array of health benefits that make it a valuable addition to your diet: Rich in Antioxidants: Packed with antioxidants, such as vitamin C and beta-carotene. These powerful compounds help combat free radicals in the body, reducing oxidative stress and promoting overall well-being.

What are the side effects of Peri Peri sauce? ›

Side Effects of Peri Peri are Insomnia (difficulty in sleeping), Parkinsonism, Sedation, Dizziness, Weight gain, Akathisia (inability to stay still), Anxiety, Gastrointestinal symptom, Increased prolactin level in blood.

Does peri peri have garlic? ›

Our PERi-PERi chilli pepper – also known as the African Bird's Eye chilli – is mixed with garlic, fresh lemons and other tasty ingredients to make our bastes in a range of flavors and heat.

What do the Portuguese eat with piri-piri chicken? ›

The chicken is first spatchocked and then marinated in garlic and chillies, with a dash of vinegar. The next day it gets nicely charred on a barbecue, and typically served with a side of matchstick potato crisps and a good dash of fiery piri piri hotsauce. A proper summer dish!

What does piri-piri taste like? ›

Peri Peri Cuisine

The central ingredient in these sauces is the Peri Peri chili, also known as the African bird's eye chili. The sauces are typically a blend of this chili with ingredients like garlic, lemon, oil, and various herbs. This mixture imparts a unique flavor that's fiery and tangy..

Is piri-piri very hot? ›

Piri Piri chilli sits at 50,000 to 175,000 on the Scoville Heat scale. In regards to the Habanero, this barely compares to even the mildest Habanero type. However, in comparison to the jalapeños, it's 20 times hotter.

What is the taste of piri-piri sauce? ›

Alternatively called peri peri, this aromatic sauce combines many tastes– sweet, tangy, salty, and spicy. While its components vary, its pepper base is the one unchanging addition. Piri-piri uses African bird's eye chilies — which definitely pack a punch.

Is piri-piri like paprika? ›

The piri-piri pepper is a variant from chilli pepper, just like paprika and the jalapeno pepper. The pepper was discovered by the Portuguese in South America in the 15th century. They brought it with them to Africa, where the pepper was called piri-piri. In some African countries it is also called pili-pili.

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