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Peruvian cilantro sauce is a vibrant, creamy green sauce made from fresh cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, and a creamy base like mayonnaise or huacatay paste.
If you’ve ever wondered how to make Peruvian cilantro sauce, you’re in for a treat because it’s one of the easiest and most flavorful condiments you can whip up at home.
Also known as ají verde or salsa de cilantro, this green sauce is a staple in Peruvian cuisine and it pairs beautifully with grilled chicken, roasted potatoes, rice, and even burgers.
The best part is that making Peruvian cilantro sauce takes just minutes and requires no cooking at all.
In this post, we’ll walk through how to make Peruvian cilantro sauce step by step, the key ingredients that give it that authentic zing, and a few variations you can try.
Let’s dive in.
How to Make Peruvian Cilantro Sauce (The Authentic Way)
Learning how to make Peruvian cilantro sauce starts with understanding what goes into it.
Traditional Peruvian cilantro sauce blends fresh cilantro leaves with ají amarillo paste, garlic, lime juice, and a creamy element like mayonnaise or yogurt.
Here’s how to make Peruvian cilantro sauce that tastes just like the one served at your favorite pollo a la brasa spot.
1. Gather Your Ingredients
To make Peruvian cilantro sauce, you’ll need two cups of fresh cilantro leaves, one or two jalapeños or ají amarillo peppers, two garlic cloves, and half a cup of mayonnaise.
You’ll also want a quarter cup of Greek yogurt or sour cream, the juice of one lime, two tablespoons of olive oil, and a pinch of salt.
If you can find huacatay paste, add a teaspoon because it gives the sauce that unmistakable Peruvian flavor.
2. Blend Everything Together
Once you have your ingredients ready, toss the cilantro, peppers, garlic, lime juice, and olive oil into a blender.
Pulse until the mixture is finely chopped and bright green.
Then add the mayonnaise, yogurt, and huacatay paste if you’re using it.
Blend again until the Peruvian cilantro sauce is smooth and creamy.
3. Adjust the Consistency and Seasoning
If your Peruvian cilantro sauce is too thick, add a tablespoon of water at a time until it reaches the consistency you like.
Taste it and add more salt or lime juice as needed.
The goal is a sauce that’s tangy, slightly spicy, and herbaceous all at once.
4. Chill Before Serving
While you can serve Peruvian cilantro sauce right away, letting it chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes allows the flavors to meld together.
This step makes a big difference in how your Peruvian cilantro sauce tastes.
Key Ingredients That Make Peruvian Cilantro Sauce Authentic
If you want to know how to make Peruvian cilantro sauce that truly stands out, you need to pay attention to the ingredients.
Here are the ones that matter most.
1. Fresh Cilantro
Cilantro is the star of Peruvian cilantro sauce so don’t skimp on it.
Use the leaves and tender stems because they hold the most flavor.
Wash them well and pat them dry before blending.
2. Ají Amarillo Paste
Ají amarillo is a yellow chili pepper native to Peru and it’s what gives Peruvian cilantro sauce its signature heat and color.
You can find the paste in most Latin American grocery stores or online.
If you can’t find it, jalapeños work as a decent substitute.
3. Huacatay Paste
Huacatay is a Peruvian black mint herb and it adds a unique, earthy flavor to Peruvian cilantro sauce.
It’s optional but highly recommended if you want that authentic taste.
4. Lime Juice and Garlic
Fresh lime juice brightens up Peruvian cilantro sauce while garlic gives it a punchy depth.
Always use fresh lime juice instead of the bottled stuff.
Ways to Use Peruvian Cilantro Sauce
Now that you know how to make Peruvian cilantro sauce, let’s talk about how to use it.
This sauce is incredibly versatile and it goes with way more than just chicken.
1. Drizzle It Over Grilled Meats
Peruvian cilantro sauce is legendary with rotisserie chicken but it’s also fantastic on steak, pork chops, and grilled fish.
2. Use It as a Dip
Serve Peruvian cilantro sauce as a dip for french fries, yuca fries, or roasted sweet potatoes.
It’s also great with tortilla chips or fresh veggies.
3. Spread It on Sandwiches and Burgers
Swap out mayo for Peruvian cilantro sauce on your next sandwich or burger and you’ll never look back.
4. Toss It with Rice or Quinoa
A spoonful of Peruvian cilantro sauce stirred into warm rice or quinoa adds instant flavor with zero effort.
So, How Do You Make Peruvian Cilantro Sauce?
You make Peruvian cilantro sauce by blending fresh cilantro, ají amarillo, garlic, lime juice, and a creamy base like mayonnaise or yogurt until smooth.
It’s a no-cook recipe that takes just minutes and the result is a tangy, spicy, herbaceous sauce that elevates just about anything you serve it with.
Whether you’re making it for a weeknight dinner or a weekend barbecue, learning how to make Peruvian cilantro sauce is a skill worth having in your kitchen.
Give this recipe a try and you’ll see why Peruvian cilantro sauce has become a favorite around the world.