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Salsa de Ají Amarillo (Peruvian Yellow Chili Sauce)

Peruvian · Sauce

A vibrant, creamy, and mildly spicy Peruvian staple sauce made from iconic yellow chili peppers, featuring a unique fruity heat and smooth texture.

Ready in 30 minutesVegetarianGluten free
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Salsa de Ají Amarillo (Peruvian Yellow Chili Sauce) — recipe cover
20 minA little patience, a lot of flavor
Prep time10 min
Cook time10 min
Servings6 people
DifficultyEasy
Let's make something good

How to make it

5 steps. Take it one step at a time.

  1. Prepare the ají amarillo peppers

    Prepare the ají amarillo peppers by cutting them in half, removing the seeds and internal white veins to control the heat. Rinse well.

  2. Heat 2 tablespoons of vegetable oil

    Heat 2 tablespoons (30ml) of vegetable oil in a skillet over medium heat. Add the chopped red onion and garlic cloves. Sauté until the onion is translucent and soft, about 5 minutes.

    5 min
  3. Add the prepared ají amarillo peppers

    Add the prepared ají amarillo peppers to the skillet. Continue to sauté for another 3 to 5 minutes until the peppers are softened.

    5 min
  4. Transfer the cooked mixture

    Transfer the cooked mixture (peppers, onion, garlic, and oil) into a blender. Add the 100g (3.5 oz) of queso fresco and 1/2 teaspoon of salt.

  5. Blend until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy

    Blend until the sauce is completely smooth and creamy. If it is too thick, add a small splash of water or milk to reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust salt if necessary.

A little kitchen wisdom

This sauce is the backbone of Peruvian cuisine. If you cannot find fresh ají amarillo, you can use jarred paste, though fresh or frozen peppers offer a brighter flavor.

What you'll need

SkilletBlenderKnifeCutting board
Keep the good going

For now. And for later.

Make it ahead

The sauce can be made completely in advance and its flavors often improve after sitting for a few hours.

Store & enjoy

Store in an airtight container or glass jar in the refrigerator. Serve chilled or at room temperature. Do not boil.

Allergens

Contains milk.

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An AI-created recipe from the EZdish collection. Ingredient quantities and techniques have not been independently kitchen-tested. Published on this website . Updated . First published in the EZdish collection .

Salsa de Ají Amarillo (Peruvian Yellow Chili Sauce)
Step 1 of 5

Prepare the ají amarillo peppers

Prepare the ají amarillo peppers by cutting them in half, removing the seeds and internal white veins to control the heat. Rinse well.