Peruvian Green Sauce (Aji Verde)

Name: Peruvian Green Sauce
Prep time: 15 min
Ingredients: 2 jalapeños (seeds removed); 1/2 cup mayonnaise; 2 tbsp aji amarillo paste; 2 tbsp grated parmesan cheese; 1 clove garlic; 1 cup cilantro leaves; Juice of 1 lime; 1 tsp apple cider vinegar; 2 tbsp olive oil; salt and pepper to taste

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This Peruvian green sauce also known as aji verde sauce is about to be your new favorite sauce that you HAVE to put on everything! I am a sucker for a good sauce and this one is at the top. If you've never had it, prepare to be impressed. The first time I ever had it was at a Peruvian restaurant when I ordered take out. This peruvian sauce is known as their hot sauce. I was so angry that I did not get enough of it once I tried it. I primarily used it for my peruvian chicken but I could've poured it all over the plate. You can put it on chicken, tacos, french fries, eggs, your finger.... I have and you should too, I won't judge.

bowl of peruvian green sauce with ingredients in background

You are going to want to make this peruvian green sauce recipe over and over to have it in your fridge as a staple dipping sauce. This is my own version of the sauce and I know each of my local peruvian restaurant makes it differently. My version is more of a tangy sauce than it is a spicy sauce.

Spicy Green Sauce Ingredients

Aji Amarillo Paste- This is one of the key ingredients to this sauce and used in peruvian cooking. Aji amarillo peppers are yellow chili peppers that are grown in south america and all throughout peru.

Mayonnaise- This gives the sauce the creamy texture It can be substituted for sour cream or greek yogurt.

Parmesan Cheese- This brings salitness to the sauce. You can use cotija cheese which I believe is traditionally used or queso fresco which are both salty cheeses.

Acid- For this I use lime juice but if you have only lemon juice on hand that will work. I also use red wine vinegar for some more tangy flavor.

Fresh Cilantro- This makes the bright green sauce. It also brings big fresh flavor that the sauces needs from the creaminess.

Jalapeno Peppers- This is contributes to the green color of the sauce and gives a kick of spice. For a milder sauce you can use less jalapeno or for an even spicier sauce use serrano peppers.

Let's Make Some Peruvian Green Sauce

Add all the ingredients into a blender or food processor.

Blend until all ingredients are combined and smooth.

I recommend you serve it along side this Peruvian roasted chicken recipe you can find here!

Where can I find ají amarillo paste?

You may be able to find it in you local grocery store in the international section. If not, you can find it at a latin market or online here.

How long does Peruvian green sauce last in the fridge?

It will last for up to a week in an airtight container. This sauce is so good that it may not even last that long and you can serve it with many things.