Best 17 Aji Sauce Recipes

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**Aji Sauce: A Spicy Peruvian Condiment with a Burst of Flavor**

Aji sauce, also known as salsa de aji, is a vibrant and flavorful Peruvian condiment that adds a spicy kick to a variety of dishes. Made with aji peppers, a type of chili pepper native to Peru, aji sauce is a staple in Peruvian cuisine and is used to enhance the taste of everything from grilled meats and fish to stews, soups, and sandwiches. This article provides three distinct recipes for aji sauce, each offering a unique blend of flavors and heat levels. The first recipe, Aji Amarillo Sauce, showcases the fruity and slightly sweet taste of aji amarillo peppers, while the Aji Panca Sauce features the smoky and earthy flavors of aji panca peppers. For those who prefer a spicy and fiery sauce, the Aji Rocoto Sauce, made with the fiery aji rocoto peppers, delivers an intense heat that is sure to tantalize taste buds. With its versatility and bold flavors, aji sauce is a must-try condiment for those who love to explore the vibrant world of Peruvian cuisine.

Here are our top 17 tried and tested recipes!

PERUVIAN AJI-STYLE SAUCE



Peruvian Aji-Style Sauce image

I got this recipe from a restaurant in California 10 years ago. It's been a staple in my refrigerator ever since. It's excellent with rotisserie chicken. You can lower the calories if you stream in olive oil in replace of the mayo.

Provided by Dorothy

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes

Time 15m

Yield 10

Number Of Ingredients 7

1 head romaine lettuce, stem-end trimmed and discarded
½ bunch fresh cilantro, stems removed
5 green onions
¼ cup mayonnaise
2 jalapeno peppers, seeded
1 clove garlic
salt and ground black pepper to taste

Steps:

  • Place romaine lettuce, cilantro, green onions, mayonnaise, jalapeno peppers, garlic, salt, and black pepper into a blender; blend until smooth, about 2 minutes.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 49.5 calories, Carbohydrate 2.2 g, Cholesterol 2.1 mg, Fat 4.5 g, Fiber 1.1 g, Protein 0.7 g, SaturatedFat 0.7 g, Sodium 36.5 mg, Sugar 0.8 g

PERUVIAN GREEN CHILE SAUCE (AJI VERDE)



Peruvian Green Chile Sauce (Aji Verde) image

This is one of my favorite dips for bread. I also use it as a condiment for grilled steaks and pork chops. It's smooth, spicy, and very addictive! If you want even more spice, add additional jalapeno peppers.

Provided by t-licious

Categories     Appetizers and Snacks     Dips and Spreads Recipes

Time 10m

Yield 6

Number Of Ingredients 8

¼ cup olive oil
1 bunch cilantro, stems discarded
3 jalapenos, seeds removed, or more to taste
4 tablespoons olive oil mayonnaise (such as Hellmann's®)
2 cloves garlic, or more to taste
¼ cup water, or as needed
1 teaspoon white wine vinegar, or more as needed
salt to taste

Steps:

  • Combine olive oil, cilantro, jalapenos, mayonnaise, and garlic in a blender and puree. Slowly add as little water as needed to create a smooth, creamy consistency. Season with white wine vinegar and salt.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 151.4 calories, Carbohydrate 1.4 g, Cholesterol 3.5 mg, Fat 16.4 g, Fiber 0.5 g, Protein 0.4 g, SaturatedFat 2.3 g, Sodium 82.9 mg, Sugar 0.4 g

AJI (ECUADOREAN HOT SAUCE)



Aji (Ecuadorean Hot Sauce) image

There many ways to make Aji in Ecuador, but one thing is certain, there is always aji on the table. This is a recipe I learned while I was there. Cayenne or similar small red peppers are decent substitutes for the South American Aji peppers from which this delicious (hot) condiment gets its name.

Provided by Chef Kate

Categories     Sauces

Time 12m

Yield 1 cup

Number Of Ingredients 10

4 hot red peppers (aji peppers or similar small hot peppers)
2 garlic cloves
1/2 cup water
2 tomatoes, peeled and chopped
3 tablespoons scallions, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh coriander, chopped
1 tablespoon fresh flat leaf parsley, chopped
1 lemon, juice of
2 tablespoons olive oil
1 tablespoon salt

Steps:

  • Combine the water, peppers and garlic in the blender and blend well.
  • Strain the liquid into a bowl and discard any solids.
  • Add the balance of the ingredients and mix well.
  • Store in the refrigerator.

PUERTO RICAN-STYLE AJí DULCE SAUCE (AJILIMóJILI)



Puerto Rican-Style Ají Dulce Sauce (Ajilimójili) image

Provided by Maricel Presilla

Categories     Sauce     Garlic     Pepper     Hot Pepper     Chile Pepper

Yield Makes about 2 1/4 cups

Number Of Ingredients 11

12 Caribbean sweet peppers (ajíes dulces)
1 cubanelle pepper, seeded and coarsely chopped
1/2 Scotch Bonnet or habanero chile, seeded
7 garlic cloves, peeled
1 small yellow onion (about 5 ounces), coarsely chopped (about 1 cup)
1 cup extra-virgin olive oil
1/3 cup distilled white vinegar
1 bunch cilantro, leaves stripped from stems (about 2 cups)
1 1/4 teaspoons salt, or to taste
1/2 teaspoon dried oregano
1/4 teaspoon ground cumin

Steps:

  • Combine all the ingredients in a food processor or blender and process to a coarse emerald-green sauce. The sauce will keep in the refrigerator, tightly covered, for 2 to 3 days.

CHICKEN IN CHILE SAUCE (AJí DE GALLINA)



Chicken in Chile Sauce (Ají de Gallina) image

Provided by Lillian Chou

Categories     Chicken     Roast     Father's Day     Dinner     Walnut     Gourmet     Sugar Conscious     Peanut Free     Soy Free

Yield Makes 8 servings

Number Of Ingredients 14

8 quail eggs (optional)
4 (1/2-inch-thick) slices firm white sandwich bread, crusts discarded
1 cup whole milk
1 medium onion, chopped
2 garlic cloves, chopped
3 1/2 tablespoons vegetable oil, divided
1/2 teaspoon turmeric
3 to 4 tablespoons bottled ají amarillo or ají mirasol paste (sometimes labeled "crema")
2 cups reduced-sodium chicken broth
1/2 cup grated Parmigiano-Reggiano
1/2 cup walnuts (1 1/2 ounces)
8 small chicken breast halves with skin and bone (5 1/2 pounds total)
Accompaniment: Peruvian rice and lentils
Garnish: pitted black Peruvian or Kalamata olives, halved; lime wedges (preferably Key limes)

Steps:

  • Preheat oven to 400°F with rack in middle.
  • If using quail eggs, cover with cold water in a very small saucepan. Bring to a simmer and cook, covered, 5 minutes. Rinse eggs under cold water to stop cooking, then peel.
  • Soak bread in milk until softened, then mash with a fork.
  • Cook onion and garlic in 1 1/2 tablespoons oil with turmeric and 1/4 teaspoon salt in a 12-inch heavy skillet over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until softened. Stir in chile paste and bread mixture and simmer, stirring occasionally, until very thick, 3 to 5 minutes. Stir in broth and cheese and simmer 1 minute. Carefully transfer to a blender with walnuts and blend until very smooth, about 1 minute (use caution when blending hot liquids). Transfer sauce to a medium saucepan and keep warm, covered, over very low heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Pat chicken dry, then season with 1 teaspoon salt and 1/2 teaspoon pepper. Heat 1 tablespoon oil in a 12-inch heavy nonstick skillet over medium-high heat until hot, then brown half of chicken, skin side down first, turning once, about 8 minutes total. Transfer, skin side up, to a 4-sided sheet pan. Pour off oil from skillet and wipe clean, then brown remaining chicken in remaining tablespoon oil in same manner.
  • Roast chicken in oven until just cooked through, about 15 minutes.
  • Halve quail eggs lengthwise.
  • Spoon some of sauce onto a large platter, then arrange chicken on top. Garnish with quail eggs and serve with remaining sauce on the side.
  • What to drink:
  • Concha y Toro Terrunyo Casablanca Valley Sauvignon Blanc '07

PERUVIAN AJI AMARILLO CHEESE SAUCE



Peruvian Aji Amarillo Cheese Sauce image

A cheese sauce that goes well with Peruvian/Latin American foods. I learned the recipe from an elderly Peruvian woman! Especially good with Peruvian 'Lomos Saltado,' or as a topping for baked potatoes and hard-boiled eggs. If you want it spicier, leave a few of the seeds with the peppers.

Provided by Nate

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes

Time 15m

Yield 24

Number Of Ingredients 5

2 aji amarillo peppers, seeded
1 cup evaporated milk
8 saltine crackers, or as needed
¼ cup crumbled queso fresco cheese, or to taste
salt to taste

Steps:

  • Blend aji peppers, evaporated milk, saltine crackers, queso fresco cheese, and salt in a blender until thick and creamy, 1 to 2 minutes. For a thicker sauce, add 1 or 2 more crackers if desired.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 22.2 calories, Carbohydrate 1.9 g, Cholesterol 3.9 mg, Fat 1.1 g, Protein 1.1 g, SaturatedFat 0.6 g, Sodium 25.3 mg, Sugar 1.1 g

TOSTONES WITH COLOMBIAN AJI HOT SAUCE



Tostones with Colombian Aji Hot Sauce image

Provided by Ingrid Hoffmann

Categories     side-dish

Time 3h35m

Yield 4 to 6 servings, and 1 1/2 cups sauce

Number Of Ingredients 11

2 green plantains
1 cup vegetable oil, plus more if necessary
Salt
Aji Colombiano Hot Sauce, recipe follows
1 cup finely chopped fresh cilantro leaves
3 tablespoons finely chopped scallions
1/2 small Scotch bonnet pepper, seeded and finely chopped or dry chili to taste
1 tablespoon finely chopped yellow onion
2 teaspoons fresh lime juice
3/4 cup water
Salt

Steps:

  • Cut off the ends of the plantains and then carefully cut a slit down the length of the skin without cutting into the plantain itself. Using a wooden spoon, pry up the edges of the peel and pull off the skin. Once the peel is removed cut the plantain crosswise into 4 or 5 pieces, each about 1-inch long.
  • Heat the oil in a medium skillet over medium heat until it shimmers, about 3 minutes. Add the plantains and fry them until they turn golden on all sides, about 4 to 5 minutes per side. Use a slotted spoon to transfer them to a paper towel-lined plate to drain.
  • Raise heat to high.
  • Place plantain pieces between 2 sheets of parchment paper. Flatten the plantains by pressing down on them with a heavy-bottomed pan. Return 1/2 of the flattened plantains to the oil and re-fry until deep golden on both sides, about 1 to 2 minutes. Transfer back to the paper towel-lined plate to drain and repeat with the remaining flattened plantains. Sprinkle with salt and serve immediately.
  • Combine the cilantro, scallions, Scotch bonnet, onion, lime juice and water in a small glass bowl or jar with a tight fitting lid. Season with salt, to taste. Stir all the ingredients together. Set the Aji aside for several hours to allow the flavors to blend.;

AJI DE GALLINA (CHICKEN IN A SPICY SAUCE)



Aji de Gallina (Chicken in a Spicy Sauce) image

Provided by Food Network

Categories     main-dish

Yield 4 to 6 servings

Number Of Ingredients 20

1 large frying chicken (about 3 1/2 4 pounds)
1 leek, trimmed, washed and chopped
1 medium onion, peeled and chopped
1 medium carrot, peeled and chopped
1 tomato, chopped
2 teaspoons coarse salt
1 tablespoon peppercorns
2 bay leaves
2 cups soft bread crumbs
1 cup milk
1/2 cup olive oil
2 onions, finely chopped
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon ground cumin
1 tablespoon yellow Aji, Amarillo or Chile powder
1/3 cup finely chopped or ground walnuts
1 cup grated Parmesan cheese
2 pounds small potatoes, boiled, peeled and halved
4 hard-boiled eggs, halved
Chopped parsley for garnish

Steps:

  • Place chicken in a large pot and fill with water to halfway up sides of bird. Add leek, onion, carrot, tomato, salt, peppercorns and bay leaves. Cover, bring to a boil, reduce the heat and simmer for 45 minutes, or until chicken is done. Remove chicken and place in a bowl until cool enough to remove the meat from the bones and shred into bitesize pieces. Meanwhile, strain broth and reserve 4 cups.
  • Soak the bread in the milk. Heat oil in a large skillet over medium heat. Add the onions and saute until soft and golden, about 10 minutes. Add the garlic and cumin and saute for 1 more minute. Add softened bread and aji or chile powder, and cook for about 1 minute, stirring. (For a creamier sauce, place onion-bread mixture in a blender, puree until smooth and return to skillet.) Add 2 cups of the chicken stock and continue cooking until sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 5 minutes.
  • Add the chicken and simmer for 5 to 8 more minutes, adding more stock if needed. Stir in the walnuts and Parmesan cheese, and simmer gently for another 5 minutes, or until thickened slightly. To serve, spoon chicken and sauce onto a serving platter and surround with potatoes and eggs. Sprinkle with chopped parsley.

AJí CRIOLLO (SPICY ECUADORIAN HOT SAUCE)



Ají Criollo (Spicy Ecuadorian Hot Sauce) image

Ají Criollo, is a spicy condiment made out of chilies, cilantro and lime juice and found in just about every household and restaurant in Ecuador. Traditionally, a jar or bowl of Ají Criollo is put on the table and folks add it to any of their meals to bring as much heat as they like to their plate. This is generally made fresh...

Provided by Vicki Butts (lazyme)

Categories     Salsas

Time 10m

Number Of Ingredients 9

1/2 bunch cilantro
4 aji peppers (or serrano or jalapeno)
2 green onions, coarsely chopped (or equal amount of white onion)
1 lime, juiced
1 Tbsp vegetable oil
1 tsp white vinegar
3 clove garlic
1/2 c water
kosher salt, to taste

Steps:

  • 1. Combine all of the ingredients (except onion and salt) to the bowl of a food processor and pulse until the ingredients are chopped and the consistency of a loose salsa is achieved.
  • 2. Add the chopped onions and salt to taste.
  • 3. Use as a condiment for ceviches, meats and stews.

AJI PICANTE (COLUMBIAN HOT SAUCE)



Aji Picante (Columbian Hot Sauce) image

Columbian condiment used to add flavor to anything from empanadas to soups and as a dipping sauce. From MyColumbianRecipes.com

Provided by Kim127

Categories     Sauces

Time 20m

Yield 2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 small red habanero pepper, seeded and chopped
1/2 cup white vinegar
1/4 cup water
1/4 teaspoon salt
1 teaspoon sugar
1 tablespoon lime juice
2 tablespoons vegetable oil
1/2 cup fresh cilantro, chopped
1/4 cup fresh parsley, chopped
1/2 cup scallion, chopped
1/2 cup tomatoes, chopped

Steps:

  • Put the vinegar, water and habanero pepper in a blender for 2 minutes.
  • Place the remaining ingredients in a bowl and stir to mix. Add the vinegar and habanero mix to the bowl and mix well.
  • Pour in a glass jar and cover. Refrigerate up to 10 days.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 171.5, Fat 13.9, SaturatedFat 1.8, Sodium 309.1, Carbohydrate 9.5, Fiber 1.9, Sugar 5.5, Protein 1.6

AJI DE TOMATE DE áRBOL - TREE TOMATO HOT SAUCE



Aji De Tomate De árbol - Tree Tomato Hot Sauce image

I'm a little obsessed with the possibility of moving to Ecuador. This is a recipe using the tree tomato which looks like a roma tomato, but pointier. From: http://laylita.com/recipes/2008/03/10/tree-tomato-aji/

Provided by ThatSouthernBelle

Categories     Sauces

Time 8m

Yield 2-4 serving(s)

Number Of Ingredients 7

5 fresh tree tomatoes (tamarillo) or 5 frozen tree tomatoes (tamarillo)
2 aji bell peppers (serranos or red chilies or habaneros) or 2 hot peppers (serranos or red chilies or habaneros)
2 tablespoons white onions, finely chopped
1 tablespoon cilantro, finely chopped
1 tablespoon lime juice or 1 tablespoon lemon juice
1/4 cup water
salt

Steps:

  • If using fresh tree tomatoes peel them, boil them for about 5 minutes to make it easier to peel them.
  • If using frozen tree tomatoes, defrost them over night in the fridge, then cut them in half and scoop out all the insides.
  • Blend the tree tomatoes with the hot peppers (seeded and deveined if you want it very mild, you can always save a few seeds and add them in if it's too mild).
  • Transfer the blended mix of tree tomatoes and hot peppers to a small sauce pan, add the water (you can add more if you want a more liquid sauce) and cook on medium heat for about 5-8 minutes.
  • Add the onion, lime juice, cilantro and salt to taste.
  • Serve warm or cold.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 61.6, Fat 0.6, SaturatedFat 0.1, Sodium 16.6, Carbohydrate 13.7, Fiber 3.9, Sugar 8.7, Protein 2.8

AJI SAUCE



Aji Sauce image

Provided by Steven Raichlen

Categories     Sauce     Food Processor     Onion     Low Fat     Vegetarian     Quick & Easy     Low Cal     Vinegar     Healthy     Low Cholesterol     Jalapeño     Bon Appétit

Yield Makes abaout 3/4 cup

Number Of Ingredients 7

1/2 cup coarsely chopped seeded jalapeño chiles (about 4 large)
1/2 cup coarsely chopped green onions (about 2 large)
1/3 cup coarsely chopped sweet onion (such as Maui or Vidalia)
1/4 cup coarsely chopped fresh cilantro
2 tablespoons (or more) red wine vinegar or fresh lime juice
3/4 teaspoon coarse kosher salt
1/4 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Steps:

  • Combine jalapeño chiles, green onions, sweet onion, and cilantro in processor; puree until paste forms, scraping down sides of bowl with rubber spatula several times. Add 2 tablespoons vinegar and process until mixture is blended but some texture still remains. Transfer to small bowl. Stir in 3/4 teaspoon coarse salt, 1/4 teaspoon pepper, and more vinegar to taste, if desired. DO AHEAD: Can be made 1 day ahead. Cover and refrigerate.

AJI PICANTE (COLUMBIAN HOT SAUCE)



Aji Picante (Columbian Hot Sauce) image

This condiment is a staple for many Columbians. Try it with empanadas or even your favorite taco. It is also perfect for adding a little something extra to soups and stews.

Provided by Patrick Johnson

Categories     Salsas

Time 5m

Number Of Ingredients 11

1 habanero pepper, seeded
1/2 c white vinegar
1/4 c water
1/4 tsp salt
1 tsp sugar
1 Tbsp fresh squeezed lime juice
2 Tbsp vegetable oil
1/2 c cilantro, chopped fresh
1/4 c parsley, chopped fresh
1/2 c green onions, chopped
1/2 c tomato, chopped

Steps:

  • 1. Add vinegar, water and habanero in blender and blend for approximately 2 minutes
  • 2. Mix remaining ingredients in a non-reactive bowl
  • 3. Add vinegar and habanero mixture and mix well

AJI PIQUE (HOT SAUCE)



Aji Pique (Hot sauce) image

Provided by Bryan Miller

Categories     condiments

Time 5m

Yield about 1 1/2 cups

Number Of Ingredients 8

7 scallions, white parts only, minced
1/4 cup minced fresh coriander
1 tomato, peeled, seeded and minced
1 tablespoon minced hot red or green chilies (or to taste)
2 ounces white wine vinegar
2 ounces water
1 tablespoon vegetable oil
Salt to taste

Steps:

  • Combine all ingredients in a small bowl, and stir well. Prepare at least a half hour before serving. This sauce will keep for more than a week tightly covered in the refrigerator.

Nutrition Facts : @context http, Calories 65, UnsaturatedFat 4 grams, Carbohydrate 5 grams, Fat 5 grams, Fiber 1 gram, Protein 1 gram, SaturatedFat 0 grams, Sodium 286 milligrams, Sugar 2 grams, TransFat 0 grams

AJI CRIOLLO OR ECUADORIAN HOT SAUCE



Aji criollo or Ecuadorian hot sauce image

Number Of Ingredients 6

4 ajies or hot peppers
1/2 bunch cilantro (stems and leaves)
1/2 cup water
3 cloves garlic
2 tablespoons lime or lemon juice
3 tablespoons white onion

Steps:

  • Combine the hot peppers, cilantro, water, garlic cloves and lime juice in the blender or food processor and blend well.
  • Add the chopped white onions or scallions and salt to taste.

SPICY GREEN SAUCE (PERUVIAN AJI VERDE)



Spicy Green Sauce (Peruvian Aji Verde) image

OMG I think Ive got the recipe for the Delicious green sauce that comes as a condiment at the California restaurant Pollo Inka. Can be placed on top of any protien or just on rice. Be careful its addictive.

Provided by wendie chaplin

Categories     Other Sauces

Time 5m

Number Of Ingredients 7

7 lettuce leaves
2 serrano chiles (start with 2 add for spicier, i use 3)
3 Tbsp mayo
1/2 lime or lemon
1/2 handful of cilantro
1/8 tsp salt
1 Tbsp bread crumbs

Steps:

  • 1. In a blender or food processor mix the lettuce leaves, serrano chilies, mayo, lime, cilantro and salt.
  • 2. Adjust ingredients to taste or amount your gonna make.
  • 3. Use breadcrumbs as a thickener. If sauce is too runny then start with a tablespoon and add as needed. Want to be a consistency a little looser than hummus.
  • 4. Enjoy as a dipping sauce for veggies, over rice, protein, or drink from the bottle!!!

PERUVIAN AJI SAUCE



Peruvian Aji Sauce image

After eating at many a Peruvian restaurant, I became hooked on the green dipping sauce. Here now is SoCalTed's Peruvian Aji Sauce!

Provided by SOCALTED

Categories     Side Dish     Sauces and Condiments Recipes     Sauce Recipes

Time 15m

Yield 8

Number Of Ingredients 4

1 head iceberg lettuce
½ cup mayonnaise
3 fresh jalapeno peppers
1 cup white bread cubes without crusts

Steps:

  • Remove the stems from your jalapenos. Using tongs, hold the peppers over a stove burner and rotate until roasted, about 1 minute. Delicious, but not necessary.
  • Slam your head of lettuce down on the counter stem side down. Pull on the stem to remove the heart and discard. Rip the head of lettuce apart - don't be gentle!
  • Place lettuce and one or two of the roasted jalapenos into a blender or large food processor. Blend on low speed until jalapenos are pleasantly ground up. Add the mayonnaise, and pulse until blended in. Gradually blend in bread cubes until you get a nice thick but still pourable consistency. If it gets too thick add more mayonnaise. Taste, and blend in more peppers if desired.
  • Put in a squeeze bottle and serve with your favorite dishes, like Saltado de Pollo, or simply dip your bread in it.

Nutrition Facts : Calories 124.7 calories, Carbohydrate 5.6 g, Cholesterol 5.2 mg, Fat 11.2 g, Fiber 1 g, Protein 1.2 g, SaturatedFat 1.7 g, Sodium 123.2 mg, Sugar 1.8 g

Tips:

  • Choose the right peppers: Aji peppers come in a variety of colors and heat levels. For a milder sauce, use green or yellow peppers. For a spicier sauce, use red peppers.
  • Roast the peppers: Roasting the peppers brings out their sweetness and flavor. You can roast them in the oven or over a grill.
  • Remove the seeds and ribs: The seeds and ribs of the peppers can be bitter, so it's best to remove them before making the sauce.
  • Use fresh ingredients: Fresh ingredients will give your sauce the best flavor. If you can, use ripe tomatoes, onions, and cilantro.
  • Simmer the sauce: Simmering the sauce allows the flavors to meld and develop. Simmer it for at least 30 minutes, or longer if you have time.
  • Season to taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, or cumin.

Conclusion:

Aji sauce is a versatile sauce that can be used on a variety of dishes. It's great on tacos, burritos, enchiladas, and other Mexican dishes. It can also be used as a dipping sauce for chips or vegetables. No matter how you use it, aji sauce is sure to add a delicious flavor to your meal.

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