Piquillo Pepper Sauce Recipe: Easy Spanish Red Sauce 2026

Piquillo pepper sauce is one of those versatile Spanish sauces that quietly makes everything it touches taste better. It is silky, slightly sweet and smoky, with a gentle kick from sherry and a smooth finish from cream. Spoon it over grilled meat, seared fish, roasted vegetables or even a bowl of pasta.

This sauce comes together in about 15 minutes with just seven ingredients, most of which you probably already have on hand. The key is to let the sherry reduce properly so its aroma concentrates, then blend everything until completely smooth. The result is a glossy, deep-red sauce that looks like it came from a restaurant kitchen.

You can serve it right away while warm, or chill it and gently reheat later. It also freezes well, so it is worth making a double batch to have on hand for busy weeknights.

Ingredients for Piquillo Pepper Sauce

This makes about 2 servings of sauce.

• 80 g piquillo peppers
• 1 tablespoon olive oil
• 1 garlic clove
• 25 ml sherry (or white wine)
• 100 ml cooking cream
• Salt
• Ground black pepper

How to Make Piquillo Pepper Sauce Step by Step

1. Prepare the peppers

First, remove the seeds from 80 g of piquillo peppers and cut them into pieces. Set them aside while you start the base of the sauce.

2. Sauté the garlic

Heat 1 tablespoon of olive oil in a small saucepan and sauté 1 garlic clove, finely chopped, for 1 minute. Keep the heat moderate so the garlic softens without browning.

3. Add the sherry and reduce

Pour in 25 ml of sherry and let it reduce over high heat for a few moments. This step burns off the alcohol and concentrates the aromatic flavor of the wine.

4. Add the peppers and cook

Add the chopped pepper, stir, and cook the mixture for 3 more minutes so the flavors begin to meld.

5. Pour in the cream

Pour in 100 ml of cooking cream, mix well, and cook so the flavors come together and the sauce thickens slightly.

6. Blend and season

Blend until you have a smooth, homogeneous sauce, then season with salt and pepper to taste.

7. Serve

Serve this delicious piquillo pepper sauce alongside meat dishes, grilled fish, vegetables or even pasta.

Tips for the Best Piquillo Pepper Sauce

Choose the right cream

For a silky texture, use cooking cream with a low fat content. If you are lactose intolerant, coconut milk is a good substitute, preferably the kind that comes in a carton since it tends to be lighter than the canned version.

Customize the flavor

You can personalize this sauce by adding chopped nuts such as almonds or hazelnuts, which give it a very pleasant texture. Toasted bread also works wonderfully and creates a different sauce without losing the characteristic flavor of piquillo peppers.

Adjust the thickness

Depending on how you plan to use the sauce, you can make it thicker or thinner. Simply add more or less cooking cream. This recipe keeps the sauce on the thicker side, so if you prefer it lighter, just stir in more cream.

30 Top Recipes I Keep Coming Back to at Home

Like a lot of home cooks, I like having a go-to lineup that covers cozy classics, dishes from around the world, and sweets that make everyone happy.

When a rich, indulgent craving hits, my picks are usually this La Viña Molten Cheesecake recipe, this elegant Original French Crème Brûlée recipe, or a decadent Chocolate Mousse Cake recipe. And whenever something fruity and comforting sounds good, this classic French Tarte Tatin recipe is the one I reach for.

Some mornings I want an easy breakfast or a lighter plate, so I'll whip up these fluffy Oatmeal and Banana Pancakes recipe, a satisfying Stuffed Sweet Potato recipe, or these fresh Eggs Stuffed with Avocado and Salmon recipe. And for a gluten-free staple to keep in the pantry, this simple Gluten-Free Rice Flour recipe is one I rely on.

For tapas nights and Mediterranean flavors, I bounce between this bold Basque Tuna with Tomato recipe, crispy Patatas Bravas Air Fryer recipe, creamy Tirokafteri Greek Dip Sauce recipe, and refreshing Burrata Salad with Tomato and Pesto recipe. This crisp Italian Vitello Tonnato recipe also comes out whenever I want to serve something a bit more special.

For filling lunches and cozy dinners, my recommendations are this comforting Meatballs in Spanish Sauce recipe, traditional Meatballs in Almond Sauce recipe, rich Italian Bolognese Sauce recipe, and creamy Chicken Croquettes in Thermomix recipe. When I'm after something heartier, I'll bake this Greek Pastitsio Pie recipe, rustic Potatoes and Squid Stew recipe, or the ultra-comforting French Boeuf Bourguignon recipe.

Anytime I'm in the mood for street food or party-style plates, I'll usually make this juicy Homemade Chicken Doner Kebab recipe, crispy Salchipapas recipe, flavorful Mexican Pork Carnitas recipe, or these crunchy Korean Hobak Jeon recipe. These easy Air Fryer Zucchini Rings recipe also work great as a laid-back appetizer or snack.

And when I'm hosting guests with drinks and a full spread, dinner often gets paired with this refreshing Original Cuban Mojito recipe, this bold Long Island Iced Tea recipe, or a pitcher of this fruity Bleeding Spanish Sangria recipe. To fill out the table, I like adding this tangy French Remoulade Sauce recipe on the side or finishing with this striking Mediterranean Black Rice with Squid recipe.

Even More Tasty Recipes to Cook for the Family

After years of testing and tweaking recipes in my own kitchen, I've come to believe the best dishes are built on simplicity, dependable techniques, and big flavor.

Every recipe in this collection is one I genuinely come back to time and time again—whether it's a fast meal just for me or something special for friends and family.

For dessert, the rich and silky Orange Chocolate Mousse Recipe is a go-to when I want something elegant yet effortless. Another sweet favorite is the caramelized Trdelnik Slavic Pastry Recipe, inspired by the famous Central European chimney cake. If you enjoy baking, knowing how to make syrup for better texture in desserts is useful, and my Inverted Sugar Recipe explains exactly how I prepare it in my own kitchen.

When something fresh and simple is what I'm after, I usually reach for the classic Italian Caprese Salad Recipe or a perfectly cooked Simple Poached Egg Recipe. For heartier comfort meals, I often point people to the satisfying Meatball Sandwich Recipe, the creamy Russian Stroganoff Beef Recipe, and the quick weeknight favorite One Pot Pasta Recipe.

Traditional dishes from around the world are another thing I love to share, including the authentic Sorropotún de Bonito Fish Stew Recipe, crispy Chilean Pumpkin Sopaipillas Recipe, and the classic Spanish Cochifrito Segovian Fried Pig Recipe.

Air fryer recipes are another category I cook often, since they save time while still delivering great texture. My go-to options include Air Fryer Pork Ribs Recipe, Air Fryer Chicken Thighs Recipe, Air Fryer Sweet Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Baked Potatoes Recipe, Air Fryer Peppers Recipe, Air Fryer Mixed Sandwich Recipe, Air Fryer Toasted Bread Recipe, and Air Fryer Hard-Boiled Eggs Recipe.

And for anyone steering clear of wheat, my comforting Gluten-Free Lasagna Recipe shows that classic baked pasta can still be rich, cheesy, and completely satisfying without gluten.

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