What Is Pickapeppa Sauce? Jamaica's Famous Sauce & How to Use It
If you grew up in a Jamaican home, there was probably a bottle of Pickapeppa in the cupboard. This much-loved sauce has been made in Jamaica for over 100 years. Here's what it tastes like, what it's made of and all the ways to use it.
Quick answer: Pickapeppa is a famous Jamaican sauce brand, made in the hills of Jamaica since 1921. The original sauce is a sweet, tangy brown sauce aged in oak barrels. It's sometimes called "Jamaican ketchup" and is used like a steak sauce or condiment.
What does Pickapeppa taste like?
The original sauce is sweet, tangy and mildly spicy, a little like a fruity Worcestershire or steak sauce. It's made with ingredients like cane vinegar, tomatoes, onions, raisins, mangoes and tamarind, plus peppers and spices. Pickapeppa Spicy Mango is sweeter and fruitier with more heat.
How to use Pickapeppa sauce
- Over cream cheese: the classic party snack. Pour it over a block of cream cheese and serve with crackers.
- Meat and fish: brush on grilled chicken, pork, steak or fish, or use it as a marinade.
- With jerk: serve on the side of jerk chicken for a sweet, tangy contrast.
- Burgers and sandwiches: mix with mayo for a Jamaican-style spread.
- Stews and gravies: add a splash to brown stew chicken or oxtail for depth.
- Eggs: drizzle over fried eggs and callaloo for breakfast.
Quick recipe: Pickapeppa glazed chicken wings
- Season 2 lb chicken wings with salt, black pepper and garlic powder.
- Bake at 425°F for 35 to 40 minutes, turning once, until crisp.
- Warm 1/2 cup Pickapeppa Spicy Mango with 1 tbsp butter and a squeeze of lime.
- Toss the hot wings in the glaze and serve right away.
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Questions
Is Pickapeppa sauce spicy?
The original is only mildly spicy. The Spicy Mango version has more heat.
What is Pickapeppa sauce made of?
The original is made with ingredients like cane vinegar, tomatoes, onions, raisins, mangoes and tamarind, plus peppers and spices, then aged in oak barrels. Check the label for the full list.
What's a substitute for Pickapeppa?
A mix of Worcestershire sauce with a little ketchup and mango chutney comes close, but it's not the same.
Does Pickapeppa need to be refrigerated?
Check the bottle. Many people keep it in the fridge after opening for the best flavor.
Where is Pickapeppa made?
In Jamaica, where the company has made its sauces since 1921.
