Spicy Mayo Recipe
While mayonnaise has been a staple in Western kitchens for centuries, spicy mayo likely gained popularity through its use in Japanese-American cuisine. Sushi restaurants in the U.S. were among the first to introduce the sauce as a topping for rolls like the spicy tuna roll. From there, it became a go-to sauce for people seeking a little extra heat in their meals, merging Japanese-inspired flavors with Western comfort foods.
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuing spoons
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise (regular or Japanese mayo like Kewpie)
- 1-2 tablespoons sriracha (adjust to taste)
- 1 teaspoon soy sauce (optional for added umami)
- 1 teaspoon lemon juice or rice vinegar (for a tangy touch)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder (optional for extra flavor)
Instructions
- Measure the Ingredients:Start by gathering all your ingredients. If you're using Japanese Kewpie mayo, you'll get a slightly richer flavor, but regular mayonnaise works just as well.
- Mix the Base:In a small mixing bowl, add ½ cup of mayonnaise. You can use light mayo if you prefer a lower-calorie version.
- Add the Heat:Stir in 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha, depending on how spicy you want the mayo to be. Start with 1 tablespoon, taste, and adjust to your preferred heat level.
- Balance the Flavor:Add 1 teaspoon of soy sauce for a savory depth and 1 teaspoon of lemon juice or rice vinegar for a slight tang. These ingredients help balance the richness of the mayonnaise.
- Optional Additions:If you want to enhance the flavor, sprinkle in ½ teaspoon of garlic powder for a little more kick. You can also add a pinch of sugar if you prefer a sweeter spicy mayo.
- Mix Until Smooth:Use a whisk or spoon to thoroughly combine all the ingredients. Mix until the sauce has a smooth, creamy texture, and all the flavors are well-blended.
- Taste and Adjust:Taste your spicy mayo and adjust the seasoning as necessary. Add more sriracha if you want more heat, or a splash more lemon juice if you prefer a tangier sauce.
- Serve or Store:Your spicy mayo is now ready to use! You can drizzle it over sushi, burgers, or fries. If you're not using it right away, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.