What’s in Mayo?
A classic mayo is made by whipping a neutral-flavored oil, an acid, and eggs together to get that creamy spread we all know and love. This very simple recipe comes together with just a few basic pantry staples.
Egg Yolks: This acts as the emulsifier. Dijon Mustard: A little tang never hurts. White Vinegar: Adds flavor and stabilizes for shelf life. Vegetable Oil: That smooth texture comes from oil. Lemon Juice: A squeeze of lemon juice is all you need for a bit of acidity. Kosher Salt: Just a pinch (or to taste).
Pro Tip: Use the whole egg if you like! Egg whites help make the mayo fluffy. And be sure to keep your ingredients at room temperature for easy mixing.
Variations on Mayonnaise
There are so many ways to riff on this traditional mayonnaise recipe. Whatever your personal preference, you can find a recipe to match it.
To make kewpie mayo, swap the white vinegar for rice vinegar, and add 2 teaspoons of sugar. For spicy mayo, blend in some chili powder or crushed red pepper flakes. For chipotle mayo, add a teaspoon or two of adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce. For sriracha mayo, blend in a teaspoon or two of sriracha. For garlic mayo, blend in a teaspoon of finely minced garlic. For herb mayo, finely dice your favorite fresh herbs like basil, dill, or thyme. To make vegan mayo, substitute the eggs for ¼ cup of aquafaba (the drained liquid from a can of chickpeas), or swap the eggs for ⅔ cup of mashed avocado to make avocado mayo (also vegan)!
The remixes don’t end there! Get adventurous by switching up your acids and oils.
Swap lemon juice for lime juice for that burst of citrus. Try white wine vinegar, red wine vinegar, or any other vinegar that you prefer in place of traditional white vinegar. Swap the neutral-flavored oil for extra virgin olive oil, avocado oil, or walnut oil.
How to Store Homemade Mayo
Store leftover mayonnaise in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Use cold or let come to room temperature for 10-15 minutes. Do not leave mayonnaise out of refrigeration for more than 2 hours.
What to Serve with Homemade Mayonnaise
This kitchen staple goes well on everything! Try spreading it on a classic BLT, crispy chicken sandwich, or any of your favorite sandwiches. Use it when making deviled eggs. It also lends bright creaminess to my favorite Broccoli Salad and makes a great Fry Sauce. Trust me, you’ll find a million ways to use it!
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