Spicy mayo, created by mixing mayonnaise with a zesty hot sauce such as Sriracha, is a tasty and adaptable topping that can really jazz up a meal.
However, whipping up the perfect spicy mayo isn’t as simple as grabbing any jar of mayonnaise off the shelf. Some may be too thick or sugary, while others might lack that punch of flavor you’re looking for.
In the following article, we’re going to explore what makes the best mayonnaise for this fiery concoction, weighing aspects like taste and texture, and we’ll toss in some handy tips to make sure your spicy mayo game is top-notch.
The Best Mayonnaise to Use for Making Spicy Mayo
First up, and I hope you’re sitting down for this, we’ve got Kewpie mayo.
This stuff is the Holy Grail of mayonnaise for spicy mayo making. Why, you ask? Well, it’s got a rich profile and an umami taste, thanks to combining different types of vinegar like rice, balsamic and apple cider. That mix gives it a complex flavor that just hugs the spiciness of the hot sauce in all the right ways.
Now, here’s where Kewpie mayo gets real fancy: it’s made only with egg yolks. Yep, no egg whites here! That means more fat (which is where the flavor hangs out) and a creamy texture that’s straight-up luxurious. Most American mayo, except for Dukes, uses the whole egg, which can make it lighter and less rich.
And then, my friend, we have the secret weapon: MSG. Now, I know, I know, you might’ve heard some things, but trust me, it’s not the villain it’s made out to be. In Kewpie mayo, it adds that umami punch and makes your taste buds want to dance. The Asian community has been using it happily, so why not join the party?
If Kewpie mayo is playing hard to get, don’t despair. You’ve got options. Dukes mayo is a solid choice, with its egg yolk richness and beautiful texture, without any pesky preservatives or stabilizers.
And don’t forget old reliable Hellmann’s. It’s classic, widely available, and has that rich, creamy goodness that’s perfect for a spicy mayo adventure.
Got some dietary needs or preferences? No worries! There’s vegan, gluten-free, or low-fat mayonnaise out there just waiting for a hot sauce partner.
Just remember, whether you’re going with Kewpie, Dukes, Hellmann’s, or something else entirely, pay attention to the ingredients and nutritional values so you don’t end up eating what you’re not supposed to be eating.
What Are The Key Ingredients For The Best Spicy Mayo?
The only TWO main ingredients are the key to the best spicy mayo: get them right and your spicy may will thank you!
Here’s more you need to know.
Mayonnaise: Not just any mayonnaise, but Kewpie Mayo. Like we talked about earlier, Kewpie Mayo is rich, creamy, and packed with a complex flavor that plays nice with hot sauce. It’s like the smooth jazz of the mayo world, setting the stage for something spicy to come along.
Hot Sauce: And who better to step into the spotlight than Sriracha? This hot sauce is like the life of the party. It’s got that perfect balance of flavors without any of them hogging the limelight. Think of Sriracha as the hot sauce that knows how to share the stage.
Now, when we’re talking Sriracha, we’re talking options. Huy Fong Sriracha is a classic, and it won’t let you down. But don’t overlook the original Siraja Panich or even Sky Valley Sriracha. They’re all ready to mingle with that Kewpie Mayo and create something magical.
So why these two key ingredients?
Kewpie Mayo: It’s the texture, flavor, and overall vibe that makes it a winner. You want your spicy mayo to be a symphony, not a solo act. Kewpie Mayo knows how to be part of a duo.
Sriracha: It’s not just about the heat; it’s about the harmony. Sriracha knows how to bring the fire without burning down the house. It’s a hot sauce that knows its place and plays it to perfection.
Put them together, and you’ve got a spicy mayo that’s not just good but downright memorable.
Tips For Making The Best Spicy Mayo
So, you’ve got the key ingredients lined up, and you’re ready to make the best spicy mayo of your life. But hold on there! There’s more to making the perfect spicy mayo than just slapping Kewpie Mayo and Sriracha together (though that’s a pretty solid start). Let’s dive into some tips to take your spicy mayo from “Mmm, good” to “Whoa, where have you been all my life?”
Find Your Heat Sweet Spot: Look, nobody’s judging here. If you like your spicy mayo to be a five-alarm fire, go for it. But if you’re more of a gentle-warmth person, that’s cool too. Start with a little Sriracha and then build up until it hits just right for you. It’s your spicy mayo; you make the rules.
Mix It Up with Different Hot Sauces: If you’re feeling adventurous, why not explore some other hot sauces? Sambal Olek brings its unique flavor to the party, and Tabasco can add a smoky kick.
Balance Is Key: Too much heat can be a one-note wonder. Bring in some acidity like lemon juice, lime juice, or vinegar to cut through and add tanginess. And don’t be afraid to sweeten things up with sugar, honey, or agave nectar. Balance makes everything better, even spicy mayo.
Flavor It Up: While the mayo and hot sauce are the stars of the show, the supporting cast can make or break the performance. Add some extra oomph with sesame oil, garlic, onion powder, smoked paprika, mustard, or fresh herbs.
Give It Some Chill Time: Spicy mayo is like a good friendship; it gets better over time. Stick that sauce in the fridge in an airtight container and let those flavors mingle and develop. It’ll come back all rejuvenated and ready to wow your taste buds.