Fiery Fusion: Spicy Aioli Recipe In 5 mins (+Tips)

This Sriracha Spicy Aioli Recipe makes the perfect condiment for adding a nice kick of spice to all sorts of dishes. With a creamy and tangy base of mayonnaise and garlic, a drizzle adds just the right amount of savory and slightly spicy flavor that is simple yet upscale. For everyday use, I like to dress up chicken tenders, sandwiches, or use it as a dipping sauce for burgers and veggies.

The aioli comes together in just minutes and tastes even better the next day after the flavors have had time to meld. No need to overpay for an aioli at the store when you can make this Sriracha Aioli at home that is just as delicious, if not better! The addition of Sriracha chili oil gives it just enough heat to satisfy without being overpowering. I’m always amazed at the texture and richness of flavor this emulsion develops with only a few basic ingredients. So give it a try – I guarantee you’ll want to put it on everything!

What Is Aioli Sauce?

Aioli is a classic sauce originating from Mediterranean cuisine, most commonly associated with Spain, France, and Italy. At its most basic, aioli is an emulsion of garlic and olive oil that is sometimes enriched with lemon juice or egg yolk. The garlic provides a strong yet subtle flavor, while the olive oil gives it a rich, creamy texture. Some versions are made simply with only these few ingredients pureed together by hand to form a creamy and emulsion. Others add ingredients like mayonnaise to make it more like a garlic mayo.

No matter the specific recipe, what makes aioli such a versatile condiment is its ability to be punched up or amped up with any number of spices or herbs. My Sriracha Aioli takes a classic aioli and makes it even more killer by mixing in Sriracha chili oil for an extra kick of heat. So whether you make a simple homemade version or dress up a store bought aioli, it adds big flavor to any meal with very little fuss.

The quickest way to make aioli at home is with a blender or food processor to quickly mix together the olive oil, egg yolks or mayonnaise, garlic, and any other flavors into a creamy, emulsion-Based condiment that elevates dishes to the best.

What Is Sriracha?

Sriracha is a popular spicy chili sauce or paste that originated in Sriracha, Thailand. At its core, it contains chili peppers, garlic, white vinegar, sugar, and salt. This unique blend of ingredients gives Sriracha its distinctive sweet and signature flavor with just a touch of heat. The iconic rooster logo and green cap of the Huy Fong Foods brand have contributed to its widespread popularity in the US.

With its versatility and delicious kick of flavor, Sriracha has taken the American food scene by storm. Many national hot sauce brands and restaurant chains now offer their own Sriracha inspired sauces like Sriracha Sour Cream, P.F. Chang’s “yum yum” sauce, or the spicy sandwich at Subway. It’s incredibly easy to make your own version at home – just mix the main ingredients like garlic, chilies, and white vinegar together in a small bowl. Whether you enjoy it as a condiment or use it to take other dishes up a notch, Sriracha makes everything taste better!

Why You Will Love This Recipe

1. It’s incredibly simple – With only a handful of basic ingredients found at any grocery store, you won’t need to make a special trip just to put this sauce together.
2. It comes together in minutes – There are only a few short steps to emulsify the ingredients by hand and then some chilling time – it’s a very easy and quick recipe.
3. It’s extremely versatile – In addition to being a tasty condiment or sandwich spread, this Sriracha Aioli works as a delicious dip for veggies, sandwiches, chicken tenders and more.
4. The flavor combinations are outstanding – Who wouldn’t love the rich garlic and olive oil combined with the bright notes of lemon and kick of Sriracha? You’ll want to put it on everything! Once you make a batch, I’m sure you’ll be hooked on this recipe.

Ingredients You Need

A few notes on the ingredients:

• Feel free to adjust Sriracha up or down to your preferred level of spice.
• For garlic, use a microplane to finely grate for best texture.
• Look for kosher salt at any grocery store – it has a cleaner taste than regular iodized salt.
• For citrus, lemon juice is traditional but lime or orange work well too based on your preferences.

Quick & Best Sriracha Aioli Sauce Recipe

Making this Sriracha aioli recipe is a simple process. Gather the ingredients specified in the ingredients list. In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, Sriracha chili sauce, lime juice, kosher salt, minced garlic and a pinch of cayenne pepper or red pepper flakes if you want some additional heat. Using a whisk, whisk everything together until the ingredients are well blended, and the sauce is smooth and emulsion-like in texture.

Taste and adjust flavorings as needed by adding more Sriracha or lime juice. Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 5 days. Use as a condiment for sandwiches, a dipping sauce for fries or chicken tenders-anywhere you want a creamy, tangy and slightly spicy kick!

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Homemade Aioli Sauce With Raw Ingredients

Homemade aioli is a simple yet tasty condiment to make using few raw ingredients. To begin, crack 2-3 egg yolks into a small bowl and separate the whites, discarding them. Finely grate 1–2 cloves of garlic directly into the yolks and add the juice of half a lemon. Using a whisk, combine the ingredients together until well blended. Then slowly drizzle in 1/2 cup of neutral flavored oil like canola oil, whisking continuously to form an emulsion.

The aioli will start to thicken as you incorporate the oil. Continue whisking and adding the oil a little at a time until the sauce is thick and creamy. For extra heat, you can also whisk in 1/4 teaspoon of chili oil. Season the finished aioli to taste with salt, adjusting the amount of garlic or acidity as needed based on your preference. The homemade aioli can be served immediately or refrigerated until chilled to serve for an even thicker consistency. Enjoy it as a dip for vegetables, chips or fries.

Taking the time to slowly whisk in oil and seasoning to taste results in a rich and flavorful homemade aioli sauce using just a handful of raw ingredients. Adjust the ratio of egg yolks, garlic or lemon according to what you enjoy for the best tasting aioli.

Ways To Use Sriracha Aioli Sauce

This versatile sauce has countless uses as either a dipping sauce or spread. As a creamy, spicy condiment, it’s perfect for slathering on all kinds of sandwiches – grilled chicken, burgers, hot dogs, you name it. You can also use it to dress up common side dishes like french fries, potato chips, or oven roasted potatoes. It makes a great accompaniment to chicken tenders, brats, or other savory appetizers as part of a veggie tray.

The aioli also makes a tasty dipping sauce for all sorts of crudités. Try it with carrots, celery, olives, red bell peppers – the versatility is endless. You could even thicken it up slightly for spreading on burgers or use in place of mayonnaise on buffalo chicken or grilled chicken sandwiches. Don’t be afraid to also use it as a condiment for shrimp, crab cakes, or on the side of corn on the cob for an extra layer of flavor. Wherever you want a nice creamy, spicy kick of flavor, this Sriracha aioli fits the bill.

Variations

There are many ways to make this delicious sriracha aioli your own. Here are a few of our favorite suggestions:

1. Spicy garlic aioli – Toss in an extra clove or two of minced fresh garlic for more garlicky punch.
2. Citrusy aioli – Squeeze in the juice of a whole fresh lemon or lime instead of just part of one for a brighter tang.
3. Old Bay aioli – Mix in 1/2-1 tsp of Old Bay seasoning for a coastal flavor profile.
4. Pickle aioli – Pour in 2-3 Tbsp of pickle juice along with a splash of vinegar for a salty, garlicky twist.

The basic recipe is quite flexible. Feel free to get creative by tweaking the spice levels with red pepper flakes, cayenne or crushed red pepper. Or stir in fresh herbs like dill or parsley. Experiment until you find your ideal Sriracha aioli flavor!

How Hot Is Sriracha Mayo?

The spice level of Sriracha mayo can be easily controlled by adjusting the amount of Sriracha chili sauce added. As a general guideline:

• 1 Tbsp Sriracha per 1 cup mayo produces a very mild spice level that’s still flavorful but won’t overpower other ingredients.
• 2 Tbsp Sriracha gives it more of a kick but isn’t uncomfortably hot for most tastes.
• For those who really enjoy heat, 3 Tbsp will deliver a nice warmth without being overwhelmingly spicy.
• For those sensitive to spice, 1/2 Tbsp is perfect for just a subtle background heat.

The good news is it’s very easy to add more Sriracha gradually to taste once you make a batch. Start with 1-2 Tbsp and then taste as you mix, adding more by 1/4 tsp increments until it suits your spice preference. With a little experimenting, you can achieve the perfect balance of spicy and cool that you love.

Is Sriracha Mayo the Same as Yum Yum Sauce?

While both sauces provide a spicy-sweet kick, Sriracha Mayo and Yum Yum Sauce have distinctly different bases, colors and flavors. Sriracha Mayo gets its creaminess from mayonnaise and heat from Sriracha. Yum Yum features the tangy tomato base of ketchup blended with paprika and other chiles.

In summary, while they can both be used as dipping sauces, Sriracha Mayo and Yum Yum Sauce should not be considered interchangeable recipes. Experiment with both to find your preferred spicy condiment!

Storage & Freezing

This homemade aioli will keep nicely in the refrigerator for about a week stored in an airtight container. Be sure to press a piece of plastic wrap directly onto the surface of the sauce to prevent a skin from forming.

While freezing can extend the shelf life for short term storage, long term freezing of aioli is not recommended due to potential separation of the ingredients. For 2–4 weeks of storage, portion the sauce into smaller freezer-safe containers or ziplock bags and freeze. Label and date the containers.
When ready to use, thaw overnight in the fridge. The texture may soften but you can restore it briefly in a food processor or blender. Use any partially thawed portions within 3–4 days and avoid refreezing. For longer term storage beyond 4 weeks, it’s best to refrigerate the aioli and consume within 1 week or make smaller batches as needed.

Properly stored in the fridge, this creamy sauce will retain its quality for maximum enjoyment.

Alioli Recipe With Mayo VS. Without Mayo

The traditional version relies on mayonnaise as its thickening agent while the spicy version forms an emulsion from egg yolks and oil alone. This provides more versatility to infuse bold flavors without compromising lightness. Both offer creamy garlic flavors, but the spicy version gets an extra kick from peppers.

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Tips By The Saucy Canvas

Use a Neutral-Flavored Oil

When making Sriracha Mayo, it’s best to use an oil that won’t overpower the other flavors. Good options include canola oil, vegetable oil or light olive oil. Avocado oil would also work well.

Adjust the Amount of Oil

You don’t need a lot of oil, just enough to lighten up the texture. Start with 1-2 Tbsp per 1 cup of mayo and add more to taste if it needs thinning out. Too much oil will change the flavor balance.

Consider Chili Oil

For an extra kick of heat, throw in 1/2 tsp of your favorite chili oil. Sesame oil or garlic oil would also work to enhance the existing flavors. Just don’t use a heavy olive or another strongly-flavored oil.

Enjoy Your Sriracha Mayo!

Have fun experimenting with different oil types or adjusting the spice level to your liking. Serve it with chicken tenders, fries, potato chips or use as a dip for veggies. However you enjoy it, I’m sure it’ll be delicious! Feel free to throw in any other ingredients your heart desires.

The key is finding an oil that complements rather than overpowers the sriracha, mayo and other flavors in this classic condiment. I hope these tips help you create a spicy aioli recipe you really love.

Final Thoughts

From simple garlic aioli to fiery Sriracha creations, the diverse range of spicy sauces discussed highlight the adaptability of this classic condiment. Whether enjoyed on sandwiches, fries or blended into other dishes, innovative twists on the traditional mayonnaise-based aioli formula result in distinctive offerings that enhance both flavor and enjoyment. By understanding different ingredient profiles and customizing beloved recipes to personal tastes, home cooks and chefs alike can elevate any meal with these versatile and abundantly flavored sauces.

Frequently Asked Questions

What are the main ingredients in aioli?

Traditionally, aioli is an emulsion of garlic, eggs, olive oil and salt. Some spicy aioli recipes also include lemon juice or vinegar. Fresh herbs such as parsley are commonly added.

Is aioli similar to garlic mayonnaise?

While both feature garlic, aioli differs in that it uses an egg and oil emulsion rather than mayonnaise as the base. This gives the aioli a lighter texture and brighter garlic flavor profile.

Can aioli fit into a balanced diet?

In moderation as an accent rather than the centerpiece, homemade aioli made from quality ingredients can add flavor without overdoing calories or fat. As with any condiment, portion control helps optimize enjoyment and nutrition.

Does aioli contain mayonnaise?

Traditionally, no – authentic aioli is made with eggs emulsified into olive oil rather than incorporating commercial mayonnaise. Some modern chefs adapt the method, while purists see this as altering the sauce’s character.

Where does the name “aioli” come from?

The word originates from Catalan, combining “all” for garlic and “oil” meaning oil. This nods to aioli’s classic blending of those signature Mediterranean ingredients in a rich but light sauce.

What are some key differences between aioli and mayonnaise?

Besides flavor and nutritional profile variations from unique ingredients, aioli tends to have a brighter color and lighter, silkier mouthfeel versus thick, rich mayonnaise.

How would you describe the taste of aioli?

Homemade spicy aioli recipe achieves a nuanced balance – bright garlic flavor softened and rounded out by olive oil’s natural fruitiness. It enhances rather than overwhelms accompanying dishes.

Spicy Aioli Recipe

Recipe by The Saucy CanvasCourse: Classic SaucesCuisine: American

Servings

1 cup

servings

Prep time

5

minutes

Calories

1566

kcal

Total time

5

minutes

Indulge in the fiery flavors of our Spicy Aioli recipe. This creamy condiment, infused with a zesty kick, adds an irresistible heat to your favorite dishes. Perfect for dipping, spreading, or topping, it’s a versatile accompaniment that’s sure to spice up any meal.

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise

• 1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

• 2 tablespoons chile sauce such as Sriracha

• Pinch Kosher salt

• 2 cloves garlic

Directions

• Combine all ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until combined.
• Allow to sit for 30 minutes before serving.
• Use as a condiment on sandwiches or as a dipping sauce for fries, chicken tenders, and more.

Notes

• Aioli will keep for about 7 days in a sealed container in the refrigerator. Flavors will get stronger over time
• I highly encourage using a neutral flavored oil for this. Canola or vegetable oil are great options. Though, something like avocado oil or a very light olive oil are acceptable.
  
• Adjust this recipe to your liking! If you want more spice, feel free to go heavy with the chili oil. If you want to throw in another flavor that you like, that works too!