Easy Spicy Mayonnaise Recipe
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You’re missing out if you don’t have this spicy mayonnaise in your kitchen. Made with just mayonnaise, vinegar, spices, and seasonings, this mayo is here to add some serious sizzle to your meals. It makes a delicious spread for chicken sandwiches, a dip for fries, and a great addition to burgers and wraps. It’s easy, tasty, and just the right amount of fiery!
If you’re a fan of Popeye’s famous chicken sandwiches, then you know that the secret to its deliciousness is the sandwich sauce. The good news is that it’s super easy to recreate spicy mayonnaise, and my homemade version is dare I say – creamier and more delicious than the original!
It’s super versatile, too – use it as a dip, spread, or a topping to a wide variety of appetizers and sides. Serve it during game day parties, backyard barbecues, family dinners, or even casual movie nights. It’s a flavorful addition to your snack time, giving your snacks a bold, creamy kick that’s as addicting as it is delicious!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- No cooking required: Just mix, chill, and serve!
- Simple ingredients: Uses pantry staples you probably already have in your kitchen.
- Easy clean-up: With minimal prep and just a bowl and a whisk to wash, this recipe keeps your kitchen mess-free and hassle-free.
- Delicious with a kick: Sweet, tangy, and with just the perfect amount of spice – it’s a fun spin on the classic mayonnaise.
- Restaurant-quality: Brings that creamy, tasty, and subtly spicy flavor you love from burger joints and sushi bars right to your kitchen.
- Meal prep-friendly: Make a batch ahead of time – spicy mayonnaise stores well in the fridge for days.
How to Make Spicy Mayonnaise
Spicy mayonnaise is my favorite way to enjoy mayonnaise. Not only is it delicious, but it’s incredibly easy to make, too – simply whisk the ingredients together and chill in the fridge! In just a few minutes, you’ll have a delicious dip or spread ready to enjoy.
Scroll to the bottom of this post for a printable recipe card with a full list of ingredients, measurements, and step-by-step instructions.
Ingredients You Need
- Mayonnaise: I use store-bought mayo for convenience, but you can use homemade for a more natural flavor. Simply blend together an egg yolk and a neutral-tasting oil.
- Ground cayenne pepper: Gives the spicy mayo its signature kick.
- Paprika powder: Use smoked paprika for a deeper smoky flavor, or sweet paprika if you prefer less spice.
- Onion powder
- Garlic powder
- Ground cumin: Make ground cumin by toasting and roughly pounding cumin seeds in a mortar and pestle or a spice grinder.
- Salt
- White vinegar: Adds tang and helps balance the richness of the mayo.
Step-By-Step Instructions
Ready to dive into this spicy deliciousness? Transform regular mayo into an insanely good flavorful sauce in 2 simple steps. It’s super easy that even my kids can make it.
Step 1: Combine the ingredients
Add the mayonnaise to a mixing bowl. Add all the other ingredients – ground cayenne, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, ground cumin, salt, and vinegar. Whisk everything together.
Step 2: Taste
Taste and adjust to your preferred level of spiciness. If it’s too hot, dilute it with more mayonnaise or add a teaspoon of sugar. For best results, cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving.
Substitutions
- Mayonnaise: No mayo? Use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a similar tang and texture.
- Ground cayenne pepper: Use chili powder, red pepper flakes, or hot sauce for a similar heat level, adjusting to taste. Use black pepper in a pinch.
- Paprika powder: If you’re out of paprika, any mild chili powder will do.
- Onion powder: Use 1 tablespoon finely grated fresh onion, shallots, or a pinch of onion salt (reduce additional salt accordingly). If using fresh, note that the spicy mayonnaise will have a shorter shelf life.
- Garlic powder: Substitute 1/4 teaspoon with an equal amount of dry garlic flakes or a clove of minced garlic. Roasted garlic works, too.
- Ground cumin: Use ground coriander or a small pinch of curry powder for a similar earthy taste.
- White vinegar: Use lemon juice, apple cider vinegar, red wine vinegar, rice vinegar, or pickle juice for a similar acidic touch. Lime juice can also be used in a pinch.
For ease and convenience, use 2 teaspoons taco seasoning or cajun seasoning in place of the individual cayenne pepper, paprika, onion powder, garlic powder, and cumin.
Expert Tips
- Use high-quality mayonnaise: The mayo is the base of the recipe, so using a creamy, high-quality brand makes a big difference.
- Use fresh spices: For maximum flavor, make sure your spices are fresh and not past their prime.
- Mix thoroughly: Whisk or stir well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mayo. To achieve a smoother consistency, sprinkle the spices and seasonings on top of the mixture instead of dumping them in a pile.
- Adjust the heat: Start with a small amount of cayenne pepper and gradually add more to match your spice tolerance. Taste as you go with the other seasonings as well so that your spicy mayo tastes exactly how you like it.
- Customize the flavor: Add a splash of soy sauce, sriracha, or sesame oil for an extra layer of complexity.
- Chill before serving: Let the spicy mayo rest in the fridge for at least 15–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
How to Store This Recipe
Transfer spicy mayo into a transparent airtight container or a recycled glass bottle. This helps me keep track of its freshness. When stored in the fridge, spicy mayonnaise stays good for about 3 to 4 weeks.
I don’t recommend freezing this recipe. It only takes 5 minutes to make, after all!
What to Serve with Spicy Mayonnaise
Serve spicy mayonnaise as a dip for french fries, onion rings, air fryer sweet potato wedges, parmesan potatoes, chips, crackers, or vegetable sticks. Enjoy as a spread for burgers, sandwiches, and wraps or a creamy addition to tacos, burritos, or chicken quesadillas.
Spicy mayo is also delicious drizzled on top of homemade pizza, sushi rolls, or even breakfast dishes like sheet pan eggs and potato fritters.
More Easy Dips And Sauces To Try
If you make this spicy mayonnaise, please leave a review. I really appreciate each and every 5-star rating and review comment!
Spicy Mayo Recipe Without Sriracha
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon ground cayenne pepper
- ½ teaspoon paprika powder
- ¼ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon white vinegar
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients together in a small bowl.
- Taste and adjust to your preferred level of spiciness.
- Cover and refrigerate for 15 minutes before serving.
Notes
- The mayo is the base of the recipe, so using a creamy, high-quality brand makes a big difference.
- For maximum flavor, make sure your spices are fresh and not past their prime.
- Whisk or stir well to ensure all the spices are evenly distributed throughout the mayo. To achieve a smoother consistency, sprinkle the spices and seasonings on top of the mixture instead of dumping them in a pile.
- Start with a small amount of cayenne pepper and gradually add more to match your spice tolerance.
- Add a splash of soy sauce, sriracha, or sesame oil for an extra layer of complexity.
- Let the spicy mayo rest in the fridge for at least 15–30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld together.
