Spicy Mayo Sushi Sauce

This spicy mayo recipe transforms ordinary sushi into an extraordinary culinary experience with just a few simple ingredients. The creamy, spicy blend has become my secret weapon not just for sushi but for elevating everything from poke bowls to roasted vegetables.

I first created this sauce when hosting a homemade sushi night for friends. What began as a last minute addition became the star of the evening, with everyone asking for the recipe before they left.

Ingredients

• Mayonnaise: Ideally homemade for the richest flavor and silky texture
• Sriracha: Brings the perfect balance of heat and subtle sweetness
• Sesame oil: Adds that distinctive nutty depth that makes this sauce truly special
• Garlic powder: Creates a savory foundation that enhances all other flavors
• Fresh lime juice: Brightens the entire sauce and cuts through the richness

Step-by-Step Instructions

Prepare Your Base:

If using homemade mayonnaise, prepare it first according to your preferred recipe. The extra effort of making fresh mayonnaise elevates this sauce to restaurant quality with its silky texture and clean flavor.

Combine Ingredients:

Place mayonnaise, sriracha, sesame oil, garlic powder, and lime juice in a small bowl. The order matters less than ensuring you have a bowl with enough room to thoroughly mix without spilling.

Mix Thoroughly:

Stir all ingredients until completely uniform in color and no streaks remain. This usually takes about 30 seconds of mixing. The sauce should have a smooth, creamy consistency with a beautiful orange hue.

Taste and Adjust:

Sample a small amount on the tip of a spoon and adjust seasonings if needed. This is your chance to add more sriracha for heat or more mayo to mellow the spice level according to your preference.

Store Properly:

Transfer to an airtight container if not using immediately. The flavors continue to develop and marry over time, making this sauce even better after sitting for a few hours.

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The sesame oil is truly the secret ingredient in this recipe. I discovered its importance accidentally when I ran out once and made the sauce without it. The difference was remarkable everyone noticed something was missing. Now I always keep sesame oil stocked specifically for this recipe.

Storage Tips

This spicy mayo keeps beautifully in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. I like to store mine in a squeeze bottle for easy drizzling onto dishes. The flavor actually improves after the first day as the ingredients have time to meld together. If the sauce separates slightly during storage, simply give it a quick stir before using.

Substitution Guide

While traditional Japanese spicy mayo uses sriracha, you can experiment with different hot sauces to create unique flavor profiles. Frank's Red Hot creates a more vinegary tang, while gochujang adds complex fermented notes. For a less spicy version that still delivers flavor, try sweet chili sauce instead of sriracha. Plant based mayonnaise works perfectly for vegan diners without compromising the texture or flavor.

Serving Suggestions

Beyond sushi and poke bowls, this spicy mayo makes an incredible dipping sauce for tempura vegetables or sweet potato fries. Try mixing a tablespoon into your tuna or chicken salad for instant upgrade. It also works beautifully as a spread on burgers or sandwiches, especially with grilled chicken or fish. For a quick appetizer, drizzle over avocado slices and top with sesame seeds and green onions.

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Frequently Asked Questions

→ Can I use homemade mayonnaise for this sauce?

Yes, homemade mayonnaise works perfectly for this spicy mayo. It can add a richer flavor to the sauce.

→ How can I adjust the spiciness level?

You can control the heat by adding more sriracha for extra spice or reducing it for a milder flavor.

→ What other hot sauces can I use?

While sriracha is recommended, you can use any hot sauce like Encona or your favorite chili sauce for variety.

→ How long can I store spicy mayo?

This sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

→ Can I make it without garlic or lime juice?

Yes, garlic and lime juice are optional ingredients that enhance the flavor but are not necessary for the base sauce recipe.

→ What dishes pair well with spicy mayo?

Spicy mayo complements sushi, poke bowls, fries, roasted vegetables, burgers, and sandwiches beautifully.