Homemade spicy sauce recipe perfect for dipping. CombiningKewpie mayonnaise, sriracha hot sauce, and lime juice, this simple condiment is bursting with flavor. Get our easy DIY spicy sriracha-mayo recipe here.
This spicy mayo is a delicious homemade spin on the hot dipping sauces you might have seen in Thai or Japanese takeout. It has just four ingredients, but each one packs in lots of flavor to make this the ideal dipping sauce when you want a bit of added zesty heat for your fries, spicy salmon rolls, burgers, or sandwiches.
Any fans of spice will know the benefits of being able to tweak food in line with your spice preferences, and this sauce allows you to do just that. If this sauce isn’t hot enough for you, simply dial up the chili powder and find the limits of your threshold.
Discover how to make spicy mayo from scratch, as well as pro tips to ensure you get the best dipping sauce every time. Let’s get into it.
Main Ingredients
You will need these key ingredients to make the best homemade spicy mayonnaise. Learn exactly what to get, as well as quick ingredient alternatives if you need them.
Mayonnaise
Needless to say, mayonnaise sits front and center of this recipe. We strongly recommend Kewpie mayonnaise if you can get a hold of it. This Japanese version is different from American mayo because it uses only egg yolks (instead of the whole egg) and rice vinegar, and ditches the added salt and sugar. The end result is a richer and creamier sauce that pairs perfectly with the chili powder and hot sauce in this recipe.
If you need aKewpie mayo substitute, you can use regular mayonnaise just fine. If you adhere to an egg-free or vegan diet, there are now a range of store-bought brands including Plant Perfect, Just, and Follow Your Heart.
Sriracha
This classic hot sauce is the best ingredient for spicy mayo because it can be used in large quantities without getting too hot. It also has a slightly sweet flavor, which is an important quality for most dipping sauces.
If you prefer, you can use your favorite hot sauce instead (although be careful with quantities if your sauce has a high Scoville number). Other good sriracha alternatives are Tabasco, chili garlic sauce, or even tomato ketchup (if you don’t like too much heat).
Lime Juice
Lime juice will provide a little extra zing, as well as preserve the mayonnaise a little longer. You can also use lemon juice or rice vinegar.
Chili Powder
A dash of red chili powder will add a touch of heat while also enhancing the red color and texture of the sauce. If your threshold for spice is low, feel free to skip the chili powder.
Quick Tips
While the recipe for this homemade sauce is straightforward, these quick tips will help you ensure you make the best spicy mayo possible.
- Make your sriracha-mayo spicer by adding more red chili powder. This is easy to overdo, so do it in slow increments before landing at a spice level you can enjoy.
- If your sauce looks a little thin, thicken spicy mayo by adding more mayonnaise and limit the amount of lime juice or rice vinegar.
- Let the sauce sit in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This will allow the ingredients to develop better, giving you a richer flavor.
Storage
Store your DIY sauce in an airtight container, mason jar, or small bottle in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.
Do not freeze this spicy mayo. When it comes time to thawing, the ingredients will separate and change the texture and flavors significantly.
Spicy Mayo
Ingredients
- 1 cup Kewpie mayonnaise see notes
- 1 tbsp sriracha see notes
- 1 tbsp lime juice
- 1 tsp chili powder
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a small bowl
- Whisk together until fully combined and sauce is smooth
- Enjoy immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container or bottle for up to 3 days
Notes
- Regular mayonnaise also works well
- If you need a substitute, Tabasco or most hot sauces are good replacements
