A spicy mayo recipe, using pantry staples and spices for use on tacos, fries, sandwiches and sushi. (Or anything else you like spicy mayo on!)
What is in spicy mayo?
Homemade spicy mayo is as easy as mixing mayo with simple pantry ingredients. The heat comes from cayenne pepper white pepper. You can omit one or the other or adjust the amounts of each to obtain a spice level to your own liking.
Cayenne pepper vs black pepper
For this recipe, in order from hottest to mildest: Cayenne pepper, white pepper, black pepper. Cayenne pepper is by far the hottest, and any major adjustment in heat level should be made by cutting back or adding onto this one.
Is white pepper hotter than black pepper?
White pepper is a little bit hotter than black pepper, because it doesn’t contain the outer layer (the black layer that doesn’t have much kick) that black pepper does.
Also, white and black pepper do not contain capsaicin, like cayenne pepper. The capsaicin level of a pepper is what determines it’s heat index, and peppercorns don’t have it. They do give a slight kick, but for other reasons and they can only go so far. So keep that in mind when adjusting the heat level of your spicy mayo.
Cayenne/white pepper measurements can be reduced or increased to desired heat level. Sugar is an optional ingredient that helps cut through some of the heat.
***Note: This recipe is for spicy mayonnaise from scratch. If you are looking for the hot sauce version (usually mayo and sriracha) try this Sriracha Mayonnaise Recipe from Bon Appetit.***
What can you put spicy mayo on?
It works great to swap in any recipe that calls for mayo like potato salad, or fry sauce for potatoes. Pretty much any finger food. It’s also popular with sushi and fish tacos. It also kicks up the flavor of otherwise boring steamed veggies when drizzled over them.
How long does spicy mayo last?
It will keep in the fridge, covered, for as long as the date printed on the mayonnaise container you use allows. Or, up to three weeks for fresh homemade mayonnaise. Click here for a 5 minute Homemade Mayonnaise recipe.
How to make it
Add ingredients in a small bowl and whisk until evenly combined. That’s it! Store in an air tight container, for up to a few months.
Want to try more homemade condiments? You’ll be amazed at how delicious they are and how much money you can save, not to mention unwanted ingredients.
- Delicious Homemade Mayonnaise
- Easy Homemade Ketchup
- Creamy Buttermilk Ranch Dressing Recipe
- Easy Honey & Bourbon BBQ Sauce
- The Best Restaurant Style Caesar Salad Dressing
- Delicious and simple Homemade Ricotta Cheese
If you’re a ranch lover, also be sure to try this DIY Ranch Dressing/Seasoning Mix, so that you can turn any condiment into a ranch condiment.
Spicy Mayonnaise
Equipment
- bowl
- whisk
- airtight container
Ingredients
- 2 cups mayonnaise Homemade or store bought
- 1/8 tsp cayenne pepper More or less to taste for heat
- 1/8 tsp smoked paprika
- 1/8 tsp white pepper Can substitute black
- 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1/4 tsp onion powder
- 1/2 tsp sweet paprika
- 1 tsp lemon juice
- 1/4 tsp salt More or less to taste, or optional. See recipe notes below on sugar and salt content of various mayonnaise.
- 1/4 tsp sugar See recipe notes below on sugar and salt content of various mayonnaise.
Instructions
- Add all ingredients to a mixing bowl and whisk until combined.
- Taste test for salt and sugar levels (different brands of mayonnaise and homemade mayonnaise can yield very different levels of sweetness and sodium).
- Store in an air tight container for up to one month (if using homemade mayonnaise) or date/instructions printed on store bought mayonnaise container.
Notes
- Use either homemade or store bought mayonnaise. BUT- be aware that the saltiness and sweetness vary WIDELY from mayo to mayo, so do some taste testing if you are unsure about the mayonnaise you are using. Miracle whip or a similar dressing like mayo will likely need no additional sugar at all, and should be omitted from the recipe.
- Homemade mayonnaise (in particular my recipe on this website for homemade mayonnaise) has relatively low salt and sugar content compared to store bought. You may want to add additional amounts of these two ingredients. Again: taste test your mayo to find out if you need to adjust the salt or sugar.
- Generally, store bought mayonnaise lasts for months when opened in the refrigerator. Store according to the directions on the container.
- Homemade mayonnaise lacks strong preservatives like store bought mayonnaise, however it can last from 2-3 weeks (generally) in the fridge. This will also vary depending on the type of egg you use.
- Cayenne pepper is very hot. If you are aiming to lower or increase the heat, the cayenne pepper is more sensitive to change than the white pepper (or black pepper-although white is slightly hotter than black). i.e. a little goes a LONG way.
Nutrition
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