Garlic mayonnaise is a creamy, flavorful condiment that can elevate everything from sandwiches and burgers to grilled meats and roasted vegetables. If you’ve ever wondered how to make garlic mayonnaise at home, you’re in the right place! Making your own garlic mayo is surprisingly easy, uses simple ingredients, and tastes so much better than store-bought versions. Plus, you can customize the garlic intensity and texture to suit your taste.
Let’s dive into the step-by-step process of making garlic mayonnaise, along with some tips and variations to make it your own.
What You’ll Need: Ingredients for Garlic Mayonnaise
Here’s a basic list of ingredients to get started:
– 1 cup mayonnaise (store-bought or homemade)
– 2 cloves garlic, minced (adjust more or less depending on your garlic love)
– 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice
– Salt and freshly ground black pepper, to taste
If you want to make mayonnaise from scratch (which is easy and rewarding), you’ll need:
– 1 egg yolk (room temperature)
– 1 cup neutral-flavored oil (like sunflower or vegetable oil)
– 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
– 1 tablespoon lemon juice or white vinegar
– 1-2 cloves garlic, minced
– Salt to taste
Optional herbs and spices to add depth:
– 1 teaspoon dried or fresh thyme
– 1 teaspoon dried rosemary
– 1 teaspoon dried parsley
– 1 teaspoon miso paste (for umami richness)
How to Make Garlic Mayonnaise: Easy Steps
Using Store-Bought Mayonnaise (Quick Version)
- Mix the mayo and garlic: In a small bowl, stir together 1 cup of mayonnaise and the minced garlic until well combined.
- Add lemon juice: Stir in the lemon juice to brighten the flavor.
- Season: Add salt and pepper to taste.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld.
- Adjust: Taste and add more garlic or lemon juice if desired.
This method is perfect when you want garlic mayo in a flash.
Making Mayonnaise from Scratch (More Flavor Control)
- Prepare your ingredients: Make sure the egg yolk, lemon juice, and oil are at room temperature for best emulsification.
- Combine base ingredients: In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolk, Dijon mustard, and lemon juice until smooth.
- Add oil slowly: While whisking vigorously, slowly drizzle in the oil in a thin, steady stream. This helps the mixture emulsify and thicken.
- Add garlic: Once the mayo base is thick, stir in the minced garlic.
- Season: Add salt to taste and additional lemon juice if needed.
- Optional herbs: For a gourmet touch, mix in herbs like thyme, rosemary, or parsley, and a bit of miso paste for complexity.
- Store: Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate. Use within 3-5 days.
This homemade mayo is fresher, creamier, and lets you control every flavor note.
Tips for Perfect Garlic Mayonnaise
– Use fresh garlic: Freshly minced garlic gives the best flavor. If you want a milder taste, roast the garlic cloves first until soft and caramelized, then mash and mix into the mayo.
– Room temperature ingredients: This helps the mayo emulsify properly and prevents it from breaking.
– Add oil slowly: Whether whisking by hand or using a blender, slow oil incorporation is key.
– Adjust garlic intensity: Start with 1-2 cloves and increase if you want a bolder garlic punch.
– Try different oils: Neutral oils like sunflower or vegetable are best. Olive oil can be used but may add bitterness if too strong.
– Use a blender or food processor: This speeds up the emulsification and gives a smooth texture.
– Store properly: Keep garlic mayo refrigerated in a sealed container and consume within a few days for freshness and safety.
Flavor Variations and Serving Ideas
– Herbed garlic mayo: Add chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or basil.
– Spicy garlic mayo: Mix in a dash of hot sauce, smoked paprika, or cayenne pepper.
– Roasted garlic mayo: Use roasted garlic for a sweeter, milder flavor.
– Serving suggestions: Use as a dip for fries, a spread for sandwiches and burgers, a sauce for grilled meats or fish, or a creamy dressing for salads.
Garlic mayonnaise is a versatile and easy-to-make condiment that brings a punch of flavor to many dishes. Whether you whip it up quickly with store-bought mayo or craft it from scratch, the fresh garlic taste will make your meals shine.
Enjoy making your own garlic mayonnaise and experimenting with flavors to find your perfect blend!