What Is Sushi Mayo? Homemade Spicy Mayo Recipe for Sushi and More
By Lisa Bot | Published 3 December 2023
Introduction to Sushi Mayo
The Origin of Sushi Mayo
Sushi mayo, often referred to as spicy mayo, is a condiment that has rooted its popularity in both home-cooked and restaurant sushi dishes. Celebrated for elevating the rich taste of a spicy sushi roll, this mayo variant is indeed the pièce de résistance. Its unique flavour adds an exceptional kick that enhances not only sushi but also other traditional Japanese dishes like okonomiyaki. Though not exclusive to the Land of the Rising Sun, this distinct accompaniment has gained global appreciation over the years.
What Makes Sushi Mayo Unique?
What sets sushi mayo apart is the delightful blend of creaminess, tanginess, spiciness, and a hint of sweetness. Notably, its rich, subtle umami flavour foundation is built by sesame oil, which offers a toasty flavour and nutty aroma, and sweet Japanese rice wine, mirin, which is often used as the base of many Japanese marinades and sauces. This homemade Japanese spicy mayo, for example, is made with Kewpie mayo - a Japanese mayonnaise well-known for its umami-packed flavour. What furthers its uniqueness is the set of ingredients that go into the mayo sauce bowl: from Kewpie mayonnaise to Sriracha, tamari or other good soy sauce, and finely minced shallot. These, when whisked together in a bowl, not only provide the umami flavour but also a velvety mouthfeel, making your meal an unforgettable experience.
Understanding the Ingredients
Key Ingredients in Sushi Mayo
Sushi mayo requires just a handful of ingredients, but each contributes to its unique flavour:
- Mayonnaise: The rich and creamy base of the sauce. Traditional sushi mayo uses Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise, 17oz well known for its distinctive tangy and slightly sweeter taste. For vegans or those with allergies, Vegenaise or other plant-based mayonnaise are fantastic alternatives.
- Sriracha Hot Sauce: Huy Fong Sriracha Chilli Hot Sauce, 28 oz Bottle (Pack of 2) (1 Pack) is ideal. It gives the mayo its characteristic spicy kick, fashioning the core of your sriracha mayo recipe. Sriracha chilli sauce is not only hot but also slightly sweet, adding complexity to the flavour profile.
- Soy Sauce: A splash of San J Sauce Soy Tamari Gluten Free Low Sodium, 20 oz lends an umami depth to the mayo, ensuring it's suitable for a gluten-free diet.
These are the essential ingredients, but sushi mayo can be easily flavoured with additional ingredients like fresh garlic, sesame oil, or a splash of fresh lime juice to best suit your palate.
Health Benefits and Nutrition Facts
Though sushi mayo is primarily a flavour enhancer, it does offer some nutritional value. Based on a calorie diet and nutrient content, a serving of sushi mayo (approximately three tablespoons) is associated with:
- Calories: 96-107 kcal
- Total Fat: 10-12g (15% of the Daily Value)
- Saturated Fat: 2g
- Cholesterol: 5-6mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 0-1g
- Sodium: 89-132mg
- Protein: 0-1g
A portion of these nutrients derives from mayonnaise, the primary ingredient, supplying healthy fats that contribute to heart health. However, given its relatively high fat content and sodium presence, this condiment should be treated with caution with regards to servings per meal.
Also, bear in mind that this nutritional data can differ based on the exact recipe and its varied iterations.
Please note: If you are under a medically restrictive calorie diet, ensure you consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption, especially if you're particular about the number of servings.
A Homemade Spicy Mayo Recipe Guide
For the Basic Version
Ingredients
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons of sriracha hot sauce
Instructions
- In a small bowl, thoroughly mix the mayonnaise and sriracha together until well-blended. Ensure you have a creamy spicy sushi roll mayo sauce that is the pièce de résistance of sushi recipes.
This basic version of mayo sauce bowl is quick to whip up with a prep time of approximately 5 minutes, delivering a savoury blend of creaminess and spiciness. This sauce truly transforms the sushi experience. Adjust the sriracha quantity to moderate the spice level to your liking.
For the Deluxe Version
Ingredients
- 1 cup of mayonnaise
- 2-3 tablespoons of sriracha hot sauce
- 1 teaspoon of soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon of fresh lime juice
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame oil
- Optional: A pinch of sugar or a splash of mirin for added sweetness
Instructions
- Combine all the ingredients in a bowl to start your sriracha mayo recipe.
- Stir until well combined and the mixture is smooth, ensuring the sesame oil contributes its toasty flavour and nutty aroma to the mix.
That's it! Your deluxe sushi mayo is ready to serve. This version introduces additional flavour notes that elevate the basic recipe, infusing a deeper, richer umami flavour from the soy sauce and enhancing its complexity with the sriracha hot sauce. Feel free to adjust the individual ingredient quantities to suit your taste. If you enjoyed this spicy sriracha mayo recipe, why not try sweet and spicy tahini sauce or easy potsticker sauce next?
Essential Cooking Steps
Step by Step Instructions
Here is a quick and easy guide to making sushi mayo:
- Gather all your ingredients: mayonnaise, sriracha hot sauce, and any optional add-ins like soy sauce, sesame oil, lime juice, and mirin or sugar. This is the basis of your homemade sriracha mayo recipe, perfect for spicy sushi roll topping and more.
- In a small mixing bowl, whip up the star of our spicy sushi roll - the sriracha and mayonnaise. Stir together until well incorporated to a fine, scrumptious paste. Make sure the mixture is even and smooth, with the sriracha fully integrated into the mayonnaise.
- If using, add the optional ingredients and stir them into the base mixture until well combined. This part lets you explore your creativity for complex, tantalising flavours.
- Embrace your inner chef and taste-test. Adjust the seasoning as needed. This technique ensures the spicy sushi roll will sing beautifully to your palate.
- Let the sauce sit in the refrigerator for a while. This step allows flavours to meld together, escalating the taste profile of your sushi's pièce de résistance.
- Enjoy your homemade spicy sushi roll sauce on sushi rolls, poke bowls, and other delightful dishes! This sriracha mayo recipe promises to lift your gastronomical experience to new heights.
By following these simple steps, you'll have a delectable condiment ready in no time to elevate your sushi experience or any other dish you choose to dress it up with! Don't be afraid to dabble with alternate sauces such as sweet and spicy tahini sauce, peanut hoisin sauce, easy potsticker sauce, or teriyaki sauce.
Useful Tips And Techniques
- Choosing the Right Mayo: For an authentic sushi mayo, Kewpie is the preference due to its unique umami-packed flavour and creamy texture. Consider it as your ideal mayo sauce in a bowl. Nonetheless, any top-notch mayonnaise will work perfectly well. For vegans or individuals with egg allergies, Vegenaise, a vegan mayo substitute, is a splendid option.
- Adjusting the Heat: The thrill of piquancy in sushi mayo primarily emanates from the Sriracha. Tweak the quantity according to your personal preference. Not big on zesty dishes? Perhaps a mild hot sauce or ketchup could provide an interesting twist.
- Other Flavour Add-Ins: Experimenting with various flavours is a genius action. Other potential add-ins could include wasabi for a burst of sharpness, togarashi for an additional spice kick, or yuzu for a citrusy flavour pop.
- Rest the Mayo: Allowing your sushi mayo to peacefully rest in the refrigerator aids the flavours to blend seamlessly, thus boosting the overall umami flavour.
By paying attention to these tips, you're on your way to creating a sushi mayo that perfectly satisfies your palate. Always bear in mind, the secret to an exceptional sushi mayo (or any sauce) is to finely balance the flavours just as you like it.
How to Use Spicy Mayo
Serving Suggestions for Spicy Mayo
Spicy mayo is incredibly versatile, making it a perfect accompaniment to many dishes:
- Dip for French Fries or Sweet Potato Fries: The creamy, spicy sauce pairs well with the crispiness and slight sweetness of the fries, creating a delightful balance of flavours. You could even use it as a dipping sauce for Furikake and Lemon Shishito Peppers or smother your Pan-Roasted Potatoes with Herbs.
- Burger Spread: Give your burgers a tangy and spicy twist by adding this lively burger sauce. Smear your beef burger buns with spicy mayo for an extra flavour punch that enhances the savouriness of the meat.
- Wraps & Sandwiches: Amp up your wraps or sandwiches with a creamy, spicy upgrade. It's a delicious enhancement for Pesto Swiss And Turkey Skillet Sliders, providing an exciting play of flavours.
- Sushi Condiment: It’s perfect alongside all your favourite sushi rolls. The creaminess and spiciness bring out the flavours of the seafood in the sushi, making it a suitable condiment for Japanese foods like salmon rice bowls.
- Pasta Salad: Mix it in with your pasta for a quick and easy spicy pasta salad. The creamy mayo evenly coats the pasta, adding a tangy and juicy element to your salad. Additionally, this dipping sauce tastes amazing when mixed with smashed potatoes or vegan onion rings.
No matter how you choose to serve your spicy mayo, it's sure to add a burst of flavour to your dish that will leave your taste buds craving more. Having it as a marinade for beef, chicken, or fish will also take your meat dishes up a notch.
Different Dishes that Pair Perfectly with Spicy Mayo
Spicy mayo isn't just for sushi; it accompanies a variety of dishes splendidly. Specially, the sushi side sauce often found in sushi restaurants is noted for its unique taste and enriching culinary experience. Some of the dishes it pairs perfectly with include:
- Poke Bowls: Drizzle the tangy and slightly sweet sushi side sauce, spicy mayo, over your poke bowl to add an exciting and spicy finish.
- Chicken or Shrimp Tacos: Use it as a sushi side sauce to add a flavourful punch to your tacos.
- Tempura or Batter-fried Veggies: The coarse tang and spice of the mayo, often used in sushi restaurants, complement the crunchy and light flavour of tempura perfectly.
- Grilled Fish: Add a creamy kick to your grilled fish by serving it with sushi side sauce - the spicy mayo.
- Asian Slaw or Salad: Toss it in your salad for an out-of-the-ordinary dressing, much like they do in sushi restaurants.
These are just a few examples. Feel free to explore and experiment; the possibilities are endless when it comes to using the spicy mayo sauce so admired in sushi restaurants.
Storing Your Homemade Mayonnaise Sauce
How to Store Spicy Mayo
Storing your spicy mayo properly is crucial to maintain its fresh and tasty flavours. Here's how to do it:
- In the Refrigerator: Store your leftover spicy mayo in an air-tight container in the refrigerator. Not only is this crucial for addressing food safety, but it also maintains your spicy mayo as a perfect dipping sauce for your next meal. Imagine it with Pesto Swiss And Turkey Skillet Sliders or Furikake and Lemon Shishito Peppers.
- Using a Clean Utensil: When scooping out your mayo for use, always use a clean utensil. Adhere to this rule, and your spicy mayo dipping sauce stays free from contamination and prolongs its shelf life.
Remember, these ingredients don't do well when frozen due to the potential of the mayo to separate and turn watery. To keep your spicy mayo, quite possibly the next star of your dinner table, ready to be the ideal dipping sauce, refrigeration is the way to go.
Shelf-life and Safety Guidelines
Your homemade Spicy Mayo, when stored under the right conditions, can safely last up to two weeks if stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Each serving, integrated into your calorie diet, contributes to the overall flavour and satisfaction of your meals. Always check for signs of spoilage, such as a strange odour, mould, or a change in colour, before using. It is also important to avoid leaving it out at room temperature for extended periods to reduce the risk of bacterial growth. Optimal storage conditions are crucial for maintaining the four servings that this recipe provides. If at any time or for any reason you suspect that your spicy mayo has spoiled, it's best to err on the side of caution and discard it.
Exploring Different Variations
Substitution Tips and Variations
While traditional sushi mayo is made with specific ingredients, you have got a lot of leeway to get creative and make the recipe your own. Here are a few tips for substitutions and variations:
- Mayonnaise Substitute: If you can't find Kewpie, any high-quality mayo should do the trick. In case you're looking at preparing a "mayo sauce bowl" of your own, you could try Vegenaise, which is a substitute for traditional mayonnaise. This ingredient can be particularly useful if you're vegan or have an egg allergy.
- Add Sweetness: If you prefer a sweeter balance to the heat of the Sriracha, consider adding a teaspoon of honey or a splash of Mirin.
- Gluten-free: For a gluten-free version, tamari can replace soy sauce.
- Extra Spice: Like it extra spicy? Use extra Sriracha, add crushed red pepper flakes, or mix in a bit of wasabi. If you're an ardent fan of spicy food, using Huy Fong "Sriracha chilli sauce" that comes in a large 28 oz bottle (available in packs of two) could enhance your mayo sauce recipe.
- Additional Flavours: Consider adding a splash of sesame oil, a sprinkle of togarashi, or even some seasoning herbs like cilantro (coriander), to suit your preference.
With these substitutions and variations, you can personalise your sushi mayo to your liking. Don't be afraid to experiment and create your perfect "mayo sauce bowl."
Experimenting with Other Flavour Profiles
This spicy mayo recipe is incredibly versatile and can be easily tweaked to match various cuisine preferences and flavour profiles. Here are a few ideas:
- Mexican-style Spicy Mayo: Add a squeeze of fresh lime, a handful of finely chopped cilantro, and a pinch of cumin for a Mexican flair.
- Garlic Aioli Twist: Mix in a few cloves of crushed garlic, a squeeze of lemon juice, and some finely chopped parsley, shifting your spicy mayo to a rich, umami flavour-filled garlic aioli.
- Sesame Flavour: By adding just a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil and sesame seeds, you can create an East Asian inspired version of your sushi mayo, complete with the integrated umami flavour.
- Mustard Kick: Mix in wholegrain mustard to give your spicy sriracha mayo recipe a tangy twist, all with a deeper umami taste afforded by a splash of soy sauce.
Remember, experimenting is all about personal taste. So, don't hesitate to play around with the flavours until you find the perfect combo that tantalises your taste buds! If you enjoyed crafting this flexible sriracha mayo recipe, consider mixing things up with other favourite sauce recipes like sweet and spicy tahini sauce or peanut hoisin sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
What is the Difference between Japanese and American Kewpie?
Kewpie mayonnaise, a popular ingredient in sushi mayo, is made differently in Japan than in the USA. The Japanese variant, often the secret to the sushi side sauce in sushi restaurants, is renowned for its richer, creamier taste and uses apple or rice vinegar instead of distilled vinegar, enhancing its flavour profile. It's also made with egg yolks, diverging from the American version, which uses whole eggs. This difference results in a thicker, creamier consistency — a crucial factor in a tangy, slightly sweeter sushi side sauce.
The American version, in contrast, lacks the palate-pleasing depth of flavour that characterises the Japanese variant making it a less preferred choice for sushi mayo and other Japanese dishes.
Before purchasing, always check the label to ensure you're getting the desired version. Japanese Kewpie, quintessential in sushi restaurants, can be ordered online from various websites, including Amazon, although prices can vary.
What can I Sub for Kewpie Mayo?
If you can't get hands on Kewpie mayonnaise, don't worry! There are easy alternatives that might have your mayo sauce bowl cheering.
- Regular Mayo: Regular mayo may not encompass the same flavour as Kewpie, but it can hold its own in a crunch. Try complementing it with a splash of apple cider vinegar or a small teaspoon of sugar to replicate the tanginess and sweetness of Kewpie.
- Vegan Mayo: If you're vegan, allergic to eggs, or perhaps want to try a variant of the mayo sauce bowl, use a vegan mayo, like Vegenaise. Consider adding a bit of rice vinegar and sugar to mimic the Kewpie flavour. You might also want to add 2-3 tablespoons of sriracha chilli sauce for a spicy spin on this classic.
Remember to adjust the taste as per your preference. While not perfect substitutes, they will indeed help you create a delicious sushi mayo even without the original ingredient.
