When inventive sushi chefs decided to pair two staple condiments—mayonnaise and sriracha sauce together, the result is a wonderful sauce that gives sushi such as Spicy Tuna Rolls or Dragon Rolls an extra oomph. This spicy mayo may not seem like a recipe at all, but sometimes a simple combination is all it takes to transform your dishes. I find myself reaching out for this easy homemade sauce more than I think!
What is Spicy Mayo?
Spicy mayo is made with three simple ingredients: Japanese mayonnaise, sriracha hot chili sauce, and a splash of lime juice. This all-purpose spicy mayo is great for sushi, sandwiches, burgers, tacos, and fries! It’s so easy to make and is a must-have in my household.
How to Make Spicy Mayo
The Ingredients You’ll Need
The Cooking Steps
Yup, it is as simple as that! You can always experiment with different ratios of condiments to accommodate your tastebuds.
Substitution Tips and Variations
Mayonnaise – For vegan, you can use vegan mayonnaise. Sriracha Sauce – For organic options, you can use Yellowbird or Sky Valley brands. Some people might use other types of hot sauce, but I think sriracha yields the best taste. Lime – You can use lemon in a pinch, but I like the taste of lime for this recipe. Roasted sesame oil – I see some recipes online that use roasted or toasted sesame oil. I have never tried it myself but I think it might be nice to add a tiny splash of toasted sesame oil to enliven the sauce, especially to enjoy spicy mayo as a dip. For sushi rolls and sandwiches, I’d keep it simple as a creamy and thick spread works best.
How to Store Spicy Mayo
Serve the spicy mayo immediately or transfer it to an airtight container like a mason jar and store in the refrigerator for up to a month.
Why Japanese Kewpie Mayonnaise?
Made with egg yolks instead of whole eggs, Japanese mayo is specifically used in Japanese recipes such as Japanese Egg Sandwich (Tamago Sando), Okonomiyaki, Japanese Kani Salad, and Japanese Potato Salad. It is creamier and more umami-filled than regular mayonnaise, which is why it’s best for making spicy mayo too!
Best Recipes with Spicy Mayo
A generous drizzle of spicy mayo on sushi rolls adds creaminess and a spicy kick! Beyond sushi rolls, spicy mayo also makes a good company for any dish you can think of. Here are just some of the best foods to put your spicy mayo on:
Sushi rolls like Dragon Rolls and Spicy Tuna Roll. Sandwiches, burgers, or tacos. I love it on Lobster Rolls and Asian Pulled Pork Tacos. Rice bowls such as Tuna Poke, Vegan Poke Bowl, or Karaage Rice Bowl. Spicy tuna Onigiri (Japanese Rice Balls). Grilled vegetables such as Blistered Shishito Peppers. French fries or sweet potato fries. BBQ meat or fried food such as Crispy Baked Salmon.
Is Spicy Mayo the same as Yum Yum Sauce?
Both spicy mayo and yum yum sauce have a mayonnaise base, but spicy mayo packs a lot more heat than yum yum sauce. Most spicy mayo is made with just two ingredients like the one I share here. Yum yum sauce is sweeter and less spicy as it uses ketchup or tomato paste, vinegar, garlic, sugar, and a little hot sauce. It is used in American-style hibachi restaurants.
Is Spicy Mayo gluten-free?
While brands vary with seasonings, both Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise and sriracha sauce don’t have any gluten. I hope you enjoy my spicy mayo recipe! Give us a thumbs up and tell us your favorite ways of using this amazing sauce. Wish to learn more about Japanese cooking? Sign up for our free newsletter to receive cooking tips & recipe updates! And stay in touch with me on Facebook, Pinterest, YouTube, and Instagram. Editor’s Note: This post was originally published on May 6, 2013. The post has been republished with new images, additional content, and a slightly revised recipe on May 31, 2023.
