How to Make Homemade Mayonnaise in 5 Easy Steps

Mayonnaise is a delicious and versatile condiment that can be used as a spread, dip, or dressing. While you can easily buy a jar of ready-made mayo from the supermarket, making your own homemade version is surprisingly simple and allows you to customize the flavor to your liking. Plus, making your own mayo gives you the satisfaction of creating something from scratch!

To make mayonnaise, you only need a few basic ingredients such as egg yolks, oil, vinegar or lemon juice, and salt. The key to making a great mayo is to mix these ingredients together slowly and steadily, allowing the mixture to emulsify and thicken. With the right technique and a little patience, you’ll have a creamy, flavorful mayo that you can use to enhance the flavor of any dish. In this article, we’ll provide you with a step-by-step guide on how to make delicious mayonnaise at home!

Making tasty mayonnaise: 10 steps to get it right

The ingredients

Mayonnaise is an emulsion of oil and egg yolks, with vinegar or lemon juice for sharpness and salt and mustard for flavor. The proportions are simple: 2 egg yolks to 1 cup of oil. The quality of the ingredients is paramount: use fresh eggs, not cold from the fridge, and a neutral oil like sunflower or rapeseed. You can add other flavorings, such as garlic or pepper, if you wish.

The gear

You will need a mixing bowl, a whisk or an electric beater, a measuring cup, and a bottle or jar for storing the finished mayonnaise. If you’re using an electric beater, choose one with a slow speed setting, or you’ll end up with a fluffy, unappetizing mess.

The eggs

The yolks are the key to a stable mayonnaise. Keep the whites for another recipe. Separate the yolks from the whites carefully, as any trace of egg white will ruin the emulsion. Temperature matters: if the yolks are too cold, the mayonnaise will split. Warm them gently in a bowl of warm water if they have been stored in the fridge.

The oil

The choice of oil influences the flavor and texture of the mayonnaise. A neutral oil is best, as it won’t overpower the taste. Extra-virgin olive oil, for instance, can be too strong and bitter. The oil must be added slowly, drop by drop at the beginning, to allow the emulsion to form. Once the emulsion is established, you can add the oil in a thin stream.

The acid

Mayonnaise needs a bit of acidity to cut through the oiliness and add flavor. You can use white vinegar, rice vinegar, or lemon juice. Use a good-quality vinegar, not the cheap supermarket stuff. The acid must be added slowly, too, along with the oil, to help the emulsion hold. A teaspoon of mustard can also help to stabilize the emulsion.

The salt

Salt is necessary to balance the flavors. Use a fine sea salt or kosher salt, not table salt. Add it gradually, tasting as you go. Too much salt can ruin the entire batch. If your mayonnaise tastes bland, add a bit more salt and acid to lift the flavor.

The emulsion

Making the emulsion is the key to successful mayonnaise. Whisk the egg yolks, acid, mustard, and salt in a bowl until well blended. Add the oil, drop by drop at first, whisking vigorously all the time, until the mixture thickens and forms a stable emulsion. You can add the oil faster once the emulsion is established, but don’t rush it.

The consistency

The ideal consistency for mayonnaise is creamy and smooth, not too thick or too thin. If your mayonnaise is too thick, you can add a teaspoon of warm water and whisk it in. If it’s too thin, you can add a bit more oil and whisk until it thickens. Mayonnaise thickens further as it chills, so don’t worry if it seems thin at first.

The storage

Mayonnaise can be stored in the fridge for up to a week, in a sterilized bottle or jar. Keep it covered and chilled, and use a clean spoon or knife to scoop it out, to prevent contamination. If the mayonnaise separates or thins out after chilling, you can whisk it again to restore the texture.

The variations

Mayonnaise is a versatile condiment that can be adapted to different tastes and cuisines. You can add herbs, spices, garlic, chilies, or other flavorings to it, to make it your own. It works well as a dressing for salads, a dip for crudités, a spread for sandwiches, or a sauce for fish and chicken dishes. Experiment and have fun with it.

Ingredients Needed to Make Homemade Mayonnaise

Before you start making your mayonnaise, you should know in advance all the necessary ingredients. When making homemade mayonnaise, there are basic ingredients you should not leave out and these include:

1. Egg yolks: It is recommended to use pasteurized egg yolks to reduce the risk of foodborne illness.

2. Neutral oil: Typically, you’ll want to use oils that are neutral in taste and color, such as sunflower, grapeseed, or canola oil.

3. Dijon mustard: The acidic tang and emulsifying properties of Dijon mustard help to keep the mayonnaise emulsified.

4. White vinegar/Lemon juice: The acidity from either white vinegar or lemon juice help stabilize the mayonnaise and prevent it from separating.

5. Salt and pepper: These are essential seasonings to add to your mayonnaise.

6. Immersion blender/Food processor/Whisk: These are tools you will need to blend your ingredients together.

7. Glass jar: A glass jar is needed for storing your homemade mayonnaise in the fridge.

8. Optional ingredients: You can experiment with adding garlic cloves, herbs, honey, or other flavors to customize the mayonnaise.

The right combination of the above-listed ingredients will work together to create a delicious, creamy, and flavorful homemade mayonnaise. In the next section, we will show you the step-by-step process of making your mayo from scratch.

Ingredients for Making Mayonnaise

Making mayonnaise at home is a simple process that requires a few staple ingredients. The ingredients needed for mayonnaise are easy to get, inexpensive and may be readily available in most kitchens. Below are the ingredients required for making mayonnaise:

Step-by-Step Guide for Making Mayonnaise

Making homemade mayonnaise is not as difficult as it may seem. Follow the steps outlined below to make delicious mayonnaise at home:

Step 1: Choose The Right Ingredients

Start by gathering all the necessary ingredients. Make sure all the ingredients are fresh and at room temperature to ensure proper emulsification.

Step 2: Combine Egg Yolks and Acidic Ingredients

In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks and the acidic ingredients, which could be lemon juice or vinegar, and mustard until thick and creamy.

Step 3: Gradually Incorporate Oil

Once the egg yolks and acidic ingredients are mixed, gradually incorporate the oil while whisking continuously. Start by adding a few drops of oil at a time, then move on to a steady stream of oil while whisking.

Step 4: Season with Salt and Pepper

Season the mayonnaise with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust the amount of salt and pepper according to your preference.

Step 5: Store the Mayonnaise

Transfer the mayonnaise to a clean and dry jar with a tight-fitting lid. The mayonnaise can keep for up to two weeks when refrigerated.

Flavoured Mayonnaise Variations

Mayonnaise can be customised to suit different taste buds by adding additional flavourings. Some popular flavoured mayonnaise variations include:

Garlic Mayonnaise

Garlic mayonnaise, also known as aioli, is a flavourful condiment that goes well with roasted or grilled meats and vegetables. To make garlic mayonnaise, simply add crushed garlic to the mayonnaise mixture and mix well.

Spicy Mayonnaise

Spicy mayonnaise is perfect for adding an extra kick to sandwiches, burgers, and fries. To make spicy mayonnaise, add a tablespoon of hot sauce or chilli flakes to the mayonnaise mixture and mix well.

Herb Mayonnaise

Herb mayonnaise is perfect for adding an extra layer of flavour to salads, sandwiches, and burgers. To make herb mayonnaise, add chopped herbs of your choice such as parsley, basil, or chives, to the mayonnaise mixture and mix well.

Citrus Mayonnaise

Citrus mayonnaise is perfect for adding a zingy and tangy flavour to seafood dishes, grilled meats, and salads. To make citrus mayonnaise, add lemon or lime zest to the mayonnaise mixture and mix well.

Conclusion

Now that you know how to make mayonnaise from scratch, you can incorporate it into your cooking and add flavour to your dishes. Homemade mayonnaise is also healthier than store-bought mayonnaise as it contains no preservatives. With a little practice, you can perfect your homemade mayonnaise recipe and impress your friends and family with delicious and flavourful condiments. Happy cooking!

Savor the Flavor of Your Homemade Mayonnaise

Well done! You’ve learned the basic principles of making your own mayonnaise, and now you can customize your sauce to your liking. Don’t hesitate to experiment with different oils, vinegars, and spices to find your perfect combination. Thank you for taking the time to join us on this culinary journey. Keep on exploring new recipes and techniques, and visit us again soon for more exciting tips and advice. Happy mayo-making!