Wasabi Mayo
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Whipping up this super simple wasabi mayo is a delicious way to add a bunch of flavor to any dish! The deliciously fiery and distinctively pungent flavor of wasabi is mellowed out with creamy, rich mayonnaise, resulting in a perfectly balanced and flavor-packed wasabi mayo ā it's zesty, bold, and creamy, making it super versatile and crave-worthy!
For other Asian-inspired mayos, mix up some kimchi mayo and sriracha mayo!
Get ready for an easy, flavor-packed wasabi mayo! This brings a punch to any dish, be it salmon, homemade sushi, fish burgers, buddha bowls, sandwiches, wraps, the list goes on!
If you've tried wasabi before, you'll know it has quite a distinctive taste ā it's pungent in the same way that horseradish or raw ginger is ā so it makes sense that wasabi is also referred to as Japanese horseradish! Mixing it with mayonnaise is a great way to soften the flavor, for wasabi-lovers who want a creamier rendition, or to gently introduce someone to the world of wasabi. Wasabi can be an acquired taste, so mixing it with mayo is great for new palates.
Ingredients notes
This wasabi mayo recipe calls for just two simple ingredients ā can you guess what they are? This makes it so easy to add big flavor to your dishes! Grab these two items:
- Wasabi: Your local grocery store will likely stock wasabi paste in the Asian food section. You'll also find it in Asian grocery store or online. To make sure it's a good one, check the ingredients ā authentic wasabi paste will have a short list of ingredients with real wasabi root as the primary ingredient. Others are made from horseradish-based substitutes or imitation wasabi.
- Mayo: We love usingĀ Kewpie mayo to make this recipe, but other brands work great, too! Kewpie has a slightly sweeter flavor and creamier texture than traditional mayonnaise.
How to make wasabi mayo
This recipe for wasabi mayo together takes mere minutes to whip up! This is how it's done:
- Mix: Combine a tablespoon of wasabi paste with half a cup of mayo in a small mixing bowl, and whisk well to combine the two. Try a bit, then add more wasabi to your taste!
- Enjoy: Use it right away, or store it in the fridge.
Is wasabi mayo spicy
Wasabi is known to be spicy, so wasabi mayo does echo that in a milder way. The heat from wasabi is different from the spicy kick you'd get from chilis, and it's a very different flavor, too. Wasabi has a sharper burst of flavorful heat that dissipates quickly, and the flavor is pungent with a peppery undertone, similar to that of raw ginger or horseradish. When you mix it with mayonnaise, that heat is simmered down, so it becomes more subtle in spice and flavor. We would say that wasabi mayo has a kick to it, but you can always play with the ratio of mayonnaise and wasabi to find a good balance for your taste. Using 1 tablespoon of wasabi paste makes a gentle flavor while 2 tablespoons (which we love!) creates a nice kick.
Using wasabi powder in wasabi mayo
This recipe calls for wasabi paste over wasabi powder. In a pinch, you could mix wasabi powder into the mayonnaise, and you'll still achieve a similar result, however, the wasabi powder can lack some of the complexity and nuances of true wasabi. We suggest starting with a smaller amount and gradually adding more as you mix it into the mayonnaise.
What to serve with wasabi mayo
Wasabi mayo is super versatile. Whether you drizzle it over your favorite foods, use it as a dip, spoon it over some teriyaki salmon, crispy tofu, grilled meats, or add it to sandwiches, wraps, and burgers, it adds a zingy depth to any dish. It works particularly well with Asian flavors, especially Japanese foods.
Drizzle your wasabi mayo sauce over salmon and rice, sweet potato roll sushi bowl, tuna salad bowls, or over salmon cakes. Serve it as a dipping sauce next to dunakable foods, like bang bang cauliflower, lemongrass meatballs, or easy chicken bites. Fill up a ramekin with wasabi mayoĀ next to salt and pepper fish. It's also delicious to dip veggies into, like raw carrots, sweet potato fries, or sautĆ©ed asparagus.
Recipe FAQs
How do I store wasabi mayo?
Store it in an airtight container or jar in the fridge for up to a month. Some wasabis do mellow over time, so the flavor will diminish slightly the longer it's in the fridge.
Can I add anything to this recipe?
Sure! We love it as is, but depending on what you're eating, a touch of an additional flavor can work really well. A squeeze of lemon juice can brighten the wasabi mayo, and a bit of grated ginger can add to the flavor profile, too. Honey gives it a little sweet note!
Can I make this vegan?
You can make vegan wasabi mayo by using a vegan mayonnaise. Wasabi is usually vegan, however, it's always a good idea to check the labels on any brands you find, just in case there are additional ingredients.
Is wasabi mayo Japanese?
Wasabi is Japanese and Kewpie mayo (which is our preferred mayo for this recipe) is Japanese mayo. So adding a little wasabi mayo to your meal is a great way to bring the flavors of Japan to your dining table. You can also try ponzu sauce and Japanese carrot ginger dressing.
Wasabi Mayo Recipe
Ingredients
- Ā½ cup mayo (see notes)
- 1-2 tablespoons wasabi paste
Instructions
- Add the mayo and 1 tablespoon of wasabi paste to a small bowl.Ā½ cup mayo, 1-2 tablespoons wasabi paste
- Mix until well combined and then taste and add extra wasabi if you'd like it spicier.
- Either use the wasabi mayo right away or store it in your fridge for up to a month.
Notes
Nutrition
We have thoroughly tested this recipe for accuracy. However, individual results may vary. See our full recipe disclosure here.
For more inspiration, check out all of our sauce recipes!