Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe
Sometimes the simplest sauces are the ones that elevate a dish from ordinary to unforgettable. This Spicy Mayo blends creamy richness with bold heat, striking the perfect balance between smooth comfort and fiery kick.
The tang of citrus brightens every spoonful, while just a touch of sugar softens the edges of the spice.
Whether drizzled over sushi, tucked into sandwiches, or served as a dip for fries and wings, this sauce becomes an instant favorite—versatile, addictive, and endlessly customizable to your taste.
Why People Will Love This Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe:
A perfect balance of comfort and heat – Creamy mayonnaise mellows the fiery kick of sriracha, creating harmony in every bite.
Bright and refreshing undertones – Citrus juice cuts through the richness, keeping the flavor light, lively, and never heavy.
Customizable intensity – Whether you want just a gentle warmth or bold spice, this sauce bends easily to personal taste.
Incredibly versatile – Works as a dip for fries, a drizzle for sushi, a spread for burgers, or even a dressing for bowls and wraps.
Elevates the ordinary – Transforms simple dishes into something exciting, restaurant-worthy, and crave-inducing with almost no effort.
Key Ingredient:
Mayonnaise – The creamy backbone of the sauce, creating a smooth texture that tempers the boldness of spice.
Sriracha or hot sauce – The fiery heart of the recipe, adding both heat and tang that awaken the palate.
Lemon or lime juice – A splash of citrus that cuts through richness, lending freshness and balance.
Granulated sugar – A subtle sweetness that rounds out the flavors, softening the sharp edges of heat and acid.
Chili powder – A warm, earthy undertone that deepens the sauce, giving it complexity beyond simple spice.
Expert Tips:
Balance the base first – Start with the exact ratios, then adjust in small increments. This ensures the sauce stays balanced between creaminess, heat, acidity, and sweetness.
Let it rest – Even a 15–20 minute chill in the fridge allows the flavors to meld, giving the sauce a smoother, more unified taste.
Customize the spice – Swap sriracha with smoky chipotle, gochujang, or chili oil for unique heat profiles that pair with different cuisines.
Mind the texture – For a thinner drizzle, whisk in a teaspoon of water or citrus juice; for a thicker spread, add a touch more mayo.
Think beyond dipping – Use it as a burger spread, taco topping, sushi drizzle, or even as a salad dressing base with a little extra citrus.
Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Mayonnaise – ½ cup, creamy base for the sauce
Sriracha or hot sauce – 1 tablespoon, adds heat and tang
Lemon or lime juice – 1 tablespoon, for brightness and balance
Granulated sugar – 1 teaspoon, softens the spice with a hint of sweetness
Chili powder – ¼ teaspoon, deepens the flavor with warm spice
Instructions
Mix the base – In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon (or lime) juice, sugar, and chili powder.
Whisk until smooth – Stir or whisk the ingredients together until the sauce is creamy and fully blended.
Adjust to taste – Taste and add more sriracha if you prefer extra heat.
Serve immediately as a dip, drizzle, or spread.
Notes
Control the heat: For a spicier sauce, add more Sriracha.
Important Notes When Making Spicy Mayo Sauce Recipe:
Storage matters – Keep the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator; it stays fresh for about 4–5 days. Stir before each use, as the flavors may settle.
Quality counts – Use good-quality mayonnaise and fresh citrus juice. These two ingredients are the foundation, and their quality directly shapes the final flavor.
Adjust with intention – Add sriracha slowly if you prefer stronger heat. Overdoing it can overpower the delicate balance between spice, creaminess, and brightness.
Mind the salt content – Both mayo and hot sauces already contain sodium, so avoid adding extra salt unless truly needed.
Serve at the right moment – This sauce shines when used just before serving; adding it too early to hot foods may cause it to lose its freshness and tang.
How To Enjoy Spicy Mayo Sauce After Cooking:
As a dip – Serve it alongside crispy fries, sweet potato wedges, chicken tenders, or fresh vegetable sticks. The creaminess and heat create a crave-worthy balance.
Drizzled over sushi and poke bowls – A light zigzag of spicy mayo turns rolls, sashimi, or bowls of rice, fish, and veggies into restaurant-style creations at home.
Spread on sandwiches and burgers – Swap plain mayo for this zesty version to elevate burgers, sliders, wraps, or even a simple grilled cheese.
Paired with tacos and grilled meats – Add a spoonful over shrimp tacos, grilled chicken, or roasted pork to bring smoky, tangy depth.
As a sauce base – Thin it with extra lime juice or rice vinegar to create a bold salad dressing, or whisk in sesame oil for an Asian-inspired dipping sauce.
Creative touch – Try it as a topping for baked potatoes, scrambled eggs, or grain bowls for a surprising burst of flavor.
Nutrition Information
For Spicy Mayo Sauce (per tablespoon, approx. 15 g):
Calories: 70 kcal | Total Fat: 7.2 g | Saturated Fat: 1.2 g | Monounsaturated Fat: 2.3 g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 3.1 g | Cholesterol: 5 mg | Sodium: 120–150 mg (depending on mayo and hot sauce used) | Total Carbohydrates: 1.0 g | Dietary Fiber: 0 g | Sugars: 0.6 g | Protein: 0.2 g
Frequently Asked Questions:
Can I use a different hot sauce instead of Sriracha?
Yes. While Sriracha adds tangy heat, you can use other hot sauces like Tabasco, gochujang, chili crisp, or chipotle sauce to create different flavor profiles.
How long does homemade spicy mayo last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it will stay fresh for about 4–5 days. Stir before each use, as some separation may occur.
Can I make this recipe vegan?
Absolutely. Simply swap regular mayonnaise for vegan mayo, and the rest of the ingredients remain the same.
Will the flavor get stronger if made ahead of time?
Yes. Letting it rest in the refrigerator for a few hours allows the flavors to meld, creating a smoother, bolder taste.
What foods pair best with spicy mayo?
It’s versatile—perfect for sushi, poke bowls, tacos, burgers, fries, roasted vegetables, or even as a salad dressing base when thinned with extra citrus juice.
How can I adjust the consistency of the sauce?
If you want a thinner drizzle, whisk in a teaspoon of water or extra lemon/lime juice. For a thicker, spreadable version, add a bit more mayonnaise.
What’s the best way to control the spice level?
Start with the suggested 1 tablespoon of sriracha, then add more gradually until it suits your taste. If it becomes too spicy, balance with extra mayo or a touch more sugar.
Can I make this sauce in advance?
Yes. In fact, preparing it a few hours ahead allows the flavors to blend more fully. Just cover and refrigerate until ready to use.
What if I don’t have chili powder?
You can substitute smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or even a dash of chipotle powder for a slightly different but equally delicious depth of flavor.
How do I ensure the sauce stays smooth and creamy?
Whisk thoroughly until all the ingredients are well blended. If separation occurs after chilling, simply stir or whisk again before serving.