Sweet & Spicy Jalapeño Aioli

Ingredients

For the Creamy Base

1 cup mayonnaise

2 fresh jalapeños, finely minced

2 roasted garlic cloves, mashed until smooth

For Sweetness and Acidity

2 tablespoons honey

1 tablespoon fresh lime juice

1 teaspoon Dijon mustard

1 teaspoon apple cider vinegar

Seasonings

½ teaspoon smoked paprika

½ teaspoon garlic powder

¼ teaspoon onion powder

½ teaspoon kosher salt, or to taste

¼ teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

Optional Add-Ins

1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce, finely minced

1 teaspoon adobo sauce

1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh cilantro

1 teaspoon finely grated lime zest

½ teaspoon cayenne pepper, for extra heat

1 teaspoon hot sauce

Simple Green Chile Stew with Fresh Tortilla

Tom Kha Gai

Homemade Chicken Ramen

1 tablespoon Greek yogurt, for a lighter, tangier texture

Instructions

Make the Creamy Base

In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, mashed roasted garlic, honey, fresh lime juice, Dijon mustard, and apple cider vinegar.

Whisk until the mixture is smooth and completely blended.

Add the Jalapeños and Seasonings

Stir in the finely minced jalapeños, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, kosher salt, and black pepper.

Mix until the jalapeños and spices are evenly distributed throughout the sauce.

Whisk Until Smooth

Continue whisking until the aioli looks creamy and uniform, with no visible streaks of honey, mustard, or spices.

Add Any Optional Ingredients

If using chipotle in adobo, cilantro, lime zest, cayenne pepper, hot sauce, or Greek yogurt, fold them into the aioli now.

Stir until fully incorporated.

Taste and Adjust the Flavor

Taste the aioli and adjust it to your preference.

For more sweetness, add a little extra honey.

For more heat, add additional minced jalapeño, cayenne, chipotle, or hot sauce.

For a brighter, tangier flavor, add a small amount of extra lime juice.

Chill Before Serving

Transfer the aioli to a clean jar or airtight container.

Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.

Chilling allows the jalapeño, garlic, honey, citrus, and spices to blend together and develop a more balanced flavor.

Serve

Stir the aioli well before serving.

Use it as a dip, sandwich spread, burger sauce, taco topping, or drizzle for grilled meats, vegetables, fries, or seafood.