How to Make Garlic Aioli and Cheater’s Aioli with Mayonnaise

Making garlic aioli with mayonnaise is quick and easy! This versatile condiment is perfect for dips, spreads, and adding an extra boost of flavor to your dishes. Here’s a simple recipe to help you create a delicious garlic aioli that’s both satisfying and easy to prepare.

Simple Garlic Aioli Recipe

Ingredients:

1 cup mayonnaise 2-4 cloves garlic, finely minced 1 tablespoon freshly squeezed lemon juice Salt and pepper to taste Pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika (optional)

Instructions:

Prepare the Garlic: Finely mince the garlic cloves by hand or use a garlic press for a smoother texture. Mix Ingredients: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise with minced garlic and lemon juice. Stir until well blended. Season: Add salt and pepper to taste. For a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or paprika. Taste and Adjust: Taste the aioli and adjust the garlic, lemon juice, or seasoning as needed. Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Serving Suggestions:

Garlic aioli is an excellent dip for vegetables and fries. It also pairs well as a spread for sandwiches and burgers.

Personally, it gets me goosebumps. Mixing toum (Lebanese garlic sauce) with homemade mayonnaise is simply too delicious, leading to an excess that feels guilty. However, this garlic aioli recipe is far more straightforward and enjoyable. Feel free to experiment with different herbs if you like.

Theoretical Uses and Variations

Theoretically, this could result in a passable aioli, one of the key accessories to a good bouillabaisse. However, I personally believe that the addition of mayonnaise to garlic aioli might dilute the authentic flavor too much. An alternative method involves using minced garlic directly:

Throw some garlic cloves in a blender and cover them with olive oil. Puree until smooth. Pour this puree into a bowl of mayonnaise and season it with lemon juice, salt, and white pepper. Stir to combine. Adding chopped herbs like parsley, tarragon, basil, or chives can enhance the flavor further.

Cheater’s Aioli Recipe

The word aioli literally means oil and garlic in French, with ail meaning garlic. The traditional method of making aioli involves emulsifying garlic and olive oil in a mortar and pestle. However, a quick and dirty version might not be considered authentic, but it’s still delicious. Here’s our simplified version:

Ingredients

5 medium cloves of garlic, pressed or minced 2 teaspoons of lemon juice Sprinkle of salt 1/2 cup of good quality mayonnaise (I like Sir Kensington’s) Optional: 1 teaspoon of Dijon mustard

Instructions

Combine the minced garlic and lemon juice in a small bowl. Stir to combine and spread into an even layer so the juice can work its magic. Lightly sprinkle with salt and rest for 10 minutes. Place a fine mesh strainer over another bowl. Using a silicone or rubber spatula, scoop the contents of the bowl into the strainer and press on the garlic to extract as much juice as possible. Discard the garlic. Stir the mayonnaise into the garlicky lemon juice until well combined. Taste and adjust if necessary. If the garlic flavor is overwhelming, add more mayonnaise by the tablespoon. If you want more complexity, stir in the Dijon mustard. For a tangier flavor, add a little more lemon juice. Cover and refrigerate the aioli for up to 10 days. It will thicken as it chills.

Enjoy your homemade garlic aioli with a variety of dishes and impress your guests with a condiment that's both straightforward and delectable. Whether you're a cooking enthusiast or a beginner, this recipe is always a hit!