Spicy Garlic Mayo
This quick spicy garlic mayo is creamy, garlicky, and lightly spicy, made with just four ingredients in minutes. It’s a versatile sauce that works perfectly for sandwiches, fries, burgers, and dipping.
This spicy garlic mayo is a creamy, flavorful sauce that adds a bold kick to burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, and more. Made with mayonnaise, fresh garlic, chili oil, and salt, it comes together in minutes and delivers the perfect balance of heat and richness. It’s smooth, slightly spicy, and versatile enough to use as a dip, spread, or drizzle for a wide range of dishes.
What to Put Spicy Garlic Mayo On
Spicy garlic mayo is creamy and garlicky with just the right amount of heat, making it an easy way to enhance both simple snacks and full meals. It works as a dip, spread, or drizzle, depending on how you want to add richness and spice. If you prefer the creamy, garlicky flavor without heat, garlic aioli is a great alternative.
- Potato sides – A classic pairing that adds creamy spice to salty, crispy baked fries, smashed roasted potatoes, and even sweet potato wedges for balancing the natural sweetness.
- Chicken options – Its the perfect match for everything from rotisserie to baked and fried chicken. It shines as a spread on a grilled or crispy chicken sandwich, and is one of the best dipping sauces for chicken tenders.
- Vegetable sides – Works as both a dip and drizzle for extra flavor intensity on crispy cauliflower, onion rings, or a medley of roasted vegetables.
- Turkey or deli wraps – It adds richness to lean fillings and keeps them from feeling dry.
- Burgers – Replaces standard mayo with a bolder, more flavorful alternative. It adds balance to an earthy mushroom swiss burger or a hearty breakfast burger. Explore the best sauces for burgers for more mouthwatering options!
Key Ingredients
This sauce combines rich, creamy, and spicy elements with a punch of fresh garlic for a bold, well-balanced flavor.
Base & Body — Mayonnaise provides the creamy foundation and smooth texture that carries all the flavors.
Savory depth — Fresh garlic adds sharpness and intensity, giving the sauce its signature bold, savory bite.
Spices & Heat — Chili oil brings both heat and subtle complexity, infusing the sauce with a warm, slightly smoky spice. Salt enhances all the flavors and ties everything together.
How to Make It
This spicy garlic mayo comes together in just a few minutes with simple ingredients and no cooking required. Just mix everything together, adjust to taste, and let it rest briefly for the best flavor.
Step 1 — Combine ingredients
Add the mayonnaise, chili oil, grated garlic, and salt to a mixing bowl.
Step 2 — Mix until smooth
Stir until fully combined and creamy.
Step 3 — Taste and adjust
Add more chili oil for extra heat or salt to enhance the flavor as needed.
Step 4 — Serve or store
Use immediately or refrigerate until ready to use.
Find the detailed recipe, including all measurements, in the recipe card below.
Useful Tip
Finely grating the garlic is key to distribute it evenly without overpowering the sauce.
Spicy Garlic Mayo
Equipment
- Mixing bowl
- Spoon
- Microplane grater
- Airtight container
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp chili oil
- 1 garlic clove, finely grated
- ¼ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
Directions
- Add the mayonnaise, chili oil, finely grated garlic, and salt to a mixing bowl. Stir until smooth and fully combined.
- Taste the sauce and adjust as needed by adding more chili oil for heat or a pinch of salt to enhance the flavor.
- Serve immediately or transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate until ready to use.
Notes
- Adjust heat level easily: start with less chili oil and add more to taste if you prefer a milder sauce.
- Fresh garlic is key: finely grated garlic blends smoothly and gives the best flavor.
- Refrigerate for 10–15 minutes for the best flavor: the garlic and chili oil will mellow and blend together.
- Storage: refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 4–5 days and stir before serving.
Variations
This spicy garlic mayo is easy to customize depending on your heat level and flavor preferences.
- Extra Spicy Garlic Mayo — add more chili oil or a pinch of cayenne pepper for a stronger, hotter finish.
- Lemon Garlic Mayo — add extra lemon juice for a brighter, tangier version that cuts through rich foods.
- Chipotle Garlic Mayo — replace part of the chili oil with chipotle in adobo for a smoky, slightly sweet heat.
- Honey Spicy Garlic Mayo — add a small amount of honey for a sweet-spicy balance that works well on chicken sandwiches.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is spicy garlic mayo made of?
Spicy garlic mayo is made with a base of mayonnaise, fresh garlic, chili oil, and salt. The combination creates a creamy sauce with a bold garlic flavor and a mild to moderate heat from the chili oil.
Is spicy garlic mayo very spicy?
Spicy garlic mayo is usually mild to medium in heat. The spice level depends on how much chili oil you use. You can easily make it milder by reducing the chili oil or adjust it for more heat by adding extra.
What do you use spicy garlic mayo on?
Spicy garlic mayo works well as a spread, dip, or drizzle for burgers, chicken sandwiches, fries, nuggets, wraps, and roasted vegetables. It adds creaminess, garlic flavor, and a light kick of heat to many dishes.
How long does homemade spicy garlic mayo last?
Homemade spicy garlic mayo will last up to 4 to 5 days when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Because it contains mayonnaise and fresh garlic, it should always be kept chilled and used within a week for best flavor and freshness.
Can you make spicy garlic mayo without chili oil?
Yes, you can substitute chili oil with crushed red pepper flakes, hot sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper. Each option will slightly change the flavor, but all will still provide heat and balance with the garlic and mayo.
Sign up to receive more gnarly recipes like this one!
By signing up, you agree to receive emails from Gnarly Lunchbox. You can unsubscribe at any time. View our Privacy Policy for more information.
