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    The Heirloom Pantry » Recipes » Dressings and Sauces

    Wasabi Mayo Aioli Sauce

    Published: Jun 15, 2022 · Modified: Oct 7, 2023 by Kathleen Higashiyama · The following content may contain paid links. When you click and shop the links, we receive a commission.

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    Wasabi Mayo Aioli Sauce is a zesty, creamy spread with hints of pungent wasabi, garlic, and soy sauce. This versatile sauce makes a delicious spread for burgers and sandwiches, and a dip for fries and vegetables.

    Wasabi mayo aioli sauce in a blue bowl with fries.

    Wasabi mayo aioli is a quick and easy condiment that adds so much flavor to your dish. Use it as a spread on Wagyu Burgers, roast beef sandwiches, or use it as a sauce for Spicy Ahi Poke. Dip crispy fries, roasted asparagus, or steamed artichoke in this creamy dip. Toss it with potatoes for a zesty potato salad. The possibilities are endless!

    Jump to:
    • What is wasabi?
    • Why is wasabi spicy?
    • Ingredients
    • Instructions
    • What to Serve with Wasabi Aioli
    • FAQ
    • Substitutions
    • Variations
    • Storage
    • Top tips
    • Similar Recipes
    • 📖 Recipe

    What is wasabi?

    The wasabi plant (aka Japanese horseradish) native to Japan, South Korea, and Sakhalin, Russia. It typically grows in cool mountain regions along stream beds. Wasabi is used to make wasabi paste, the famous green paste often served with sushi.

    Why is wasabi spicy?

    Wasabi gets its spicy characteristics from a chemical called allyl isothiocyanate, which is also present in horseradish. Allyl isothiocyanate vapors travel through the back of the mouth into the nose triggering a nerve response. This is why you feel the spice in your nose! On the other hand, peppers get their spiciness from a chemical called capsaicin, which typically stays in the mouth and does not travel to the nose.

    Ingredients

    Ingredients for wasabi aioli mayo sauce.
    • Mayonnaise - Mayo is the base for the wasabi aioli. We prefer kewpie mayo because it has a rich umami flavor and creamy consistency.
    • Wasabi - Wasabi poweder adds a pungent and unique spice.
    • Soy sauce - Soy sauce, or shoyu, adds a deeply umami-rich component.
    • Garlic - Fresh garlic adds the quintessential aroma to the mayo.

    See recipe card for quantities.

    Instructions

    Steps to make wasabi aioli mayo sauce.
    • Whisk ingredients - Add mayonnaise, wasabi, soy sauce, and garlic to a small bowl and whisk until combined.
    • Chill then serve - Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

    Hint: If you are making this with our Parmesan Truffle Fries or Wagyu Burger, mix the ingredients for the aioli first, then refrigerate it while you are cooking the other dish(es).

    What to Serve with Wasabi Aioli

    This easy wasabi mayo can be used as a burger spread or as a spicy dipping sauce for french fries and veggies. Check out these dishes that pair deliciously with Aioli Wasabi:

    • Parmesan Truffle Fries
    • Animal Style Fries
    • Wagyu Burger
    • Roasted Asparagus with Parmesan
    • 10 -Minute Sautéed Broccolini (Broccoletti)
    • Pesto Swiss And Turkey Skillet Sliders (replace the Pesto with wasabi aioli)
    • Chicken Katsu (Japanese Chicken Cutlet)

    FAQ

    Is Wasabi Aioli spicy?

    Yes, wasabi provides a unique and pungent punch to the senses. While it is hot, it is surprisingly light and does not overpower the other flavors of the sauce.

    Is wasabi healthy?

    Yes, wasabi is know for its antibacterial effects. It also contains anti-inflammatory properties.

    Does wasabi have alcohol?

    No, most wasabi does not contain any alcohol.

    Is Wasabi Aioli gluten free?

    No, this recipe has soy sauce, which has gluten. If you want to make this recipe gluten free, replace soy sauce with tamari.

    Substitutions

    • Vegan - Use vegan Kewpie mayo instead of Kewpie mayo to make this recipe vegan.
    • Regular mayo - Instead of Kewpie mayo, you can use regular mayo. It will have less of an umami flavor but will still be delicious.
    • Garlic powder - If you don't have garlic cloves or just want a light garlic taste, you can use garlic powder.
    • Low Sodium - Substitute regular soy sauce with low sodium soy sauce for a healthier option that doesn't sacrifice flavor.
    • Gluten-free - Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make this recipe gluten-free.

    Variations

    • Lemon or Lime - Add a dash of lemon juice or lime juice to add a bright and lemony or limey flavor to the sauce.
    • Extra Spicy - Add chili powder, cayenne pepper, or togarashi to make the aioli extra spicy.
    • Mild - Make a milder version of the sauce by using less wasabi.
    • No garlic - Omit garlic if you prefer a slightly more mild and less pungent aioli.
    • Ginger - Add a little ginger for a strong zesty flavor.

    Storage

    Store aioli wasabi sauce in the refrigerator in an air-tight container up to 5 days. Before using it again, stir it softly until it reaches its original consistency. These ingredients don't stand up well to freezing.

    Top tips

    • For fresh wasabi mayonnaise, do not leave it out at room temperature for an extended period of time. Mayonnaise can spoil if not refrigerated.
    • Use a baking spatula to scrape all of the wasabi mayo from the mixing bowl and eliminate food waste.
    • Beware of wasabi brands that don't use real wasabi. Many wasabi brands make their "wasabi" with horseradish and not the actual wasabi plant. We use S & B Premium Wasabi Paste because it is made with real wasabi.

    Similar Recipes

    • Spicy Sriracha Aioli
    • In-N-Out Sauce
    • Yuzu Ponzu Sauce
    • Spicy Kewpie Sriracha Mayo (Sauce for Poke, Sushi, and More)
    • 5 Minute Kale Pesto (with Walnuts)
    • Truffle Aioli (Truffle Mayo)
    • Healthy Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing
    • Chipotle Mayo Sauce
    • 5 Minute Basil Pesto (Without Pine Nuts)

    Love this wasabi aioli recipe? Please leave a 5-star rating in the recipe card below & consider leaving a comment below. Thanks!

    Sign up for THP's newsletter and keep in touch on Instagram, Facebook, Pinterest, TikTok, and YouTube. If you make this recipe, tag #theheirloompantry so we can see your homemade wasabi aioli!

    📖 Recipe

    Wasabi mayo aioli sauce in a blue bowl with fries.
    Print Recipe Pin Recipe
    5 from 4 votes

    Wasabi Mayo Aioli Sauce

    Wasabi Mayo Aioli Sauce is a zesty, creamy spread with hints of pungent wasabi, garlic, and soy sauce. This versatile sauce makes a delicious spread for burgers and sandwiches, and a dip for fries and vegetables. 
    Prep Time2 minutes mins
    Chill Time30 minutes mins
    Total Time32 minutes mins
    Course: Condiment
    Cuisine: American
    Servings: 4
    Calories: 193kcal
    Author: Kathleen Higashiyama

    Equipment

    • 1 Measuring spoons
    • 1 mixing bowl

    Ingredients 

    • ½ cup mayonnaise
    • 1 teaspoon wasabi
    • 1 teaspoon soy sauce
    • 1 garlic clove grated
    Prevent your screen from going dark

    Instructions

    • Whisk Ingredients - Add mayonnaise, soy sauce, wasabi, and garlic to a bowl and whisk until combined.
      ½ cup mayonnaise, 1 teaspoon wasabi, 1 teaspoon soy sauce, 1 garlic clove
    • Chill then serve - Chill for at least 30 minutes before serving.

    Notes

    Storage
    Store aioli wasabi sauce in the refrigerator in an air-tight container up to 5 days. Before using it again, stir it softly until it reaches its original consistency. These ingredients don't stand up well to freezing.
    Top tips
    • For fresh wasabi mayonnaise, do not leave it out at room temperature for an extended period of time. Mayonnaise can spoil if not refrigerated.
    • Use a baking spatula to scrape all of the wasabi mayo from the mixing bowl and eliminate food waste.
    • Beware of wasabi brands that don't use real wasabi. Many wasabi brands make their "wasabi" with horseradish and not the actual wasabi plant. We use S & B Premium Wasabi Paste because it is made with real wasabi.

    Nutrition

    Calories: 193kcal | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 21g | Saturated Fat: 3g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 13g | Monounsaturated Fat: 5g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 12mg | Sodium: 262mg | Potassium: 15mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 18IU | Vitamin C: 0.4mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.1mg
    Tried this recipe?Mention @theheirloompantry or tag #theheirloompantry!

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    About the Author

    Kat Higashiyama and Alec Totto are recipe developers, food photographers, and the authors behind The Heirloom Pantry. Since 2017, they have shared recipes inspired by their Japanese and Italian heritage and California and Hawaii roots. They reside in San Jose with their two dogs, Peeps and Paisley. Read More…

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