Whip up the tastiest, easy spicy mayo recipe for sushi in under 2 minutes. All you need are 3 simple ingredients to transform your weeknight dinners.
This Spicy Mayo for Sushi is indeed the perfect sushi side sauce, but honestly, it goes with EVERYTHING. A batch lives permanently in my fridge in a mason jar.
You’ll Love This 3-Ingredient Spicy Mayo Recipe for Sushi
Here’s why you’re going to want to whip it up asap:
- So quick: If the craving hits, whisk and go.
- Goes with everything: Use it on everything- Whether you’re using it as a sushi dip, sandwich spread, burger topping, or salad dressing, its creamy texture and bold flavor add tastiness to any meal. Make a big batch!
- Customizable heat level: You have full control over the spiciness of this mayo by adjusting the amount of sriracha sauce or choosing a milder or hotter variety.
- Balanced flavor: The combination of creamy mayonnaise, spicy sriracha sauce, and savory soy sauce creates a perfectly balanced taste. The creamy richness of the kewpie mayo complements the tangy heat of the sriracha and the umami depth of the soy sauce.
Here’s What You Need
There’s seriously nothing to it – gather these 3 ingredients and go!
Spicy Mayo Recipe for Sushi Ingredients
Simple is often better – here’s what you’ll need:
- Mayonnaise: Choose a good-quality mayonnaise as the base for your spicy mayo. Look for a creamy and rich mayonnaise with a neutral flavor profile. You can use traditional mayonnaise or Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise.
- Sriracha sauce: Sriracha adds the signature heat and flavor to the spicy mayo. Adjust the amount according to your preference for spiciness.
- Soy sauce: Soy sauce adds saltiness but also depth of flavor to the spicy mayo. You can use either regular soy sauce or low-sodium soy sauce.
Substitutions and Variations
Swap out and play around with the base ingredients to make a few variations of this sauce:
Mayonnaise substitutes
- Greek yogurt: For a lighter version, swap out mayonnaise with Greek yogurt. Add a little lemon juice for some tang.
- Vegan mayonnaise: Look for varieties of vegan mayo made from soy, canola, or avocado oil.
Sriracha sauce variations
- Hot sauce: If you don’t have sriracha, use your favorite hot sauce. Adjust the quantity based on the heat level of the hot sauce.
- Chili paste: Thai chili paste or Korean gochujang can give your sauce a deeper taste.
Soy sauce alternatives
- Tamari: Switch soy sauce with tamari for a gluten-free option.
- Coconut aminos: For a soy-free alternative, use coconut aminos. It’s made from coconut sap and has a slightly sweeter taste.
Other flavors
- Wasabi mayo: Mix a small amount of wasabi paste into the mayo for a Japanese-inspired twist. Wasabi adds a pungent heat and distinctive flavor.
- Yuzu mayo: Add a little yuzu juice or zest into the spicy mayo for a citrusy kick. Yuzu is a Japanese citrus fruit, lends a bright flavor.
- Spicy sesame mayo: Add a drizzle of sesame oil and a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds to the spicy mayo for a nutty, aromatic variation.
Creaminess enhancements
- Avocado: Mash a ripe avocado and blend it into the spicy mayo for extra creaminess and a hint of green color.
- Sour cream: Mix in a dollop of sour cream to the spicy mayo for a tangy twist. Sour cream adds richness and helps mellow out the heat.
Herb and spice additions
- Cilantro-lime mayo: Stir in finely chopped cilantro and a squeeze of fresh lime juice to the spicy mayo for a zesty, herbaceous flavor.
- Garlicky mayo: Mix in minced garlic or garlic powder with the spicy mayo for a savory punch. Garlic adds depth of flavor and complements the heat of the sauce.
Tools to Grab
This is a stir-and-serve recipe – you’ll need a bowl and a whisk. That’s it!
How to Make Spicy Mayo for Sushi: An Easy Guide
Here are my simple steps to making this quick spicy mayonnaise sauce:
Add the ingredients in phases
In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and sriracha sauce. Add in the soy sauce and stir it until smooth.
Balance the taste profile
Adjust the sriracha if you like it spicier or milder.
Add a bit of sugar for a sweeter sriracha mayo. Start with 1/2 tsp and whisk it in. Taste and add more as you like.
Make Ahead and Storage
Simply mix the mayonnaise, sriracha sauce, and soy sauce in a bowl until well combined. Transfer the spicy mayo to an airtight container or jar with a tight-fitting lid.
Store the spicy mayo in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Before using the spicy mayo, give it a good stir or shake to ensure that the ingredients are evenly distributed.
Over time, the ingredients may settle, so remixing them will help maintain the desired consistency and flavor.
While mayonnaise-based sauces like spicy mayo can technically be frozen, I don’t recommend it because the texture changes from thawing.
How to Serve this 3-Ingredient Spicy Mayo
Start with a big batch of my easy Sushi Rice Recipe and whip up a loaded plate of sushi rolls and sushi bowls!
- Heck, I love it over all my rice bowls and poke bowls—it’s the most incredible sauce.
- Spoon it over Baked Salmon Rice Muffins (my fav lil sushi cups) or over this viral sushi bake.
- Use it in place of the soy mayo in this Baked Salmon with Mayonnaise or Panko Crusted Cod recipe.
- I love this in sandwiches, wraps, and pitas.
- Drizzle it over French fries or sweet potato fries. Try it as a sauce with my baked butternut fries! It makes a delicious topper for baked potatoes to add a spicy kick.
- I love it as a sauce with baked or air fryer frozen salmon or air fryer tuna steak.
NEXT READING: Creamy Asian Dressing, Easy Peanut Sauce Recipe + 3-Ingredient Stir Fry Sauce
Final Notes, Pro Tips + Science-Based Secrets
With these simple ingredients and some of my expert tips and secrets, you’ll be whipping up restaurant-quality spicy mayo in no time.
- Start slow with sriracha: It’s easier to add more heat than to tone it down, so start with a conservative amount of sriracha and gradually increase to your desired level of spiciness.
- Umami magic: Soy sauce adds a rich umami flavor to spicy mayo, enhancing its depth and complexity. Umami, often described as the fifth taste, contributes to the sauce’s savory deliciousness.
FAQs About 3-Ingredient Spicy Mayo
Just skimming though? Here are the highlights:
Yes, you can substitute sriracha with your preferred hot sauce. Adjust the quantity based on the hot sauce’s heat level and your personal taste preferences.
It depends on the brands of mayonnaise and soy sauce you use. Many commercial mayonnaise brands are gluten-free, but some soy sauces contain gluten. If you need a gluten-free option, look for gluten-free soy sauce or tamari.
Spicy mayo can typically be stored in the refrigerator for up to one week. To maintain freshness, keep it tightly sealed in an airtight container.
While mayonnaise-based sauces like spicy mayo can technically be frozen, it’s not recommended due to potential texture changes upon thawing. Freezing may cause the emulsion to break, resulting in a less creamy consistency.
Yes, you can easily adjust the spiciness of the mayo by varying the amount of sriracha sauce you use. Start with a small amount and gradually add until you reach your desired heat level.
Spicy mayo is versatile. It can be a dipping sauce for sushi, seafood, fries, and vegetables. It is also a delicious condiment for sandwiches, burgers, wraps, and tacos.
Yes, you can make spicy mayo ahead of time and store it in the refrigerator until ready to use. Properly stored, it will keep well for up to one week.
If your spicy mayo is too spicy, you can balance it out by adding more mayonnaise to dilute the heat. You can also try adding a touch of sweetness, such as honey or sugar, to mellow out the spiciness.
While you can use low-fat mayonnaise for spicy mayo, remember that it may affect the overall flavor and creaminess of the sauce. Full-fat mayonnaise typically yields a richer and creamier result.
Other Asian Takeout Recipes You’ll Love
If you love quick, easy Asian takeout-inspired recipes, you must also try:
- Boom Boom Shrimp
- Fresh Spring Rolls with Rice Paper Wrappers
- Pad Woon Sen
- Gochujang Chicken
- Hunan Shrimp
- Thai Basil Pork
- Chili Oil Ramen
- Orange Chicken
- Honey Garlic Chicken
- Spicy Ramen
3-Ingredient Spicy Mayo Recipe for Sushi (+ Everything Else!)
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp sriracha sauce
- 1 tsp soy sauce
Instructions
- In a small bowl, mix the mayonnaise and sriracha sauce.
- Add the soy sauce. Stir until smooth.
- Adjust the sriracha if you like it spicier or milder.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
This spicy mayo recipe took my homemade sushi to the next level!
It adds just the right amount of kick. Thanks for sharing, Jenn!
Is there a preferred brand of mayo for optimal flavor?
Kewpie mayo is my fav for Japanese food!
honestly, very good. Can’t stop eating it.
Can I use a vegan mayo for this recipe? Looking to keep it plant-based.
Yes you can!
yo, tried this with just regular mayo and some chili sauce I found, still came out bomb!
this spicy mayo recipe was a hit with the kids! so simple and even the little ones liked it.
Not sure if this authentic but anything beats store-bought mayo glop. Will give it a try.
Made this spicy mayo and it rocked my sushi night! so easy
can i use something else instead of sriracha?? not a fan lol
yeah u can try some hot sauce or chili paste might work
Or just add flames directly to ur sushi lol