How to Make Spicy Mayo Without Sriracha

When it comes to kitchen condiments, few have gained the cult following that sriracha has. However, due to the ongoing sriracha shortage, many people are unable to purchase this ingredient to make their favorite foods, including spicy mayo. A great addition to many Asian dishes, spicy mayo is typically made with sriracha but can be made other ways if you don’t have the star ingredient.

What’s in Spicy Mayo?

Before delving into the alternatives, let’s break down the basic components of spicy mayo. Traditional spicy mayo is a simple but tasty condiment, typically made by combining mayonnaise with sriracha sauce. Some recipes also include sesame oil or rice vinegar for an added depth of flavor.

This pairing results in a creamy, tangy, and spicy spread that’s versatile and addictive. It’s often used as a dipping sauce for fries, sushi, and various other dishes.

How Do You Make Spicy Mayo?

The classic spicy mayo recipe involves mixing mayonnaise and sriracha according to your personal taste. We recommend using Japanese Kewpie Mayonnaise for an umami-rich flavor.

However, due to the current sriracha shortage, finding this iconic hot sauce might prove challenging. If you can’t find your favorite condiment on the shelves lately, you’re not just unlucky. The renowned California-based company, Huy Fong Foods, responsible for producing the iconic sriracha brand in the United States, recently shared that supplies remain limited and will be limited for an unknown period of time.

How to Make Spicy Mayo without Sriracha

Instead of getting disheartened, consider this situation an opportunity to experiment and discover new flavor combinations. Here are a few ways you can make spicy mayo without your beloved sriracha.

Red Pepper Flakes and Paprika

Red pepper flakes and paprika can come to the rescue when sriracha is nowhere to be found. Start by whisking a teaspoon of red pepper flakes and a teaspoon of paprika into a quarter cup of mayonnaise. Adjust the quantities to suit your preferred level of heat. This option provides a slightly different type of spiciness compared to sriracha, with a smoky undertone from the paprika.

Hot Sauce Alternatives

Fortunately, sriracha isn’t the only hot sauce in town. Explore other hot sauces like gochujang, Tobasco, or even your favorite local chili sauce. Mix a teaspoon of your chosen hot sauce into a quarter cup of mayonnaise and increase from there based on the flavor.

Keep in mind that different hot sauces have distinct flavor profiles, so don’t hesitate to experiment until you find your new spicy mayo favorite.

Wasabi and Mustard

If you want your spicy mayo to keep an Asian flavor profile, try using wasabi and mustard. Start by mixing half a teaspoon of wasabi paste and half a teaspoon of Dijon mustard into a quarter cup of mayonnaise.

This combination delivers a complex spiciness with a horseradish-like kick from the wasabi and a sharp tang from the mustard. Remember to start with very small quantities of wasabi and mustard and build your way up.

Harissa Mayo

Harissa, a North African chili paste, can infuse your mayo with a rich, aromatic spiciness. Combine a teaspoon of harissa paste with a quarter cup of mayonnaise. Harissa brings a depth of flavor with its blend of chili peppers, garlic, and various spices, creating a mayo that’s not only spicy but also incredibly flavorful.

Fix Sriracha Hot Sauce

Although Huy Fong Foods is the king of sriracha, they aren’t the only company that makes this type of bottled hot sauce. Fix Sriracha Sauce is a great alternative that doesn’t seem to be experiencing chili shortages for now. Made with only five ingredients, this sriracha alternative will add just the right amount of heat and spice to your homemade spicy mayo.

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While the sriracha shortage may have caught many of us off guard, remember that the world of culinary creativity knows no bounds. Here’s how to make spicy mayo without sriracha, instead using simple alternatives.