Name: Garlic Aioli Sauce: The Ultimate Guide to Making Perfect Aioli Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 40 min
Cuisine: Mediterranean
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise (preferably homemade or high-quality store-bought); 4-6 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to your preference); 1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed; 1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil; 1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste; 1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste; Pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat; 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for added tang; 1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish

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Introduction

Garlic aioli is a creamy, flavorful sauce that elevates everything from sandwiches to roasted vegetables. This easy recipe guides you through making the perfect aioli with simple ingredients and a few helpful tips.

A close-up photo showing a pile of golden-brown seasoned fries spilling out from a paper cone holder onto a light wooden board. One fry, held by a woman's hand, is being dipped into a small metal cup filled with creamy white dipping sauce topped with green herbs and red pepper flakes. The fries have a crispy texture with visible black pepper seasoning all over. Part of a sandwich with pickle slices and a fried side is visible on the right edge. The scene has a white marbled textured background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise (preferably homemade or high-quality store-bought)
4-6 cloves garlic, minced (adjust to your preference)
1 tablespoon lemon juice, freshly squeezed
1 tablespoon extra virgin olive oil
1/4 teaspoon salt, or to taste
1/8 teaspoon black pepper, freshly ground, or to taste
Pinch of cayenne pepper for a little heat
1 teaspoon Dijon mustard for added tang
1 tablespoon finely chopped fresh parsley or chives for garnish

Instructions

Step 1: Mince the garlic finely with a knife. Avoid using a garlic press to prevent bitterness. For a smoother texture, make a garlic paste by sprinkling a pinch of salt on the minced garlic and smearing it with the flat side of your knife on the cutting board.
Step 2: In a medium bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic or garlic paste, lemon juice, and olive oil.
Step 3: Add salt, black pepper, and a pinch of cayenne pepper if you want a little heat.
Step 4: Whisk all the ingredients together thoroughly until smooth and creamy.
Step 5: Taste the aioli and adjust seasonings as needed, adding more garlic, lemon juice, salt, or pepper to suit your taste.
Step 6: Stir in Dijon mustard for extra tang and fold in fresh parsley or chives for color and freshness, if using.
Step 7: Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, up to 2 hours, to let the flavors meld before serving.

Tips & Variations

For a dairy-free version, use an olive oil-based mayonnaise or make your own oil emulsion.
To intensify garlic flavor, let the minced garlic sit with salt for 10 minutes before mixing.
Swap cayenne pepper for smoked paprika for a smoky twist.
Add a teaspoon of honey or maple syrup for a touch of sweetness.

Storage

Store garlic aioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Before using, give it a good stir. It’s best served cold or at room temperature. Avoid freezing as it can alter the texture.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I use fresh garlic juice instead of minced garlic?

Fresh garlic juice can be more intense and may make the aioli bitter, so it’s best to use minced garlic or a garlic paste for balanced flavor.

How can I make garlic aioli vegan?

Use a vegan mayonnaise as the base and follow the same steps. This keeps the creamy texture and garlic flavor without dairy or eggs.