Can I make this spicy mayo with light mayonnaise?

Absolutely! Light mayonnaise works perfectly fine, though the texture might be slightly less rich. The flavor will still be excellent, making it a great option if you're watching calories.

How can I make this sauce less spicy but still flavorful?

Start with just 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha instead of the full amount, and consider adding a tiny squeeze of honey (about 1/4 teaspoon) to balance the reduced heat with a touch of sweetness. The lemon juice is still essential for brightness.

What's the best substitute for sriracha if I don't have any?

Almost any chili sauce works wonderfully! Try sambal oelek for bright heat, gochujang for deeper flavor, or even a combination of hot sauce and a tiny bit of honey to mimic sriracha's heat-sweet balance. Adjust quantities based on your heat preference.

Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes! Simply use vegan mayonnaise as your base (many are made with plant oils and are naturally dairy-free). The other ingredients are already dairy-free, so this substitution creates a perfect vegan spicy mayo.

3-Ingredient Spicy Mayo Recipe

Name: 3-Ingredient Spicy Mayo Recipe
Prep time: 1 min
Cook time: 1 min
Total time: 2 min
Cuisine: Fusion
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 1/4 cup sriracha or any chili sauce; 1/2 tablespoon lemon juice

This 3-Ingredient Spicy Mayo is a game-changer for your kitchen arsenal – incredibly simple yet devastatingly delicious. Ready in just 2 minutes flat, this creamy, spicy condiment transforms everything from sandwiches to sushi with its perfect balance of heat and tanginess. It’s the secret weapon that will have everyone asking for your recipe!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Lightning Fast: From ingredients to finished sauce in literally 2 minutes – faster than hunting for the store-bought version in your fridge!
Customizable Heat: Control exactly how fiery you want it – make it mild for the spice-sensitive or dial it up for true heat seekers.
Versatile Wonder: This sauce works magic on practically everything – burgers, fries, fish tacos, sushi, roasted vegetables, you name it.
Ingredient Control: No preservatives or artificial ingredients like commercial versions – just real food with pronounceable ingredients.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Mayonnaise: The creamy base that carries all the flavor. Use a good quality mayo – it really does make a difference! Full-fat delivers the best texture and flavor, but light works if you prefer.
Sriracha: Brings the perfect balance of heat and subtle sweetness. Don’t have sriracha? Any chili sauce works – gochujang adds nice depth, while sambal oelek offers brighter heat.
Lemon Juice: Just a touch brightens everything up and cuts through the richness. It’s the secret ingredient that elevates this from good to irresistible.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Flavor Twists

Garlic Lover’s Version: Add 1-2 minced garlic cloves or a touch of garlic powder for a punch of savory depth.
Herb-Infused: Mix in finely chopped cilantro, chives, or dill for freshness.
Umami Boost: A splash of soy sauce or dash of fish sauce takes this to new dimensions.
Smoky Heat: Substitute chipotle in adobo for some or all of the sriracha.

Dietary Adaptations

Vegan Spicy Mayo: Use plant-based mayonnaise – no one will notice the difference!
Lower Calorie Option: Mix Greek yogurt with a smaller amount of mayo for a lighter version.

How to Make 3-Ingredient Spicy Mayo

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

In a small bowl, add the mayonnaise, sriracha or chili sauce of choice, and lemon juice.

Step 2: Mix Thoroughly

Whisk everything together until completely smooth and uniform in color. Take time to ensure it’s well blended for consistent flavor in every bite.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

Dip a small spoon in and taste. Need more heat? Add more sriracha. Want more tang? A few more drops of lemon juice will do the trick.

Step 4: Serve or Store

Either serve immediately or transfer to a container and refrigerate until needed.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Room Temperature Mayo: Starting with room temperature mayonnaise makes mixing easier and ensures a smoother texture.
Rest Time: While you can use it immediately, letting the flavors meld for 30 minutes in the refrigerator enhances the taste considerably.
Quality Matters: This recipe has so few ingredients that each one counts – use the best quality mayonnaise and freshest lemon juice you can.
Consistent Heat: Add sriracha gradually and taste as you go – you can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away!

How to Serve

This versatile condiment elevates practically anything it touches:

Perfect Pairings

Sandwich Spread: Transforms ordinary turkey or ham sandwiches into something special.
Burger Topper: Forget plain ketchup and mayo – this is your new favorite.
Sushi Companion: Drizzle over your favorite rolls or use as a dipping sauce.
Fry Dip: French fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings will never be the same.
Taco Enhancer: Drizzle over fish tacos for an unforgettable meal.
Rice Bowl Finisher: A dollop on rice bowls ties all the flavors together.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store your spicy mayo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors actually improve after the first day as they have time to blend.

Note: If you notice any separation, simply give it a quick stir before using.

Freezing

Freezing isn’t recommended for mayonnaise-based sauces as they tend to separate and become watery when thawed. The emulsion breaks down, resulting in an unpleasant texture.

Portioning

Consider making small batches frequently rather than large amounts that might go to waste. However, if you use it as often as I do, a double batch is perfectly reasonable!

FAQs

Can I make this spicy mayo with light mayonnaise?

Absolutely! Light mayonnaise works perfectly fine, though the texture might be slightly less rich. The flavor will still be excellent, making it a great option if you’re watching calories.
How can I make this sauce less spicy but still flavorful?

Start with just 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha instead of the full amount, and consider adding a tiny squeeze of honey (about 1/4 teaspoon) to balance the reduced heat with a touch of sweetness. The lemon juice is still essential for brightness.
What’s the best substitute for sriracha if I don’t have any?

Almost any chili sauce works wonderfully! Try sambal oelek for bright heat, gochujang for deeper flavor, or even a combination of hot sauce and a tiny bit of honey to mimic sriracha’s heat-sweet balance. Adjust quantities based on your heat preference.
Is there a dairy-free version of this recipe?

Yes! Simply use vegan mayonnaise as your base (many are made with plant oils and are naturally dairy-free). The other ingredients are already dairy-free, so this substitution creates a perfect vegan spicy mayo.

Final Thoughts

This 3-Ingredient Spicy Mayo isn’t just a condiment – it’s a flavor revelation that takes seconds to make but transforms everything it touches. I keep a jar constantly in my fridge because it makes even the simplest meals feel special. The beauty lies in its simplicity and adaptability – make it yours by adjusting the heat level and experimenting with the variations. Trust me, once you start making this at home, you’ll never want to be without it!