Make a delicious, easy spicy mayo for sushi in under two minutes. With just three ingredients, this versatile sauce elevates weeknight dinners and can be kept in a jar in the refrigerator for quick use.
This spicy mayo is the ideal sushi accompaniment, but it truly pairs well with almost anything. I keep a jar in my fridge and reach for it constantly.
You’ll Love This 3-Ingredient Spicy Mayo Recipe for Sushi
Reasons to make this right away:
- Fast: Whisk it together in moments when cravings strike.
- Extremely versatile: Use it as a dip for sushi, a sandwich spread, a burger topping, or a salad dressing. Its creamy texture and bold flavor add interest to many dishes, so make a big batch.
- Adjustable heat: Control the spiciness by varying the amount of sriracha or using a milder or hotter hot sauce.
- Balanced flavor: Creamy mayonnaise, spicy sriracha, and savory soy sauce combine for a rich, well-rounded taste. Kewpie mayo works great for extra richness, but any good-quality mayo will do.
Here’s What You Need
Gather these three basic ingredients and you’re ready to go.
Spicy Mayo Recipe for Sushi Ingredients
Keep it simple with quality components:
- Mayonnaise: A creamy, neutral mayonnaise is the base. Use regular mayo or Japanese Kewpie for extra richness.
- Sriracha sauce: Provides the heat and signature flavor. Add more or less to suit your taste.
- Soy sauce: Adds saltiness and umami depth; use regular or low-sodium soy sauce.
Substitutions and Variations
Try these swaps and additions to customize the sauce:
Mayonnaise substitutes
- Greek yogurt: Use for a lighter version and add a squeeze of lemon for brightness.
- Vegan mayonnaise: Choose soy-, canola-, or avocado-oil-based vegan mayo for a dairy-free option.
Sriracha sauce variations
- Hot sauce: Any hot sauce can replace sriracha; scale the amount to the sauce’s heat level.
- Chili paste: Thai chili paste or gochujang add deeper, more complex flavors.
Soy sauce alternatives
- Tamari: A gluten-free substitute for soy sauce.
- Coconut aminos: A soy-free, slightly sweeter alternative made from coconut sap.
Other flavors
- Wasabi mayo: Stir in a small amount of wasabi paste for a sharp, pungent kick.
- Yuzu mayo: Add yuzu juice or zest for a bright citrus note.
- Spicy sesame mayo: Mix in a drizzle of sesame oil and toasted sesame seeds for a nutty aroma.
Creaminess enhancements
- Avocado: Mash a ripe avocado into the mayo for extra creaminess and a green tint.
- Sour cream: A spoonful will lend tang and mellow the heat.
Herb and spice additions
- Cilantro-lime mayo: Add chopped cilantro and lime juice for a fresh, zesty variation.
- Garlicky mayo: Mix in minced garlic or garlic powder for deeper savory notes.
Tools to Grab
Just a bowl and a whisk — this is a stir-and-serve recipe.
How to Make Spicy Mayo for Sushi: An Easy Guide
Follow these quick steps to create a smooth, flavorful sauce.
Add the ingredients in phases
In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and sriracha. Stir in the soy sauce until the mixture is smooth and homogenous.
Balance the taste profile
Taste and add more sriracha for heat or more mayo to mellow it. If you prefer a slightly sweeter mayo, add 1/2 teaspoon of sugar, taste, and adjust as needed.
Make Ahead and Storage
Mix the ingredients, transfer the spicy mayo to an airtight container or jar, and refrigerate. It will keep well for up to one week.
Shake or stir before use to recombine any settled ingredients. Freezing is not recommended because the texture can separate and become less creamy after thawing.
How to Serve this 3-Ingredient Spicy Mayo
Use this mayo to top sushi rolls or bowls, or drizzle it over rice bowls, poke bowls, and baked salmon rice muffins. It’s excellent on sandwiches, wraps, burgers, fries, and roasted vegetables. It also pairs nicely with baked or air-fried fish like salmon and tuna.
Final Notes, Pro Tips
A few tips for the best results:
- Start light with sriracha: It’s easier to add heat than remove it.
- Umami boost: Soy sauce deepens the flavor and balances the creaminess with savory richness.
FAQs About 3-Ingredient Spicy Mayo
Quick answers to common questions:
Yes. Substitute your preferred hot sauce and adjust the amount to match the heat level you want.
It depends on the brands you use. Many mayonnaises are gluten-free, but some soy sauces contain gluten. Use tamari or a labeled gluten-free soy sauce if needed.
Stored in an airtight container, it will keep for up to one week.
Freezing is not recommended because thawing can break the emulsion and change the texture.
Yes. Vary the amount of sriracha to reach your desired heat level.
It’s great with sushi, seafood, fries, vegetables, sandwiches, burgers, wraps, tacos, and rice or poke bowls.
Other Asian Takeout Recipes You’ll Love
If you enjoy quick, takeout-inspired meals, try these other recipes from the same collection.
- Boom Boom Shrimp
- Fresh Spring Rolls with Rice Paper Wrappers
- Pad Woon Sen (Thai glass noodle stir-fry)
- Gochujang Chicken
- Hunan Shrimp
- Thai Basil Pork
- Chili Oil Ramen
- Orange Chicken
- Healthier 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
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Combine the mayonnaise and sriracha in a small bowl and mix until even.
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Stir in the soy sauce and whisk until smooth.
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Taste and adjust the sriracha to reach your preferred spiciness.
Nutrition
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Carbohydrates: 0.4 g
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Protein: 0.5 g
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Fat: 21 g
Nutrition information is an approximation.
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