Spicy Citrus Mayo

Why This Chili Lime Mayo Will Become Your Go-To Condiment

• Effortlessly Quick & Easy: You’re just five minutes away from a deliciously zesty, spicy, and creamy sauce. With simple pantry staples, you can create a gourmet-level condiment without any fuss, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.
• Incredibly Versatile: The culinary possibilities are truly limitless. Whether you need a vibrant dip for appetizers, a zesty dressing for salads, a flavorful sandwich spread, or a fiery drizzle for tacos and burrito bowls, this Chili Lime Mayo adapts to every need.
• Superior to Store-Bought Options: Say goodbye to artificial flavors, unnecessary fillers, and preservatives. Crafting your own Chili Lime Mayo means you’re in complete control of the ingredients, ensuring a fresher, purer, and more robust flavor that simply can’t be matched by commercial alternatives. It’s a taste of homemade goodness that shines through every bite.
• Customizable Flavor Profile: Tailor the heat and tang to your exact preference. Whether you like it mildly spicy or crave an intense kick, this recipe is easily adaptable, allowing you to create a personalized condiment that perfectly suits your palate.

Chili Lime Mayo: A Flavorful Journey in Just Minutes

This irresistible chili lime sauce comes together in a mere 5 minutes with just a handful of staple ingredients, proving that extraordinary flavor doesn’t require extensive effort. Bursting with the bright, citrusy zing of fresh lime and the complex warmth of chili, this homemade condiment is destined to become a beloved addition to your kitchen arsenal. Its vibrant profile makes it an ideal companion for drizzling generously over Mexican Street Corn, enhancing the flavors of sandwiches, enlivening tacos, and adding depth to burritos.

But don’t limit your imagination there – the applications for this zesty, spicy mayo extend far beyond traditional Mexican fare. It’s an exceptionally easy way to elevate everyday sides and mains, transforming ordinary fries, juicy burgers, crispy roasted potatoes, and even humble grilled vegetables into something truly spectacular. Crafted with creamy mayonnaise, tangy freshly squeezed lime juice, a hint of robust chili powder, the signature sweet heat of Sriracha, and a touch of smoky paprika, you’ll soon discover yourself reaching for this Spicy Mayo with Lime to impart a delightful kick to virtually anything on your plate.

Key Ingredients for the Perfect Chili Lime Mayo

Creating this sensational Chili Lime Mayo requires only a few core ingredients, each playing a vital role in its distinctive flavor profile. Opting for fresh, high-quality components will yield the best results, but we’ll also discuss suitable alternatives to ensure you can whip this up whenever the craving strikes.

• Mayonnaise: The creamy foundation of our sauce. Any type of mayonnaise will work beautifully here, whether you prefer regular full-fat for a richer texture, or a low-fat or avocado oil-based mayo for a lighter option. For an unparalleled taste and texture, homemade mayonnaise is an excellent choice if you have the time, offering a silkier base and fresher flavor.
• Lime Juice: The essential tang and brightness. Freshly squeezed lime juice is highly recommended as it provides the most vibrant and authentic citrus notes. Its zesty acidity cuts through the richness of the mayonnaise and balances the heat of the chili. If fresh limes aren’t available, bottled lime juice can be used in a pinch, though the flavor may be slightly less intense. For an extra boost of intense lime flavor and aromatic depth, consider adding a touch of finely grated lime zest to your mixture. This simple addition can truly elevate the condiment.
• Chili Powder: The heart of the “chili” in Chili Lime Mayo. Standard chili powder works perfectly, offering a balanced warmth and savory undertone. However, don’t hesitate to get creative with other chili-based spices to customize the heat and flavor.
  • Cayenne Powder: For a sharper, more direct heat.
  • Dried Chipotle Powder: To introduce a smoky, earthy warmth with a moderate spice level, creating a delicious Chipotle Lime Mayo.
  • Ancho Chili Powder: For a milder, fruitier chili flavor with a deep red hue.
  • New Mexico Chili Powder: Offering an even milder, sweeter chili profile.
  • Chipotle Lime Seasoning: A convenient blend that can add both smoky chili and extra lime notes.
• Sriracha: A beloved Thai hot sauce that adds a unique sweet, sour, and spicy dimension. Sriracha’s garlic undertones and balanced heat integrate seamlessly into the mayo, providing a complex piquancy. If Sriracha isn’t to your liking or readily available, you can substitute it with other hot sauces like Tabasco, Cholula, or even a touch of Gochujang for a different twist. Adjust the quantity according to your preferred level of heat.
• Smoked Paprika: The secret ingredient that imparts an amazing depth of flavor. Smoked paprika adds a wonderfully earthy and smoky note that perfectly complements the spicy and sour elements of the sauce. It elevates the overall profile, giving it a gourmet touch. If you only have regular sweet paprika, you can use it, but try adding a tiny pinch of liquid smoke (if available) for a similar smoky effect, or simply enjoy the non-smoked version.

These ingredients, when combined, create a harmonious blend that is both bold and incredibly satisfying, promising to become a staple in your kitchen.

How to Craft Your Perfect Chili Lime Mayo

Preparing this vibrant Chili Lime Mayo is remarkably simple, requiring just two straightforward steps and a minimal amount of time. You’ll be enjoying this homemade delight in no time!

1. Combine the Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your fresh ingredients. In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, freshly squeezed lime juice, chili powder, Sriracha, and smoked paprika. For optimal flavor distribution, ensure your lime juice is truly fresh.
2. Whisk Until Well Combined: Using a whisk or a fork, vigorously stir the ingredients together. Continue whisking until the mixture is completely smooth, creamy, and all the spices are fully incorporated into the mayonnaise. There should be no lumps, and the color should be uniform. Once mixed, taste the sauce and adjust seasonings if necessary. You might want to add a little more lime juice for extra tang, more Sriracha or chili powder for increased heat, or even a tiny pinch of salt to enhance the overall flavor.
3. Chill and Serve: For the best flavor, cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap or transfer the mayo to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and deepen, resulting in a more harmonious and delicious sauce. Once chilled and ready, serve your homemade Chili Lime Mayo on your favorite dishes and enjoy the explosion of tangy, spicy flavor!

Customizing Your Chili Lime Mayo: Delicious Recipe Variations

One of the best aspects of this Chili Lime Mayo recipe is its adaptability. It serves as a fantastic base for experimentation, allowing you to tweak the flavors and heat to suit your personal preferences. Here are several exciting variations to explore:

• For Extra Smoky Heat: If you crave an even more intense, smoky spice, incorporate the adobo sauce from a can of chipotle peppers. Start with half a teaspoon and add more to taste. The rich, smoky heat of chipotle in adobo will deepen the complexity of the mayo beautifully.
• Boost with Roasted Garlic: For a profound savory punch, whisk in a tablespoon or two of mashed roasted garlic. Roasting garlic mellows its sharpness and brings out a sweet, nutty flavor that pairs exquisitely with the chili and lime, adding a gourmet dimension to your sauce.
• Sweet and Spicy Harmony: To balance the heat with a touch of sweetness, add a small amount of honey or agave nectar. Start with half a teaspoon and adjust to your liking. This creates a delightful sweet-spicy version that’s particularly excellent with chicken or as a dip for sweet potato fries.
• Lighten it Up with Greek Yogurt: For a tangier and lighter twist, substitute half of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt. This reduces the fat content while adding a refreshing tartness and a slight probiotic boost. Ensure you use plain, unsweetened Greek yogurt for the best results.
• Fresh Herb Infusion: Stir in a tablespoon or two of finely chopped fresh cilantro or parsley. These herbs add a burst of freshness and a vibrant color, perfectly complementing the Mexican and Tex-Mex flavors.
• Garlic & Onion Powder: For an allium kick, add a quarter teaspoon each of garlic powder and onion powder. This subtle addition can enhance the savory profile without overpowering the main chili-lime notes.
• Tropical Citrus Twist: Experiment with other citrus juices or zests, such as orange or grapefruit, for a unique twist. These can add different layers of sweetness and acidity.
• Umami Depth: A tiny dash of soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce (just a few drops) can add an unexpected umami depth, making the mayo even more addictive.

Feel free to mix and match these variations, or invent your own, to create a Chili Lime Mayo that is uniquely yours!

For optimal freshness and food safety, you can store your homemade Chili Lime Mayo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 3 days. Since it’s made with fresh ingredients and no preservatives, it’s best enjoyed within this timeframe.

The versatility of Chili Lime Mayo is truly remarkable, offering an abundance of delicious serving options. Here are just a few ideas to get you started:

• Mexican Street Corn (Elotes): This is arguably its most iconic pairing. Drizzle it generously over grilled or roasted corn on the cob for an authentic Mexican street food experience.
• Tacos & Burritos: Elevate any taco night! It’s fantastic with chicken tacos, fish tacos, beef tacos, or even vegetarian options. It also makes a superb sauce for burritos and burrito bowls.
• Burgers & Sandwiches: Transform your ordinary burger (classic hamburgers, chicken burgers, veggie burgers) or sandwich into something extraordinary. Its zesty kick adds a burst of flavor that plain mayo simply can’t. Excellent in chicken wraps too.
• Fries & Roasted Potatoes: A perfect dipping sauce for all kinds of potatoes. Serve it with regular fries, sweet potato fries, herb roasted potatoes, potato wedges, or any potato side dish.
• Grilled & Roasted Vegetables: A fantastic way to add flavor to broccoli, asparagus, Brussels sprouts, bell peppers, or corn on the cob.
• Seafood: An amazing accompaniment to grilled shrimp, fish fillets, or even calamari.
• Chicken Tenders & Nuggets: A gourmet dipping sauce that will impress kids and adults alike.
• Salads & Bowls: Use it as a vibrant dressing for grain bowls or a drizzle over fresh salads.
• Eggs: Add a dollop to scrambled eggs, omelets, or breakfast burritos for a spicy morning kick.
• Potato Salad: Stir it into your favorite potato salad recipe for an unexpected and delicious flavor upgrade.
• Pizza: Yes, even pizza! A little drizzle can add a delightful, zesty twist to certain pizza combinations.

Don’t be afraid to experiment – if it needs a little kick and a burst of flavor, Chili Lime Mayo is likely the answer!

While you technically *can* freeze mayonnaise, it is generally not recommended, especially for this homemade version. Freezing and then thawing mayonnaise will often cause the emulsion to break, resulting in a less creamy, separated, and often oily condiment with an undesirable texture. Since this Chili Lime Mayo recipe is so quick and simple to prepare fresh, it’s best to make a batch when you need it rather than attempting to freeze it for later use. Enjoy it fresh for the best experience!

Storing Your Homemade Chili Lime Mayo

Proper storage is key to enjoying your fresh Chili Lime Mayo. Always keep it refrigerated to maintain its quality and ensure food safety.

Refrigerator: Transfer your freshly made Chili Lime Mayo into an airtight container. Store it in the coldest part of your refrigerator for optimal freshness. It will maintain its delicious flavor and creamy texture for up to 3 days. Always give it a quick stir before serving, as some slight separation can occur naturally.

Chili Lime Mayo Recipe

Author: The Carefree Kitchen

This Chili Lime Mayo is an easy-to-make condiment that will leave your taste buds happy. It’s tangy, spicy, and perfect for serving on Mexican Street Corn, tacos, burgers, wraps, and so much more.

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