Aioli Base Recipe

Posted on by Annie Baker – By

Aioli. Is it mayo? Is garlic required to be considered an aioli? We say break the rules. If you want to take mayo and add sriracha and call it an aioli, we’re here for that. We think aioli is almost like a mother sauce–a foundation for you to build flavor on. Aioli is just a thick smear that belongs on all BLTs, can be the base for a great caesar dressing, and is essential for every cook’s pantry.

Here we demonstrate how to make an aioli base by hand and then we add some herbs in the end. But truly, the sky is the limit. You can season your aioli with things like smoked paprika, mustard, basil, or even thin it out with water after you’ve made it so it’s more dip-able. Remember, it’s just a vehicle for flavor!

Aioli Base
This recipe makes 2 cups. It’s easier to make aioli with more eggs than not, so start with 2. We chose vinegar and lemon juice for flavor, and olive oil because it’s a healthy fat. You can throw all the ingredients, except for the oil, into a blender or food processor and then slowly drizzle in your oil until it is emulsified. We’ve done it by hand to show you exactly how the science behind it works.

Ingredients

  • 2 eggs yolks
  • 1 cup extra virgin olive oil
  • 1/2 lemon, juiced
  • 1 teaspoon vinegar
  • pinch of salt
  • add ins, like chopped herbs or spices

Gather your ingredients.

Separate the yolks from the whites.

Set a towel under the bowl to stabilize it. This helps when you’re whisking and drizzling at the same time.

Add your lemon juice and vinegar. Whisk together with the yolks.

Very slowly, add a couple drips of oil. Whisk until the oil is completely emulsified, or mixed in, to the egg mixture. Continue to slowly whisk in your oil in a steady stream, making sure to incorporate the oil into the yolks before adding more. If you add oil too fast, your aioli will break and become oily. If you feel like you’ve added too much oil, added a few teaspoons of water to help bring things back together.

Once you’ve added all your oil and the aioli has come together, season with salt and add in your seasonings.

Taste 🙂