We know: It seems impossible to improve on a creamy swipe of mayonnaise. But spiking our favorite decadent spread with another ingredient or two makes it even more complex and flavorful. Just stir one of these components into store-bought mayo.
WHERE TO BEGIN: Our base isn’t a made-from-scratch ail. We love Helmann’s, also known as Best Foods (but when we’re in the South, we’ll take Duke’s).
Think about adding some sriracha, a mix-in we’re seeing everywhere. Try it with pulled pork, roast turkey, grilled chicken…
Season mayo with anchovy paste (the kind in a tube) to add a hit of deep umami flavor to a tuna fish sandwich.
Go British: Thin some mayo with malt vinegar and spread it on fried fish or chicken cutlet sandwiches.
Mix in sambal, a spicy Southeast Asian chili sauce, and serve on a roast beef sandwich with plenty of chopped fresh herbs, like basil and mint.
Fold sesame seeds and toasted sesame oil into mayo and serve on roast pork or grilled fish sandwiches.
Stir in finely grated lemon zest and a squeeze of lemon juice to brighten up chicken salad or steak sandwiches.
Toss in chopped fresh herbs like parsley, tarragon, and/or chives for an easy green aioli, which would be great with an egg sandwich.
