This irresistibly delicious curry aioli is a super quick condiment that is easy to make with just a few ingredients.
Plus, there are plenty of ways to serve and enjoy this curry mayonnaise(another name to call). To put it simply, this curry aioli can instantly transform a simple dinner into an impressive one.
The umami flavor from the curry powder and the robust flavors of garlic combined with the creamy mayonnaise creates a finger-licking delectable dipping sauce.
Curry aioli sauce can be prepared and ready in about five minutes(similar to this jalapeno aioli), and my family loves it! The flavorful combination of curry spices and creamy consistency pairs perfectly with a variety of main dishes, adding a luscious touch to each bite.
Save this recipe in your recipe collection, whip up quickly whenever you want to enjoy your meal with a fabulous sauce.
If you're a fan of curry flavor(we love this salmon curry) and love a good dipping sauce, this curry aioli sauce might just become your new favorite. Give it a try and see if it beats your current go-to dipping sauce!
What is curry aioli?
Curry powder is a blend of spices that is commonly used in Asian and Southeast Asia countries. And aioli is an authentic condiment in Mediterranean cuisine.
Curry aioli evolved when the classic condiment of Mediterranean cuisine was fused with the authentic curry flavors of Asian cuisine. Or simply called as curried mayo.
The highlight of this recipe is that it adds a burst of spicy and tangy flavor with a creamy texture.
And this incredibly delicious curry aioli's versatility makes it a great addition to many different dishes. It’s a delightful addition to sandwiches, burgers, grilled meats, vegetables, and more.
Curry aioli ingredients
Curry powder. This is usually made with warm Indian spices like coriander seeds, turmeric, cumin seeds, cinnamon, and others-giving it a strong, distinctive flavor. However, when combined with mayonnaise, the strong flavors mellow down and beautifully complement the other ingredients.
You can use store-bought curry powder or make your own homemade curry powder blend. There are also some close substitutes for curry powder in case you don't have access to it.
Mayonnaise. Provides the body and smooth texture to this aioli sauce.
If you're looking for a lighter version, you may choose Greek yogurt or light sour cream according to your personal preference.
Or substitute with coconut cream, to make tropical flavored coconut curry aioli.
Garlic. How can a tropical recipe be complete without incorporating garlic? Garlic is an unbeatable ingredient that provides robust flavors and makes the sauce bright and refreshing.
I have used fresh garlic, but feel free to use garlic powder or granulated garlic instead.
Lemon juice. Provides a citrusy and refreshing flavor note that balances the rich mayonnaise and spiciness of the curry powder. In case you don't have lemon juice, you can use substitutes like apple cider vinegar, white wine vinegar, or lime juice
How to make curry aioli sauce?
In a small mixing bowl, combine minced garlic, curry powder, lemon juice, and salt. Using a whisk, mix the ingredients thoroughly until they are well combined.
At this stage, the curry aioli should look creamy and silky with tidbits of garlic that evenly spread throughout the sauce.
Taste the sauce and adjust the salt as needed.
Cover the aioli with a lid or aluminum foil.
And refrigerate for at least 20 minutes to allow the flavors to develop fully.
Enjoy this aioli with vegetables, grilled meat, fries, or sandwiches.
How to store curry aïoli sauce?
Refrigerate. Transfer the aioli sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate. This is good to consume within 3 days.
Whenever you're planning to use the aioli sauce, take it out from the fridge. And allow it to sit at room temperature for about 5 to 10 minutes. Then, give it a gentle whisk just before serving.
Freezer. This aioli sauce does not freeze well as the mayonnaise texture can become lumpy and result in an unpleasant texture when thawed.
I never worried about it as it gets emptied as soon as it's made. Even I have some I use in different ways, such as a spread over a sandwich, burger, or wraps. At times I also toss it with salads.
Serving suggestions
As a dipping sauce. The curry aioli sauce boasts a beautifully silky and thick density. Making it perfect for dipping and able to hold well without losing its texture.
Thus, it makes a great dipping sauce for carrots, cucumber slices, celery sticks, peppers, and other vegetables.
As a spread. You can use this aioli sauce as a spread over a sandwich, burger, topping for sliders, tacos, grilled meat, fish, or steak for extra deliciousness."
As a salad dressing. This aioli sauce is great as a salad dressing, particularly for Mediterranean-style salads.
As Marinades. You can also use this aioli sauce as a marinade for meats like chicken, beef, lamb, or seafood before grilling or roasting. The mayonnaise-based sauce can help tenderize the meat and add flavor to it. Not to mention, it results in juicy grilled meat.
Variations
This recipe has an infinite number of variations, including this Sriracha aioli. The following are listed to give a basic idea for simple variations to try-that tastes fabulous as well.
Honey curry aioli. Add a teaspoon of honey to the base sauce for a mild sweetness.
Spicy curry aioli. If you prefer to have a hot and spicy dip, stir in half a teaspoon of cayenne pepper or hot sauce for extra kick.
Lime curry aioli. One of the very popular variations that can never go wrong. For this, swap the lemon juice with the lime juice, for a rich earthy and refreshing flavor.
Cilantro. Add a quarter cup of tightly packed minced cilantro leaves to have a tropical flavor.
Coconut curry aïoli. Replace half of the mayonnaise with coconut cream and coconut milk for extra depth of flavor.
Recommended tools for making this recipe
A Mixing Bowl. Where all your ingredients will come together. And I love this one.
A Whisk. To make sure your aioli is well emulsified and creamy. A right tool makes the cooking process easy.
Measuring Spoons. To get just the right amount of curry and garlic.
Printable recipe card
Curry aioli
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon curry powder
- 1 clove garlic minced
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a small bowl, add mayonnaise, lemon juice, curry powder, garlic, black pepper, and salt.
- Using a whisk blend the mixture until all the ingredients well combined.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to build up
- Taste the aioli and adjust the seasoning if necessary.
- Serve the curry aioli as a dip or as a sauce.
Notes
Whenever you're planning to use the aioli sauce, take it out from the fridge. And allow it to sit at room temperature for about 5 to 10 minutes. Then, give it a gentle whisk just before serving.
Freezer. This aioli sauce does not freeze well as the mayonnaise texture can become lumpy and result in an unpleasant texture when thawed.
TAYLER ROSS
I used this curry aioli on a salad for lunch yesterday and it was incredible! I love the flavor!
dina and bruce miller
Saw this recipe when you posted on my birthday, made it, ate it, loved it!
Dannii
I adore aioli and the curry twist on this was incredible.
Nathan
I used this aioli as a dipping sauce alongside a platter of fresh veggies and it was an absolute hit! So creamy and flavorful!