Chili aioli is a delicious condiment that adds a kick of heat and flavor to sandwiches, burgers, tacos, and more. It’s typically made by mixing garlic aioli with chili peppers and other spicy ingredients. But what exactly goes into this zesty sauce?
What is Aioli?
Aioli is a creamy emulsion sauce originally from the Provence region of France. The main ingredients in traditional aioli are:
- Garlic – Finely minced raw garlic provides the base flavor.
- Olive oil – Blended with the garlic to form an emulsion.
- Egg yolks – Used as the emulsifier to blend the oil and garlic.
- Lemon juice – Brightens the flavors and helps stabilize the emulsion.
- Salt – Seasons the aioli.
So aioli is essentially a garlic-infused mayonnaise. By mixing aioli with chili peppers and other ingredients, you can turn it into a spicy chili aioli dip or sauce.
Main Ingredients in Chili Aioli
While recipes can vary, these are the main ingredients generally used to make chili aioli:
Aioli
As mentioned above, aioli forms the base of chili aioli. You can make your own by blending raw garlic with olive oil, egg yolks, lemon juice and salt. For quicker preparation, you can also use store-bought aioli.
Chili peppers
This is what gives chili aioli its signature spicy kick. Different types of chilies can be used:
- Red chili flakes – Also called crushed red pepper flakes. Provides a quick heat.
- Cayenne pepper – Adds more heat and flavor.
- Jalapeño – Fresh chopped jalapeños give a nice fiery punch.
- Chipotle chilies in adobo – Smoky and spicy.
The amount and type of peppers can be adjusted to your desired level of spiciness.
Garlic
For extra garlic flavor, minced raw garlic is often added in addition to the garlic already contained in the aioli. Granulated garlic powder is sometimes used as well.
Spices and seasonings
Spices like paprika, cumin or chile powder can enhance the flavor profile. Some salt helps balance out the heat.
Herbs
Fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley or chives add a refreshing contrast. Dried oregano or basil work too.
Acid
A squirt of lemon or lime juice brightens the chili aioli and adds acidity to cut through the richness.
Optional Ingredients
In addition to the main ingredients above, some extra flavor-boosting ingredients can be added such as:
- Hot sauce – For an extra vinegary kick.
- Worcestershire sauce – Adds depth of flavor.
- Mustard – Yellow mustard can complement the chili flavor.
- Tomato product – Ketchup, tomato paste, sun-dried tomatoes, etc.
- Honey – A touch of sweetness to balance the heat and acidity.
Feel free to get creative and add any ingredients that sound appealing! The possibilities are endless when crafting a signature chili aioli.
How to Make Chili Aioli
Making homemade chili aioli is simple. Here is a basic process:
- If not using store-bought mayo, make the aioli first. Mince garlic and let it sit for 10 minutes to mellow. Gradually whisk in olive oil to form an emulsion. Add lemon juice and season with salt.
- Prepare the chili ingredient(s). Mince or finely chop fresh peppers. Measure out any dried spices or seasonings.
- In a bowl, combine the aioli with the chili peppers and any other ingredients like garlic, herbs or spices. Add just a little at first, taste, and adjust as desired.
- For a smooth textured chili aioli, blend everything in a food processor until well combined.
- Taste and adjust the flavors as needed. Add more lemon juice to brighten or olive oil to mellow it out.
- Transfer to an airtight container. Store refrigerated for up to 1 week.
The ratios depend on how spicy you want your chili aioli. Start with a small amount of chili pepper and increase to taste.
Serving Suggestions
Chili aioli is very versatile! It can be used:
- As a sandwich spread
- Drizzled on tacos, burgers, pizza
- As a dip for fries, chicken strips, veggie sticks
- In wraps or rolls
- As a spicy mayo replacement
- In seafood dishes like shrimp or fish tacos
- As a marinade or grilling sauce for meats
- Slathered on a roasted chicken or turkey
Get creative with how you use this fiery condiment! Chili aioli adds a delicious kick wherever it’s added.
Recipe Ideas
Here are a few recipe ideas to inspire you:
Basic Chili Aioli
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise or aioli | 1 cup |
| Garlic, minced | 2 cloves |
| Chili flakes | 1-2 tsp |
| Lemon juice | 1-2 tsp |
Combine all ingredients in a bowl and mix well. Adjust lemon juice and chili flakes to taste.
Chipotle Chili Aioli
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Chipotle chilies in adobo | 1-2 tsp |
| Adobo sauce | 1 tsp |
| Lime juice | 1 tsp |
| Honey | 1 tsp (optional) |
Puree chipotle and adobo sauce. Mix with mayo, lime, and honey if desired.
Jalapeño Popper Chili Aioli
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup |
| Jalapeño, minced | 1 |
| Cream cheese | 2 oz |
| Cheddar cheese, shredded | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic powder | 1/4 tsp |
| Cayenne pepper | Pinch |
Mix all ingredients together until smooth.
Conclusion
Chili aioli is an easy way to add some zip to your sandwiches, seafood, grilled meats and more. The basic ingredients are aioli, chili peppers, garlic, and citrus. But you can customize it with spices and herbs to match your preferences. Make a batch to keep on hand in the refrigerator so you can spice up meals anytime. Get creative with how you incorporate this versatile condiment into your cooking.