Easy three-ingredient Japanese Spicy Mayo Recipe that takes minutes to prepare. This spicy mayo is perfect for poke bowls, sushi, hamburgers, grilled vegetables, or as a dipping sauce. You can customize the amount of heat in this spicy mayo.

Japanese Spicy Mayo Recipe

Contents show

This easy Japanese Spicy Mayo recipe takes three ingredients and a few minutes to prepare. The hardest part of the recipe was finding where my lime juicer ended up. It is never in the drawer I start searching in first.

You will want to use a Japanese mayonnaise, like Kewpie Mayonnaise, for a truly authentic flavor. You can find Kewpie Mayo at specialty grocery stores or online. This Japanese Mayo uses rice vinegar instead of white vinegar, which makes it richer in flavor.

Each time I make this recipe, I use what we have in the refrigerator since we quickly power through it.

This spicy mayo sauce tastes terrific not only on sushi but also on burgers, fish tacos, poke bowls, grilled veggies, sandwiches, or anything you want to put a spicy mayo kick on.

I have also seen this recipe called Sriracha Mayo or Sriracha Aioli.

You can adapt this recipe to be spicier if you prefer a bit more kick or use less sriracha to give it a lighter hint of heat.

Ingredients

Here is a quick overview of the simple ingredients needed to make an epic Japanese Spicy Mayo! The printable recipe card at the bottom of the post includes specific measurements and step-by-step instructions.

Mayonnaise
Sriracha Hot chili sauce
Lime Juice - Fresh

Mayonnaise - You can use vegan mayonnaise like Veganaise to make this recipe vegan. You can also try this with avocado mayo, or homemade mayonnaise.

Sriracha Hot Sauce - You can find this with the other hot sauces in the grocery store most of the time. We have seen it in the international aisle in a few grocery stores.

Lime Juice - We prefer the flavor of fresh lime juice but you can use bottled if that is all you have.

Optional/Additional - We have seen a few recipes that include a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil. We have not tried adding these to the recipe.

Equipment Needed

Mixing Bowl - We are big fans of this glass batter bowl that has a handle. It makes it easy to mix ingredients and keeps the mixing bowl steady on the counter.
Whisk

How to Make Japanese Spicy Mayo

I've included complete instructions in the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post, but here's a quick version.

Add the ingredients to a bowl and whisk together until mixed well.
Refrigerate for 2-3 hours until the flavors can meld together.

Preparation and Storage

Make Ahead: Let this spicy Sriracha mayo recipe rest in the fridge for a few hours before serving it so the flavors can meld together.

Storage: Refrigerate this Japanese Spicy Mayo in the refrigerator for two weeks. This homemade spicy mayo recipe can be stored in a mason jar with a lid.

Freezing/How to Freeze: Mayonnaise does not freeze well. It will separate, and its texture will become unsalvageable.

Recipe Variations

Substitutions:

We like Kewpie Mayo's richness in this spicy mayo, but you can also try this with avocado mayo or homemade mayonnaise.

We have seen a few recipes that include a splash of soy sauce or sesame oil. We have not tried adding these to the recipe.

We use lime juice but you could easily use lemon juice for a different citrus flavor.

Kick up the spice a bit with garlic powder.

Vegetarian Option: This recipe is vegetarian.

Vegan Option: You can use vegan mayonnaise, like Veganaise, to make this recipe vegan. If you want to stick with the brand, Kewpie also has a vegan mayo dressing.

Gluten-Free: Kewpie mayonnaise and sriracha are gluten-free, making this spicy sauce safe for a gluten-free diet.

Smaller Serving Size + Larger Group/More Servings: The written recipe makes a little over a cup of sauce and scales quickly to your desired yield.

Make It Spicy: You can adapt this recipe to be spicier if you prefer a bit more kick or use less sriracha to give it a lighter hint of heat.

Sugar-Free: The written recipe contains 5 grams of sugar per batch.

Tips for the Best Japanese Spicy Mayo

You can usually find sriracha with other hot sauces in the grocery store. We have seen it in the international aisle in a few grocery stores.
The flavors of this spicy sauce get even better as it sits in the refrigerator.
Nutrition information can be found in the recipe card below. Values may change depending on brands used.

What to Serve with Japanese Spicy Mayo

If you enjoy your food with some heat, this Japanese Spicy Mayonnaise is the perfect condiment for all your dipping and burger condiment needs! Here are some menu planning ideas.

Sides: Air Fryer French Fries, Air Fryer Sweet Potato Fries, Air Fryer Tater Tots, Air Fryer Onion Rings, Air Fryer Jalapeño Poppers, Air Fryer Fish Sticks

Main Dishes: Big Mac Salad, Carnival Cruise Guy's Burger Joint Pig Patty Burger, BLT Burger with Avocado Aioli, Air Fryer Fish Fillets, Air Fryer Chicken Patties, Air Fryer Chicken Tenders, Air Fryer Popcorn Shrimp, Air Fryer Chicken Nuggets, Air Fryer Popcorn Chicken