So there I was, twiddling my thumbs, exploring the modern culinary wonder of the Internet—or better known by Gen Z as TikTok—and I stumbled across this viral recipe video. You know the ones: attractive hands, quick cuts, pleasing sound effects. It’s like Julia Child meets MTV! Now, don’t get me wrong; I adore vintage Julia Childs, soothing voice, clanging pots and all, but these bite-sized online recipes are a whole other ballgame.
It got me thinking about how we consume content nowadays. Devouring those videos in minutes, aren’t we a little starved for the slow-cooked, heart-to-heart connections of yesteryear? Speaking of heartwarming connections, let me tell you about a flashback from watching these new-age recipe videos (totally not getting distracted here). When my little ones do something adorable and I’m on the verge of tears (I’m not crying, you’re crying), I can’t help but laugh at my own emotional rollercoaster.
So, alright, here we are about to marry the rustic charm of old-school cooking shows with the zesty flair of a modern recipe tutorial, and voila—we’ve got ourselves a delightful Garlic Lemon Aioli! This recipe captures the essence of that nostalgia while smacking our taste buds awake with a punch. In the end, you’ll have an aioli that’s perfect for every generation: from Julia Child devotees to TikTok trend-hoppers, it’s a universal crowd-pleaser.
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise – The creamy and rich base of the sauce.
- Lemon zest – A tiny but powerful ingredient that brings a fresh and vibrant citrusy flavor.
- Lemon juice – A tangy and acidic kick to balance out the richness of the mayo.
- Garlic powder – A convenient way to add garlic flavor to the aioli.
- Salt to taste – To bring all the flavors together and make them pop.
Instructions
- It’s time to talk about how to make the ultimate garlic lemon aioli sauce! It’s creamy, tangy and perfect for dipping, spreading or just drizzling all over everything. So let’s get to it!
- First thing’s first, grab yourself a bowl and add in your mayo. If you’re feeling fancy, you could try using a vegan mayo alternative, but the classic mayo is always a crowd-pleaser.
- Next, we’re gonna zest up our sauce with some fresh lemon zest. Now, I know you could use that pre-packaged stuff, but trust me, the difference in flavor with fresh is noticeable and you need that zest for the recipe.
- Now let’s add in our garlic. Now, if you’re feeling fancy, you could try using some fresh minced or smashed garlic that’s been cooked in olive oil in a skillet until browned and fragrant. But if you’re like me, and you’re in a hurry, garlic powder works just fine too. Just make sure to give it a pinch of salt to taste.
- Now that all your ingredients are in there, give it a good stir until everything is fully combined. If you want an even creamier aioli, feel free to blend it for a smoother texture.
- You can either refrigerate it or serve it immediately. And there you have it folks, the perfect garlic lemon aioli sauce! You can thank me later. Just kidding, you’ll be too busy enjoying this deliciousness!
Serving Suggestions for Garlic Lemon Aioli
This garlic lemon aioli is the perfect addition to your next meal. Try it as a dipping sauce for your favorite French fries or roasted vegetables. Spread it on your favorite sandwich for a tangy kick. Or, use it as a base for your next salad dressing by whisking in some vinegar and extra virgin olive oil.
For a fun twist, try making a garlic lemon aioli potato salad! Boil some baby potatoes until tender, let them cool, then toss them with the aioli, chopped parsley, and a pinch of salt and pepper.
And let’s not forget about seafood! This aioli is the perfect companion to grilled shrimp, crab cakes, or even a whole grilled fish. The lemon and garlic flavors will enhance the natural flavors of the seafood.
Enjoy this creamy and tangy sauce in so many ways!
FAQ’s
Can I use fresh garlic instead of garlic powder in this recipe?
Absolutely! In fact, using fresh garlic will give your aioli a more flavorful kick. I recommend mincing or smashing the clove, then cooking it in olive oil in a skillet until browned and fragrant. Or if you don’t have time for that, you can just smash it into a paste and mix it into the aioli instead of using garlic powder. If you’re making a larger batch, use 1 whole clove for every ½ teaspoon garlic powder.
Is it necessary to use fresh lemon juice in this recipe?
I definitely recommend using fresh lemon juice for this dish. The difference in flavor is noticeable, and you need the zest for the recipe. But if you’re in a pinch and all you have is bottled lemon juice, it will still taste good.
Can I make this recipe with a vegan mayo?
You sure can! There are some great vegan mayo options out there, and they work perfectly in this recipe. It’ll be just as delicious and you’ll still be able to enjoy your aioli without any guilt.
How long should I refrigerate this aioli for?
This aioli will last for up to a week in the fridge. So if you’re planning on serving it at a party or something, you could make it ahead of time, but if you’re planning on using it right away, you can serve it immediately.
Garlic Lemon Aioli
Equipment
- Medium-sized mixing bowl
- Whisk or fork
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup high-quality mayonnaise
- 1 large lemon, zested and juiced
- 1 large garlic clove, minced
- Salt, to taste
Instructions
- Start by zesting the lemon and then juicing it. You should have about 1 tablespoon of lemon juice.
- Mince the garlic clove and set it aside.
- In a medium-sized mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise, lemon zest, lemon juice, minced garlic, and a pinch of salt.
- Mix all the ingredients together until they are well combined.
- Taste and adjust the seasoning as needed. Add more salt or lemon juice to taste.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld and the aioli to thicken.
- Serve immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Notes
- For a smoother texture, blend the aioli with a hand-held immersion blender or in a food processor until desired consistency is reached.
- For a more intense garlicky flavor, consider roasting the garlic before mincing it. Simply wrap unpeeled garlic cloves in aluminum foil with a drizzle of olive oil and roast in the oven at 400°F for 30-40 minutes, or until fragrant and soft.
- Use high-quality mayonnaise for the best results.
- For presentation, drizzle the aioli over your dish or serve it in a small bowl on the side with a sprinkle of lemon zest or a few sprigs of fresh herbs.
- It is important to note that aioli is typically high in fat and calories, so it should be consumed in moderation as part of a balanced diet.
Nutrition
