Chipotle Mayo - Smoky Spiced Mexican Sauce in 5 Minutes
A smoky, spicy mayo-based sauce with chipotle pepper and lime that transforms ordinary dishes into Mexican-inspired favorites. The key is finding your perfect heat level - start with less chipotle and build up to taste. Perfect for tacos, burgers, grilled vegetables, or as a dip for sweet potato fries. This versatile condiment keeps for weeks in the fridge and can be made with regular mayo, vegan alternatives, or even silken tofu for a lighter version.
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoons lime juice, to taste
- salt, to taste
- pepper, to taste
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⅛ teaspoon ground chipotle powdercanned chipotle1 pepper per 1/4 tspsmoky
deeper flavor, needs blending
Instructions
- 1
Place all ingredients in a small bowl, being conservative with the chipotle
- 2
Whisk until smooth with a fork or small whisk
- 3
Taste and adjust salt, heat, and spices to your preference
- 4
Store in a small jar in the fridge or in a squirt bottle for easy use
Tips
Start with less chipotle powder and gradually add more - you can always increase the heat but can't take it back.
For extra convenience, store in a squeeze bottle for easy drizzling on tacos, burgers, and grilled foods.
Try using adobo sauce from canned chipotles instead of powder for a deeper, more complex smoky flavor.
Good to Know
Store in refrigerator up to 2 weeks in airtight container or squeeze bottle.
Can be made up to 2 weeks in advance. Flavors improve after sitting for a few hours.
Serve at room temperature or chilled as condiment for tacos, burgers, grilled vegetables, or as dipping sauce.
Common Mistakes
Add chipotle gradually to avoid making the sauce too spicy to enjoy.
Taste and adjust seasonings before storing - salt and lime balance the heat perfectly.
Substitutions
Vegan Options
General Alternatives
deeper flavor, needs blending
more complex flavor
FAQ
Can I make this dairy-free?
Yes, substitute regular mayo with vegan mayo or make with silken tofu blended with the other ingredients for a completely dairy-free version.
How long does chipotle mayo keep?
It keeps up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container. The flavors actually improve after a day.
Can I freeze chipotle mayo?
Not recommended as mayo-based sauces can separate when frozen and thawed. It keeps well refrigerated for 2 weeks anyway.