Looking for a quick recipe that elevates your meals? This lemon garlic aioli recipe is made with simple ingredients and offers a delightful combination of flavors. Some might call it a cheater recipe. The zesty punch of little lemon juice pairs perfectly with the rich, savory notes of roasted garlic aioli. Ideal for dipping, spreading, or drizzling, it’s an effortless way to add a gourmet touch to your dishes. Get ready to learn how to make lemon garlic aioli.
How To Use Aioli
Roasted garlic and lemon aioli, with its rich creamy texture, is more than just a creamy condiment; it’s a versatile addition that can take your meals to the next level. Once you’ve mastered how to make lemon garlic aioli, you’ll find countless ways to incorporate it into your favorite recipes.
- As a Dipping Sauce: It’s the perfect dipping sauce for homemade French fries, vegetable crudité, crab cakes, or grilled shrimp. Its citrusy, garlicky flavor enhances the taste of simple snacks.
- Spread for Sandwiches: Spread it on your sandwiches or burgers for an instant flavor boost. The aioli adds a gourmet touch to even the simplest of sandwiches.
- Dressing for Salads: Whisk it into your salad dressings. It pairs beautifully with leafy greens, adding depth and creaminess.
- Enhancement for Grilled Vegetables: Brush it over grilled vegetables like asparagus or bell peppers for a delightful flavor twist.
- Topper for Baked Potatoes: Dollop it on baked potatoes or stir into mashed potatoes for a rich, creamy texture.
With its ease of preparation and versatility, lemon garlic aioli is an indispensable condiment in the kitchen, ready to transform your dishes from ordinary to extraordinary.
Why You’ll Love This Creamy Aioli
- Flavor: Lemon garlic aioli offers a creamy, tangy, and rich flavor with a perfect balance of zesty lemon and pungent garlic.
- Time: 5 minutes + roasting garlic time
- Diet: Vegetarian, Gluten Free, Dairy Free, Keto Friendly
Cheater Aioli vs. Traditional Aioli
The main difference between traditional aioli and cheater aioli lies in their preparation methods and ingredients. Traditional aioli is made from an emulsion of egg yolks and oil, often olive oil, requiring careful whisking to achieve its creamy texture. It includes raw eggs, contributing to its rich flavor.
In contrast, cheater aioli is a much easier way to create a similar sauce. This short-cut version typically uses mayonnaise, which already contains emulsified oil and egg yolk, as its base. Garlic and seasonings are added to replicate traditional aioli’s taste. Cheater aioli is quick and convenient, eliminating the use of raw egg yolks and the need for careful emulsification.
Ingredients
Full printable homemade roasted garlic aioli ingredients list and instructions are in the recipe card below.
- Garlic: Roasting your own garlic is very easy. Follow these instructions on how to roast garlic in the oven.
- Mayonnaise: Use full fat mayonnaise (store-bought mayonnaise). You can use a common brand or even an avocado oil mayonnaise, just make sure it’s not a light mayonnaise.
- Oil: Use a quality olive oil.
- Spices: Fresh lemon juice, dijon mustard, sea salt and black pepper are essential. If preferred, use kosher salt or white pepper.
Gluten Free Option
This recipe is naturally gluten free. As always, make sure your particular processed ingredients are gluten free and your workspace in not contaminated with gluten.
Variations
Try one of these variations to switch up the lemon garlic aioli sauce recipe.
- Avocado Oil Variation: Swap olive oil with avocado oil for a buttery, rich undertone.
- Herb Infusion: Mix in fresh herbs like dill, basil, or chives for an aromatic flavor and vibrant color.
- Add Heat: Incorporate a dash of cayenne or a spoonful of sriracha for a spicy kick.
- Cheesy Twist: Stir in finely grated Parmesan for added savory depth.
Each variation of this aioli complements different dishes, whether as a spread, dip, or topping, introducing different flavors to elevate your cooking. Experiment to find your perfect blend!
Instructions
Full step-by-step instructions and measurements for this easy lemon aioli recipe are in the recipe card below. You can print or save to Pinterest for later.
Prep: Roast 2 heads of garlic following this easy roasted garlic recipe. After the roasted garlic has cooled slightly, gently squeeze or press the base of each clove with your fingers or a small fork. The roasted garlic will easily slide out of its skin. You will find that they have become soft and spreadable.
Step 1: Combine the roasted garlic, ¾ cup regular mayonnaise, 1 tablespoon olive oil, 1 tablespoon lemon juice, 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard in a medium bowl. Mix the ingredients well using a fork or whisk. You can also use a food processor or immersion blender for a creamier texture.
Step 2: Place the roasted garlic aioli in a serving bowl and season to taste with salt and pepper.
More Recipes With Garlic
Storage Tips
Storing your homemade aioli recipe properly is crucial to maintain its freshness and flavor, especially when it comes to leftover aioli. Here’s how to do it right:
- Use an Airtight Container: Transfer your aioli into an airtight container. This is key to preventing the aioli from absorbing any odors from the fridge and also keeps it fresh longer.
- Refrigerate Promptly: Once you’ve transferred the aioli, place it in the refrigerator. Keeping it cold helps to slow down any bacterial growth.
- Shelf Life: Homemade lemon garlic aioli can last in the fridge for up to a week. It’s best used while fresh.
- Label and Date: Don’t forget to label the air-tight container with the date you made it. This helps keep track of how long it’s been stored. For your safety, garlic mixed with oil should be stored in the refrigerator for no longer than 7 days.
- Avoid Contamination: Each time you use the aioli, use a clean utensil. This prevents contamination and helps extend its shelf life.
- Check Consistency and Smell: Before using stored aioli, check for any changes in consistency or smell to ensure it’s still good to use.
By following these steps, you can enjoy your homemade lemon garlic aioli for several days, adding a delicious touch to your meals safely.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
While pre-minced garlic is convenient, using fresh garlic that you roasted provides a more vibrant and authentic flavor to your aioli. Adding raw garlic to this recipe will require you use a food processor or blender to make sure there are no raw chunks in the creamy sauce.
Adding lemon zest can significantly enhance the flavor profile of your aioli, giving it a fresh, citrusy note that complements the garlic. Try adding 1 tablespoon of lemon zest to see how you like it!
Yes, lime juice can be a great substitute for lemon juice, offering a slightly different, yet equally delicious, tanginess.
Absolutely! Garlic aioli can be an excellent marinade for meats and vegetables, infusing them with rich garlic and lemon flavors.
Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe
Ingredients
- 2 heads roasted garlic
- ¾ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon lemon juice fresh squeezed
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- salt
- black pepper
Instructions
- After the roasted garlic has cooled slightly, gently squeeze or press the base of each clove with your fingers or a small fork. The cloves will easily pop out of their skins.
- Combine the roasted garlic with mayonnaise, olive oil, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and salt and pepper to your liking. Blend these ingredients well using a fork or whisk. Alternatively, use a food processor or immersion blender for smoother aioli.
- Transfer the finished garlic aioli into a serving bowl and top with fresh herbs, if desired.
Notes
Nutrition
Love This Recipe?
Make sure to share it with me on Instagram @andreasnotebook and follow on Pinterest @andreasnotebook for more!
Comments & Reviews
Savita says
Adding a burst of flavor to my dishes with this Lemon Garlic Aioli. Simple, delicious, and a game-changer
Bobby says
I made this with the sheet pan chicken and it was yummy. I’m going to try it on a sandwich.