Chipotle Mayo (Mexican Secret Sauce) Recipe
Introduction
Chipotle mayo is a smoky, spicy sauce that adds a delicious kick to sandwiches, tacos, and burgers. This versatile Mexican-inspired condiment is easy to make and can be adjusted to suit your heat preference.
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayo (or sour cream, vegan mayo like Veganaise, or silken tofu for a dairy-free option)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1–2 teaspoons lime juice (to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⅛–¼ teaspoon ground chipotle powder, or 1 canned chipotle pepper blended with the mayo, or 1–3 teaspoons smoky adobo sauce (start conservatively)
Instructions
- Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the mayo (or your chosen base), water, lime juice, salt, pepper, chili powder, smoked paprika, and chipotle powder or adobo sauce. Whisk well with a fork or small whisk until smooth.
- Step 2: Taste the sauce and adjust salt, heat, and spices as needed. Add more chipotle or adobo sauce for extra smokiness or spice.
- Step 3: Transfer the chipotle mayo to a small jar or a squirt bottle for easy use.
- Step 4: Refrigerate and let the flavors meld for at least 30 minutes before serving.
Tips & Variations
- Use silken tofu blended with the other ingredients for a creamy vegan version.
- Start with less chipotle and add more gradually to control the heat level.
- Try adding a pinch of garlic powder or cumin for extra depth.
- Use the sauce as a dip for fries, a spread on burgers, or a topping for grilled vegetables.
Storage
Store the chipotle mayo in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Stir well before each use. It can be served chilled or at room temperature. Avoid freezing as it may affect the texture.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make chipotle mayo without mayonnaise?
Yes, you can substitute mayo with sour cream, vegan mayo like Veganaise, or blend silken tofu to create a creamy base.
How spicy is chipotle mayo?
The heat depends on how much chipotle powder, canned pepper, or adobo sauce you add. Start with a small amount and increase to your preference for mild to medium spice.
PrintChipotle Mayo (Mexican Secret Sauce) Recipe
This Chipotle Mayo is a smoky, tangy Mexican-inspired secret sauce that’s perfect for adding a flavorful kick to sandwiches, tacos, burgers, and more. Made with simple ingredients like mayo, lime juice, and smoky chipotle powder or adobo sauce, it’s versatile and easy to prepare. Vegan and dairy-free options are provided as well, making it a great condiment for any diet.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 0 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: About ¾ cup 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: No-Cook
- Cuisine: Mexican
- Diet: Vegan
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup mayo (or use sour cream, vegan mayo “Veganaise”, or silken tofu for a vegan option)
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1–2 teaspoons lime juice (to taste)
- Salt and pepper to taste
- ½ teaspoon chili powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ⅛–¼ teaspoon ground chipotle powder or 1 chipotle pepper in adobo sauce (or 1–3 teaspoons adobo sauce from canned chipotles)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: If using mayo or vegan mayo, place all ingredients in a small bowl. Be conservative with the chipotle powder or adobo sauce initially, as you can always add more later. Whisk everything together until smooth using a fork or a tiny whisk.
- Adjust Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the salt, lime juice, and spice level to your preference. The ideal balance is slightly salty and mildly spicy, but feel free to tweak it for your taste buds.
- Alternative Preparation: If making with silken tofu, blend all ingredients together in a blender until smooth to achieve the desired creamy texture.
- Store: Transfer the chipotle mayo to a small jar or use a squirt bottle for easy dispensing. Keep refrigerated.
- Preserve: The sauce will keep fresh for up to 2 weeks in the fridge.
Notes
- You can substitute mayo with sour cream, vegan mayo, or silken tofu for a dairy-free or vegan version.
- Start with a small amount of chipotle or adobo sauce because they are quite smoky and spicy; add more gradually to avoid overpowering the sauce.
- Use this sauce as a condiment for tacos, burgers, sandwiches, grilled veggies, or as a dip for fries and chips.
- To make with silken tofu, blend tofu with the ingredients instead of whisking in a bowl for a smooth consistency.
- Storing in a squirt bottle makes it convenient for quick application and portion control.
Keywords: Chipotle mayo, Mexican sauce, smoky mayo, chipotle sauce, adobo sauce, vegan chipotle mayo, spicy mayo, secret sauce
