Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe [Aioli Sauce Recipe]
Lemon Garlic Aioli is a sublime condiment that elevates any dish with its luxurious blend of flavors. Imagine the velvety richness of creamy mayonnaise transformed by the zesty brightness of freshly squeezed lemon juice and the robust aroma of finely minced garlic. Each spoonful is a harmonious symphony of tangy citrus notes intertwined with the pungent kick of garlic, creating a taste that is both bold and refreshing.
This gourmet garlic aoili, with its smooth texture and vibrant taste, is perfect for drizzling over grilled vegetables, dipping crispy fries, or enhancing a succulent piece of seafood. Its versatile and captivating profile makes Garlic Lemon Aioli or lemon garlic sauce a quintessential addition to any culinary repertoire, offering a touch of elegance and sophistication to even the simplest of meals.
Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe [Aioli Sauce Recipe]
Lemon-Garlic Aioli Recipe
Equipment
- Blender or food processor
- Mixing bowl
- Whisk or spatula
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- Zest of 1 lemon
- 1 tablespoon fresh lemon juice
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- Prepare the ingredients: Mince the garlic cloves and zest the lemon.
- Mixing: In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, minced garlic, lemon zest, and lemon juice.
- Seasoning: Season with salt and pepper to taste. Adjust lemon juice or zest as desired for more citrus flavor.
- Blend: Using a whisk or spatula, blend all the ingredients together until smooth and well combined.
- Chill (optional): For best flavor, refrigerate the aioli for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
Lemon-Garlic Aioli Recipe: How to make Garlic Aioli
Ingredients:
- Garlic Cloves – 2 to 3 cloves, peeled and finely minced.
- Egg Yolks – 2 large egg yolks at room temperature.
- Lemon Juice – 2 tablespoons, freshly squeezed.
- Dijon Mustard – 1 teaspoon.
- Salt – 1/2 teaspoon.
- Extra Virgin Olive Oil – 1/2 cup.
- Canola Oil or Neutral Oil – 1/2 cup.
- Lemon Zest – 1 teaspoon, freshly grated.
- Black Pepper – to taste.
- Optional: A pinch of cayenne pepper for added heat.
Equipment:
- Mixing Bowl
- Whisk or an Electric Mixer
- Measuring Cups and Spoons
- Microplane or Zester
- Garlic Press (optional)
- Small Spoon or Spatula
- Clean Towel
Steps:
1.Prepare the Ingredients:
- Garlic: Finely mince the garlic cloves. To make the garlic paste smoother, you can sprinkle a little salt on the minced garlic and use the flat side of a knife to press it into a paste.
- Lemon: Grate the lemon zest using a Microplane or zester and squeeze the lemon to get fresh juice.
- Egg Yolks: Separate the egg yolks from the whites and place the yolks in a mixing bowl. Make sure the egg yolks are at room temperature to ensure the emulsification process works properly.
2.Combine the Base Ingredients:
- In the mixing bowl with the egg yolks, add the finely minced or pasted garlic, lemon juice, Dijon mustard, and salt.
- Whisk these ingredients together until well combined. The mixture should be smooth and slightly thick.
3.Begin Emulsification:
- Combine the olive oil and canola oil in a measuring cup with a spout for easy pouring.
- Start whisking the egg mixture vigorously. If using an electric mixer, set it to a medium speed.
- Begin adding the oil mixture very slowly, almost drop by drop, to the egg mixture while continuously whisking. This slow addition is crucial to create a stable emulsion.
4.Continue Adding Oil:
- As the mixture starts to thicken and emulsify, you can increase the oil addition to a thin stream. Continue whisking constantly to incorporate the oil evenly.
- If the mixture becomes too thick and difficult to whisk, you can add a small amount of water or lemon juice to loosen it slightly.
5.Adjust Seasoning and Consistency:
- Once all the oil is incorporated and the aioli has a thick, creamy consistency, taste the mixture and adjust the seasoning. Add more salt, pepper, or lemon juice as needed.
- Stir in the freshly grated lemon zest for an extra burst of lemon flavor. If you like a bit of heat, add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
6.Finish and Store
- Transfer the aioli to a serving dish or a storage container. If not using immediately, cover it tightly and refrigerate. The aioli will keep for up to a week in the refrigerator.
- Before serving, give it a quick stir to ensure the texture is smooth.
Try this pumpkin syrup at home.
Lemon-Garlic Aioli Nutritional Components:
- Mayonnaise:
- Calories: Mayonnaise is calorie-dense, primarily due to its fat content.
- Fats: High in fats, particularly unsaturated fats if made with healthy oils. Store-bought versions may contain a mix of saturated and trans fats.
- Cholesterol: Contains cholesterol, especially if made with egg yolks.
- Sodium: Can be relatively high in sodium, depending on the brand or recipe.
- Micronutrients: Typically contains small amounts of vitamins E and K.
- Lemon Juice:
- Calories: Very low in calories.
- Vitamins: A good source of vitamin C.
- Antioxidants: Contains antioxidants that help in neutralizing free radicals.
- Garlic:
- Calories: Low in calories.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Contains vitamins C and B6, manganese, and selenium.
- Antioxidants: Rich in antioxidants, including allicin, which has health benefits.
- Fiber: Provides a small amount of dietary fiber.
Nutritional Summary
- Calories: The primary contributor to calories in lemon garlic aoli is mayonnaise. A typical serving (1 tablespoon) can contain around 90-100 calories.
- Fats: Predominantly from mayonnaise, with about 10 grams per tablespoon, including both saturated and unsaturated fats.
- Proteins: Minimal protein content, usually less than 1 gram per serving.
- Carbohydrates: Low, typically under 1 gram per tablespoon, mainly from the garlic and lemon juice.
- Sodium: Varies, but can be around 80-100 mg per tablespoon depending on added salt and the mayonnaise brand.
- Vitamins and Minerals: Provides small amounts of vitamins E, K, and C, along with trace minerals from garlic and lemon juice.
Health Considerations
- Healthy Fats: Opting for homemade mayonnaise made with olive oil or avocado oil can increase the proportion of healthy unsaturated fats.
- Sodium Intake: For those monitoring their sodium intake, be mindful of the salt content in both the mayonnaise and any additional salt added to the aioli.
- Antioxidants: The garlic and lemon juice provide beneficial antioxidants which can contribute to overall health.
- Caloric Density: Due to its high-calorie content, portion control is important, especially for those watching their caloric intake.
I am Ashley Doyle, Senior Specialist in Food & Policy at The Humane Society of the United States and editor at airfryermama.com. I am passionate about transforming our global food system by promoting delicious, climate-friendly, plant-based foods. After transitioning from law to food and public policy, I now work with major food service companies to develop plant-based initiatives and animal welfare policies. My goal is to drive institutional change to combat climate change and improve our food system.