I saved some aquafaba from chickpeas the other day and wanted to make something with it and settled on mayonnaise.
I put together 50 ml of aquafaba, 20 ml of lemon juice, a pinch of salt, and 15 g of whole seed mustard and blended it. Next I slowly added 250 ml of sunflower oil and blended it. This is the most important part to add a little oil at a time between blending until fully incorporated.
This was so perfect the only thing I might change is I added a little too much mustard but it is still so delicious and I was really pleased with how thick and creamy it turned out!
... Read moreAfter perfecting my aquafaba mayonnaise, I realized there's so much more to share about this amazing plant-based staple! If you've ever wondered how to achieve that perfect creamy texture without eggs, aquafaba is truly your secret weapon.
Why Aquafaba is a Game-Changer
Aquafaba, the liquid from a can of chickpeas, might seem unassuming, but it’s packed with proteins and starches that mimic the emulsifying properties of egg whites. This means it can bind oil and water together, creating that rich, stable emulsion we all love in mayonnaise. It’s a magic ingredient for anyone exploring vegan cooking, allowing for delicious, plant-based alternatives to classic recipes.
My Top Tips for Perfect Consistency Every Time
Making homemade vegan mayonnaise with aquafaba is straightforward, but a few tricks I've learned can make all the difference:
Room Temperature Ingredients: This is crucial! Ensure your aquafaba, lemon juice, and oil are all at room temperature. Cold ingredients can make it harder for the emulsion to form properly, leading to a thin or separated mayonnaise.
Slow, Steady Oil Drizzle: As mentioned in my recipe, this is THE most important step. Don't rush it. A thin, continuous stream of sunflower oil (or your preferred neutral oil) while blending allows the aquafaba to gradually incorporate it, creating a stable and thick mayonnaise. If you add too much oil too quickly, it can break the emulsion.
Use the Right Equipment: While a regular blender works, an immersion blender (stick blender) can make the process even more foolproof. Its design helps to create that vortex needed for a perfect emulsion quickly. Just place it at the bottom of your container, blend, and slowly lift it as the mayonnaise thickens.
Troubleshooting Thin Mayo: If your mayonnaise doesn't thicken, don't despair! Sometimes, adding a tiny bit more aquafaba and slowly blending in a spoonful of additional oil can help. Another trick is to add a teaspoon of psyllium husk powder, which acts as a thickener, and blend again.
Exciting Flavor Variations to Try
Once you have your basic creamy aquafaba mayonnaise, the possibilities for flavor are endless! Here are a few of my favorites:
Garlic Aioli: For a delicious plant-based garlic aioli, I love adding 1-2 cloves of minced fresh garlic to the aquafaba mixture before blending. The pungent garlic perfectly complements the creamy texture.
Spicy Mayo: Give your mayonnaise a kick with a dash of sriracha, a pinch of cayenne pepper, or a small amount of finely chopped jalapeño. This is fantastic with crispy fries or a spicy veggie burger.
Herby Freshness: Stir in finely chopped fresh herbs like dill, chives, parsley, or cilantro for a vibrant, aromatic mayonnaise. This is amazing in potato salads, pasta salads, or as a dip for fresh veggies.
Smoky Depth: A pinch of smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke can add a wonderful deep, savory flavor that pairs well with grilled foods.
Delicious Ways to Enjoy Your Homemade Aquafaba Mayo
Beyond just dipping fries (which, let's be honest, is an absolute must!), my homemade aquafaba mayonnaise finds its way into so many dishes. It’s incredible slathered on sandwiches, used as a creamy spread for veggie burgers, or as the tangy base for a vibrant coleslaw. One of my absolute favorite ways is to pair it with homemade falafel wraps – the aquafaba mayo adds that perfect tang and richness, just like the picture shows! It also makes a fantastic addition to salad dressings, or even in a creamy pasta salad for a potluck. The versatility of this plant-based staple makes it a must-have in my kitchen.
Storing Your Fresh Creation
Since your homemade aquafaba mayonnaise is free from preservatives, it's best stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator. I usually find it keeps well for about 5-7 days. Though, honestly, it rarely lasts that long in my house with how quickly it gets used up!