Lick the Spoon: Cilantro Jalapeño Aioli – A Zesty Condiment for Everything!
Are you ready to elevate your culinary game with a condiment that’s vibrant, flavorful, and incredibly versatile? Look no further than this Cilantro Jalapeño Aioli. This creamy, zesty sauce is a game-changer, adding a burst of fresh, spicy flavor to everything it touches. It’s so good, you’ll literally want to lick the spoon! This recipe is simple to follow, using readily available ingredients, and can be whipped up in minutes. Get ready to transform ordinary meals into extraordinary culinary experiences.
What is Aioli?
Before we dive into the recipe, let’s clarify what aioli actually is. Traditionally, aioli is a Mediterranean sauce made from garlic, olive oil, and salt, emulsified into a creamy consistency. It’s similar to mayonnaise, but with a stronger garlic flavor. However, the term ‘aioli’ has evolved and is now often used to describe flavored mayonnaise-like sauces. This Cilantro Jalapeño Aioli falls into the latter category, using mayonnaise as a base and infusing it with the bright, spicy flavors of cilantro and jalapeño.
Why You’ll Love This Cilantro Jalapeño Aioli
* **Incredibly Flavorful:** The combination of fresh cilantro, spicy jalapeño, tangy lime juice, and pungent garlic creates a flavor explosion that will wake up your taste buds.
* **Versatile:** This aioli can be used as a dip, spread, sauce, or dressing. It pairs perfectly with countless dishes.
* **Easy to Make:** With just a few simple steps and readily available ingredients, you can whip up this aioli in under 10 minutes.
* **Customizable:** You can easily adjust the amount of jalapeño to control the level of spiciness, or add other ingredients to create your own unique flavor variations.
* **Makes Everything Better:** Seriously, this aioli elevates everything it touches. From simple sandwiches to grilled meats, it adds a touch of magic.
Ingredients You’ll Need
* **1 cup Mayonnaise:** Use a high-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. Full-fat mayonnaise will result in a richer, creamier aioli, but you can also use light mayonnaise if you prefer.
* **1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro:** Fresh cilantro is essential for that vibrant, herbaceous flavor. Make sure to wash and dry the cilantro thoroughly before using it.
* **1-2 Jalapeños:** The amount of jalapeño you use will depend on your spice preference. Start with one jalapeño and taste as you go, adding more if you want a spicier aioli. Remember to remove the seeds and membranes for less heat.
* **2 cloves Garlic:** Fresh garlic adds a pungent, savory note to the aioli. You can use a garlic press or mince the garlic finely.
* **2 tablespoons Lime Juice:** Fresh lime juice adds a tangy brightness that balances the richness of the mayonnaise and the heat of the jalapeño. Lemon juice can be substituted in a pinch, but lime juice is preferred.
* **1 tablespoon Olive Oil:** Olive oil adds richness and helps to emulsify the ingredients. Extra virgin olive oil is a good choice, but any type of olive oil will work.
* **1/2 teaspoon Salt:** Salt enhances the flavors of all the ingredients and helps to bring them together.
* **1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper:** Black pepper adds a subtle hint of spice and complexity.
* **Optional: 1 tablespoon Water:** If the aioli is too thick, you can add a tablespoon of water to thin it out to your desired consistency.
Equipment You’ll Need
* **Food Processor or Blender:** A food processor or blender is essential for creating a smooth, creamy aioli. A small food processor or immersion blender works best for this recipe.
* **Measuring Cups and Spoons:** For accurate ingredient measurements.
* **Knife and Cutting Board:** For chopping the cilantro and jalapeño.
* **Garlic Press (Optional):** For mincing the garlic.
* **Spatula:** For scraping down the sides of the food processor or blender.
* **Airtight Container:** For storing the aioli.
Step-by-Step Instructions
Follow these simple steps to create your own delicious Cilantro Jalapeño Aioli:
**Step 1: Prepare the Ingredients**
* Wash and thoroughly dry the cilantro. Roughly chop it and set aside.
* Wash the jalapeño(s). Remove the stem and seeds (if you want less heat). Roughly chop the jalapeño(s) and set aside. Remember to wear gloves when handling jalapeños to avoid skin irritation.
* Peel the garlic cloves and either mince them finely or use a garlic press.
* Juice the lime(s) to get 2 tablespoons of fresh lime juice.
* Measure out the mayonnaise, olive oil, salt, and pepper.
**Step 2: Combine the Ingredients**
* Place the mayonnaise, cilantro, jalapeño(s), garlic, lime juice, olive oil, salt, and pepper into the food processor or blender.
**Step 3: Blend Until Smooth**
* Process or blend the ingredients until completely smooth and creamy. This may take 1-2 minutes, depending on the power of your food processor or blender.
* Stop the food processor or blender occasionally to scrape down the sides with a spatula, ensuring that all the ingredients are fully incorporated.
**Step 4: Adjust Consistency (Optional)**
* If the aioli is too thick, add a tablespoon of water and blend again until it reaches your desired consistency.
**Step 5: Taste and Adjust Seasoning**
* Taste the aioli and adjust the seasoning as needed. You may want to add more salt, pepper, lime juice, or jalapeño to suit your personal preference.
**Step 6: Store and Serve**
* Transfer the Cilantro Jalapeño Aioli to an airtight container.
* Store the aioli in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together. This also helps to thicken the aioli.
* The aioli will keep in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Tips for the Best Cilantro Jalapeño Aioli
* **Use Fresh Ingredients:** The fresher the ingredients, the better the flavor of your aioli will be. Fresh cilantro, jalapeños, garlic, and lime juice are essential for the best results.
* **Control the Spice Level:** Start with one jalapeño and taste as you go, adding more if you want a spicier aioli. Remember that the seeds and membranes of the jalapeño contain most of the heat, so removing them will result in a milder aioli.
* **Adjust the Consistency:** If the aioli is too thick, add a tablespoon of water to thin it out. If it’s too thin, add a little more mayonnaise.
* **Let the Flavors Meld:** Allowing the aioli to sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving allows the flavors to meld together and deepen, resulting in a more flavorful aioli.
* **Don’t Over-Blend:** Over-blending can cause the aioli to become too thin or separate. Blend just until the ingredients are smooth and creamy.
* **Use a Good Quality Mayonnaise:** The mayonnaise is the base of the aioli, so using a high-quality mayonnaise will result in a better-tasting aioli. Look for a mayonnaise made with simple ingredients like eggs, oil, vinegar, and salt.
* **Taste and Adjust:** Always taste the aioli and adjust the seasoning as needed. Everyone’s taste preferences are different, so don’t be afraid to experiment and add more of your favorite ingredients.
Serving Suggestions
This Cilantro Jalapeño Aioli is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. Here are some serving suggestions:
* **As a Dip:** Serve it with tortilla chips, vegetable sticks, or grilled shrimp.
* **As a Spread:** Spread it on sandwiches, burgers, or wraps.
* **As a Sauce:** Drizzle it over tacos, quesadillas, or enchiladas.
* **As a Dressing:** Toss it with salads or use it as a dressing for coleslaw.
* **With Grilled Meats:** Serve it alongside grilled chicken, steak, or fish.
* **With Roasted Vegetables:** Drizzle it over roasted vegetables like potatoes, sweet potatoes, or broccoli.
* **With Eggs:** Serve it with scrambled eggs, omelets, or frittatas.
* **With French Fries:** Dip your french fries in it for a zesty twist.
* **On Avocado Toast:** Elevate your avocado toast with a dollop of this aioli.
* **In Potato Salad:** Add it to your potato salad for a flavorful kick.
Variations
* **Spicier Aioli:** Add more jalapeño or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
* **Smoked Paprika Aioli:** Add 1/2 teaspoon of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor.
* **Chipotle Aioli:** Add 1-2 teaspoons of chipotle peppers in adobo sauce for a smoky and spicy aioli.
* **Avocado Aioli:** Add 1/2 avocado for a creamier and richer aioli.
* **Lime Aioli:** Substitute lime juice with lemon juice.
* **Different Herbs:** Experiment with other herbs like parsley, dill, or chives.
* **Vegan Aioli:** Use vegan mayonnaise to make a vegan version of this aioli.
Storage Instructions
* Store the Cilantro Jalapeño Aioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
* It will keep for up to 5 days.
* The aioli may thicken slightly as it sits in the refrigerator.
Cilantro Jalapeño Aioli Recipe
**Yields:** Approximately 1 1/2 cups
**Prep time:** 5 minutes
**Cook time:** 0 minutes
**Ingredients:**
* 1 cup Mayonnaise
* 1/2 cup Fresh Cilantro, roughly chopped
* 1-2 Jalapeños, seeded and roughly chopped
* 2 cloves Garlic, minced
* 2 tablespoons Lime Juice
* 1 tablespoon Olive Oil
* 1/2 teaspoon Salt
* 1/4 teaspoon Black Pepper
* Optional: 1 tablespoon Water
**Instructions:**
1. Combine all ingredients (except water) in a food processor or blender.
2. Process until smooth and creamy, scraping down the sides as needed.
3. If the aioli is too thick, add water, 1 tablespoon at a time, until desired consistency is reached.
4. Taste and adjust seasonings as needed.
5. Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving.
6. Enjoy!
This Cilantro Jalapeño Aioli is a must-try for anyone who loves fresh, flavorful, and versatile condiments. It’s easy to make, customizable, and will elevate any dish you pair it with. So, grab your ingredients, fire up your food processor, and get ready to lick the spoon!