Aioli is something everyone is familiar with. You’ll find it listed on restaurant menus everywhere, either tucked into a dish as an ingredient or served as a condiment on the side. Often it’s flavored—my roasted red pepper aioli for example, is a longtime favorite with crab cakes.
But here’s the thing. Despite its popularity, chances are you’ve never actually had true, traditional aioli. Unless you’re dining at an authentic Mediterranean restaurant, what’s on your plate is almost certainly a modern interpretation.
Traditional Aioli
The classic version is as elemental as it gets using only garlic, olive oil, and salt. It’s made by pounding garlic into a paste, then working in olive oil slowly until it emulsifies. The flavor is sharp, bold, and unapologetic. But it’s also tricky—requiring serious effort with a mortar and pestle. That and because it spoils quickly, the real thing is rarely found by diners. Keep reading for modern aioli. Print
Traditional Aioli
Classic mediterranean condiment made with garlic, salt and olive oil
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 20
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: 1/2 cup 1x
Ingredients
- 4 large cloves fresh garlic – peeled and chopped
- 1/2 tsp non-iodized salt
- 1/2 cup olive oil
Instructions
- Use a mortar and pestle to grind the garlic and salt into a paste
- Add the olive oil 1 or 2 teaspoons at a time while mashing and grinding until it becomes emulsified and thickened. If it becomes too thick, add a few drops of water
Modern Aioli
For most everyone, chefs and home cooks alike, convenience rules the day. That’s why modern aioli can often be summed up in two words – flavored mayonnaise. Start with store-bought or homemade mayo, whisk in some garlic, salt and lemon juice, let it rest in the fridge, and you’ve got a bright, versatile condiment. It’s wonderful with French fries, seafood, roasted vegetables or palm cakes. Keep reading for flavored aioli! Print
Modern Aioli
Quick and easy but delicious condiment with mayo, garlic, salt and lemon
- Prep Time: 5
- Cook Time: 5
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
Ingredients
- 1 cup real mayonnaise
- 2–3 medium size cloves of garlic – microplaned
- 1 pinch sea salt
- 2 tsp fresh lemon juice – about half a fresh lemon
Instructions
- Whisk together the ingredients, cover and refrigerate until ready to serve
Flavored Aioli
The evolution of this essential condiment continues with bold flavoring. Take that simple mayo-based aioli and blend in roasted red peppers, truffles, sun-dried tomatoes, or even mango and habanero for something that sings alongside grilled meats, fish and chicken—or just add minced pickle for a great tartar sauce.
Whichever path you choose, aioli is one of those small touches like compound butters that elevate a dish with bold flavor and a bit of flair. After all, doesn’t aioli sound so much fancier than plain old mayonnaise?