Are you tired of the same old condiments on your sandwiches and fries?
It’s time to switch things up and try aioli sauce!
This Mediterranean-inspired dipping sauce is made with garlic, olive oil, and sometimes eggs, giving it a creamy and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with a variety of dishes.
From seafood to vegetables, aioli can be used as a dip or spread to add an extra burst of flavor.
In this article, we’ll explore the versatility of aioli sauce and give you some ideas on what to pair it with.
Get ready to elevate your meals with this delicious and easy-to-make sauce!
What To Use Aioli Sauce With?
Aioli sauce is a highly versatile condiment that can be used with a variety of dishes. Here are some ideas on what to pair it with:
1. Seafood: The mild flavors of seafood make it the perfect pairing for aioli sauce. Try it with crab cakes, grilled shrimp, or fried calamari.
2. Vegetables: Aioli can work well as either a dip or a garnish for vegetables. Try it with roasted asparagus, grilled zucchini, or crispy sweet potato fries.
3. Chicken: Chicken is another mild meat that pairs well with aioli sauce. Use it as a spread on sandwiches or as a dipping sauce for chicken tenders.
4. Burgers: Aioli sauce can add an extra burst of flavor to your burgers. Use it as a spread on your bun or as a dipping sauce for your fries.
5. Sandwiches: Try substituting aioli for mayonnaise in your sandwiches to get an extra dose of flavor. It pairs well with turkey, roast beef, and even grilled cheese.
6. French fries: Once you dip your French fries in aioli, you’ll never go back to ketchup. It’s the perfect dipping sauce for crispy fries.
7. Grilled vegetables: Aioli can add a delicious flavor to grilled vegetables like eggplant, peppers, and onions.
The Basics Of Aioli Sauce
Aioli sauce is a specialty sauce that can be used as a dipping sauce, condiment, or meat sauce. It is generally accepted these days to be a form of garlic mayonnaise which originates from Provence, France. Aioli was traditionally made by adding olive oil to mashed garlic, while mayo uses a more neutral oil added to egg. Aioli has a much stronger flavor than mayo due to the use of garlic and extra virgin olive oil. Today, some aioli recipes include egg and some don’t. To make aioli sauce, blend together 1 large egg yolk, 2 tsp. fresh lemon juice, 1/2 tsp. Dijon mustard, 1/4 cup extra-virgin olive oil, and 3 Tbsp. vegetable oil. For added flavor, add sauteed garlic to the mixture. Aioli sauce pairs well with seafood, vegetables, chicken, burgers, sandwiches, French fries, and grilled vegetables.
Pairing Aioli Sauce With Seafood
One of the best pairings for aioli sauce is seafood. The creamy garlic flavor of aioli can complement the mild flavors of seafood, making it a perfect match. For example, try pairing aioli sauce with crispy fish cakes or pan-seared shrimp with a blackened crust. The combination of smoky and spicy flavors of blackened shrimp and the refreshing garlic-lime aioli is simply irresistible.
Another great seafood dish to pair with aioli sauce is white bait, which is a delicious seafood delicacy on its own. When salted and deep-fried, it becomes even more flavorful. The addition of aioli sauce creates the perfect combination of creamy and savory flavors that will make your taste buds dance with joy. Unlike other strong-tasting condiments like tartar sauce or mayonnaise, aioli has an understated yet effective flavor that marries perfectly with white bait.
If you’re looking for a more substantial seafood dish to pair with aioli sauce, try it with walleye or grilled shrimp. Walleye is a mild fish that pairs well with simple flavors and breading, making it an excellent canvas for the garlic-y flavor of aioli sauce. Grilled shrimp, on the other hand, can benefit from the refreshing taste of aioli sauce, which can cut through the sometimes overly fishy flavor.
Using Aioli Sauce As A Dip For Vegetables
If you’re looking for a healthier alternative to traditional dipping sauces, aioli sauce is the perfect solution. It’s creamy and flavorful, and it pairs well with a variety of vegetables. Here are some vegetables that you can dip in aioli sauce:
1. Roasted asparagus: The nutty flavor of roasted asparagus is complemented by the bold flavors of garlic and lemon in aioli sauce.
2. Grilled zucchini: The smoky flavor of grilled zucchini pairs well with the creamy texture of aioli sauce.
3. Crispy sweet potato fries: Sweet potato fries are a healthier alternative to regular fries, and they taste even better when dipped in aioli sauce.
4. Broccoli and cauliflower: These cruciferous vegetables are a great source of nutrients, and they taste even better when paired with the bold flavors of aioli sauce.
5. Carrots and bell peppers: These colorful vegetables are perfect for dipping in aioli sauce. They add a sweet crunch that pairs well with the creamy texture of the sauce.
6. Roasted beets and turnips: The earthy flavors of roasted beets and turnips are complemented by the bold flavors of garlic and lemon in aioli sauce.
7. Hard-boiled eggs: If you’re looking for a protein-packed snack, try dipping hard-boiled eggs in aioli sauce. It’s a delicious and satisfying combination.
Aioli Sauce As A Spread For Sandwiches And Burgers
One of the best ways to use aioli sauce is as a spread for sandwiches and burgers. The creamy texture and garlic flavor of aioli can take your sandwich or burger to the next level. Instead of using regular mayonnaise, try spreading a generous amount of aioli on your bread or bun. It goes particularly well with turkey, roast beef, and grilled chicken sandwiches.
For burgers, aioli can be used as a spread on the bun or as a dipping sauce for your fries. It pairs well with beef, turkey, and veggie burgers. The tangy and rich flavors of aioli complement the savory taste of burgers perfectly.
If you’re feeling adventurous, try making a gourmet sandwich with aioli spread, roasted vegetables, and some fresh herbs. The possibilities are endless when it comes to using aioli sauce as a spread for sandwiches and burgers.
Adding Aioli Sauce To Salads And Wraps
Aioli sauce can also be a great addition to salads and wraps. When used as a dressing, it can add a rich and tangy flavor to your greens. To make an aioli-based dressing, simply whisk together mayonnaise, garlic, lemon juice, salt, and pepper until smooth. You can adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your taste.
For a hearty and flavorful wrap, spread some aioli sauce on a tortilla and add grilled chicken or shrimp, lettuce, tomatoes, and avocado. Roll it up and enjoy! You can also use aioli as a spread on your sandwich wraps to add some extra flavor.
If you’re looking for a lighter option, toss some mixed greens with an aioli-based dressing and top with grilled chicken or shrimp for a delicious and satisfying salad. You can also add some roasted vegetables like bell peppers or zucchini for an extra pop of flavor.
Making Homemade Aioli Sauce
Making homemade aioli sauce is easier than you might think! Here’s a simple recipe to get you started:
Ingredients:
– 3/4 cup of good quality mayonnaise
– 5 cloves of garlic, crushed
– 1 teaspoon smoked salt
– Juice of 1 lemon
– Zest of 1 lemon
– A few grinds of white pepper
Instructions:
1. In a bowl, mix the mayonnaise, crushed garlic, smoked salt, lemon juice, and white pepper.
2. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
3. Garnish with lemon zest before serving.
Note that while traditional aioli was made by mashing garlic and olive oil together, this recipe uses mayonnaise as a base for convenience and creaminess. However, you can still achieve the bold garlic flavor by using fresh garlic and adding it to the mayonnaise mixture. With this homemade aioli sauce, you can elevate any dish and impress your guests with your culinary skills!
