Prepare Homemade Mayonnaise
Preparing homemade mayonnaise can significantly enhance the flavor of a variety of different entrees, sandwiches, hors d'oeuvres and appetizers. Mayonnaise made from scratch typically has less additives and preservatives, and offers a deep, rich, fresh flavor when compared to pre-prepared mayonnaise. An emulsification of eggs yolks and cooking oil flavored with vinegar or lemon juice, mayonnaise is believed to have originated in Western Europe during the middle of the 18th century. Mayonnaise is now used the world over as a condiment, a base for sauces and dressings, and as a dipping sauce. Mayonnaise is used to make tartar sauce, thousand island and ranch dressings, and is commonly infused with different seasonings and flavors to create complimentary sauces, such as aioli, remoulade and others. This article provides step by step instructions for making a fresh, classic mayonnaise from scratch.
Steps
- Prepare the ingredients. Gather 1 large egg or 2 small eggs, 8 oz. (2.5 dl) of cooking oil, and 1 tbsp. (15 g) lemon juice or vinegar. Leave all of the ingredients out at room temperature for approximately 30 minutes prior to preparing the mayonnaise. This aids in the process of emulsification, or binding of the ingredients.
- Separate the egg yolks from the whites. Cup your hand with your fingers spread slightly apart over a small mixing bowl. Crack the egg in your hand and allow the whites of the egg to slide between your fingers into the bowl. When only the egg yolk remains in your hand, place it in a separate container and set aside.
- Mix the ingredients. Once the ingredients have reached room temperature, place 2 small egg yolks or 1 large egg yolk, along with 1 tsp. (5 g) of salt and 1 tsp. (5 g) of white pepper, into a medium size mixing bowl and mix gently using a wire whisk.
- Prepare the mayonnaise. Fill a measuring cup with 8 oz. (2.5 dl) of olive, corn, peanut or safflower oil. Holding the measuring cup of oil in 1 hand and a wire whisk in the other hand, let a small amount of the oil drip into the mixing bowl while stirring briskly with the wire whisk. Once the mixture has begun to thicken and increase in volume, increase the rate of oil from a drip to a very slow pour. Continue to vigorously stir in the remaining oil.
- Complete the mayonnaise. Flavor the mayonnaise by stirring in 1 tbsp. (15 g) of lemon juice or vinegar. Add more salt and white pepper to taste as needed. Transfer the mayonnaise into a glass, ceramic or plastic container once completed. Be sure to keep the mayonnaise covered and refrigerated following preparation.
Things You'll Need
- A wire whisk
- 1 large or 2 small egg yolks
- 8 oz. (2.5 dl) of cooking oil (olive, corn, peanut or safflower)
- 1 tbsp. (15 g) lemon juice or vinegar
- 1/2 tsp. (5 g) salt (optional)
- 1/2 tsp. (5 g) white pepper (optional)
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Sources and Citations
- Larousse Gastronomique, compiled by Robert J. Courtine (page 662), edited by Jennifer Harvey Lang, published by The Hamlin Publishing Group, 1995.
- https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Mayonnaise
