Homemade mayonnaise is a creamy, versatile condiment that enhances everything from sandwiches to salads. If you’ve ever shied away from making mayo from scratch, this Minute Mason Jar Mayo recipe is here to change your mind. With just a few ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a delicious, creamy mayo right in your kitchen. This method is not only fast but also incredibly convenient, as it requires only a mason jar and an immersion blender. Let’s dive into this easy recipe that promises perfect mayo every time.
Ingredients
1 wide-mouth pint-sized mason jar: A wide-mouth mason jar is ideal for this recipe because it allows the immersion blender to reach all the ingredients easily. It ensures that everything gets properly mixed and emulsified.
1 egg, at room temperature: The egg is the key ingredient for creating the emulsion that turns oil into creamy mayo. Room temperature eggs mix more easily and contribute to a smoother consistency.
1/2 teaspoon ground mustard (or a dollop of Dijon mustard): Mustard adds a subtle tangy flavor and helps with the emulsification process. Dijon mustard can be used for a bit more flavor, but ground mustard is a good alternative if that’s what you have on hand.
Kosher salt, to taste: Salt enhances the flavor of the mayo. You can adjust the amount based on your taste preference.
Juice of 1/2 a lemon: The lemon juice adds acidity, which brightens up the flavor of the mayo and helps with the emulsification process.
1 cup neutral tasting oil, such as safflower or sunflower: A neutral oil is essential as it doesn’t overpower the flavor of the mayo. Safflower and sunflower oils are great choices because they have a mild taste and are perfect for this recipe.
Instructions
Step 1: Prepare the Mason Jar
- Clean the Mason Jar: Start with a clean, wide-mouth pint-sized mason jar. Make sure it’s completely dry before you begin.
Step 2: Combine Ingredients
- Add the Egg: Crack the egg into the bottom of the mason jar. The egg should be at room temperature to ensure the best texture and consistency.
- Add Mustard: Spoon the ground mustard or Dijon mustard into the jar. This adds a hint of tanginess and helps with emulsification.
- Add Lemon Juice: Squeeze the juice of half a lemon into the jar. This adds a fresh, zesty flavor and helps balance the richness of the mayo.
- Season with Salt: Add a pinch of kosher salt to taste. You can adjust the salt level later if needed.
- Add the Oil: Pour the neutral tasting oil into the jar, layering it on top of the other ingredients. The oil is the primary component that gets emulsified to create the mayo.
Step 3: Blend the Ingredients
- Insert the Immersion Blender: Place an immersion blender into the mason jar. Ensure the blender is fully submerged in the oil before starting to blend.
- Blend: Start blending on low speed. Slowly move the blender up and down to incorporate all the ingredients. Continue blending until the mixture thickens and emulsifies into a creamy consistency. This usually takes about 20-30 seconds. You should see the mayo form as the blender blends the ingredients together.
Step 4: Adjust and Taste
- Taste and Adjust: Once the mayo has thickened and achieved a creamy texture, taste it. If needed, adjust the seasoning with more salt or a bit more lemon juice to suit your taste preferences. If the mayo is too thick, you can blend in a small amount of water to reach your desired consistency.
Step 5: Store the Mayo
- Transfer and Refrigerate: Carefully transfer the mayo from the mason jar to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator. Homemade mayo will keep for about a week.
Tips for Perfect Mayo
1. Use Room Temperature Ingredients: Ensure the egg and lemon juice are at room temperature for better emulsification. Cold ingredients can cause the mayo to curdle or not thicken properly.
2. Choose a Neutral Oil: Safflower, sunflower, or canola oil are ideal choices because they don’t interfere with the flavor of the mayo. Avoid using strong-tasting oils like olive oil as they can dominate the flavor.
3. Blend Thoroughly: Make sure the immersion blender is fully submerged before you start blending to avoid splashing. Blend the ingredients thoroughly to ensure a smooth and creamy mayo.
4. Experiment with Flavors: Once you’ve mastered the basic mayo, you can experiment by adding herbs, garlic, or other spices to customize the flavor.
Serving Suggestions
1. Spread on Sandwiches: Use your homemade mayo as a spread for sandwiches and wraps. It adds a rich, creamy texture that enhances the overall flavor.
2. Add to Salads: Incorporate mayo into salads like coleslaw, potato salad, or chicken salad for extra creaminess and flavor.
3. Dip for Vegetables: Serve mayo as a dip for fresh vegetables or as a base for other sauces. It’s great with veggie sticks or as a creamy component in a dipping sauce.
4. Make Dressings: Use it as a base for various dressings. Add herbs, spices, or additional ingredients to create flavorful salad dressings or sauces.
Minute Mason Jar Mayo is a quick and easy way to make homemade mayonnaise that’s perfect for a variety of dishes. With just a few simple ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you can enjoy a fresh and creamy mayo that surpasses store-bought versions. Whether you’re spreading it on sandwiches, adding it to salads, or using it as a dip, this homemade mayo will elevate your meals. Try this recipe today and experience the delicious difference of homemade mayo!
