Homemade Lemon Garlic Aioli Recipe

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Looking for a delicious and versatile condiment to enhance your dishes? Try this homemade Lemon Garlic Aioli recipe! Aioli, a creamy and flavorful sauce often used in Mediterranean cuisine, is perfect for spreading on sandwiches, dipping fries, or complementing a variety of appetizers like crab cakes and brussels sprouts.

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Detailed Ingredients Breakdown for Lemon Garlic Aioli

Garlic (1 head)

Purpose

Garlic is the star of this recipe, providing a robust and aromatic flavor that defines aioli.

Preparation

Roasting the garlic mellows its sharpness and brings out its natural sweetness, which complements the creamy elements of the aioli.

Avocado Oil

Purpose

Used to drizzle over the garlic before roasting, avocado oil helps cook the garlic evenly while enhancing its natural flavors.

Benefits

Avocado oil has a mild, buttery flavor and a high smoke point, making it ideal for roasting. It’s also rich in healthy fats and has anti-inflammatory properties.  It is also a more neutral oil giving the final product a better flavor.  You could also use extra virgin olive oil or grapeseed oil if you would prefer.

Salt and Black Pepper

Purpose

These seasonings enhance the flavor of the garlic and the overall taste of the aioli.

Preparation

Sprinkled on the garlic before roasting and added to the aioli mix, they ensure that every bite is seasoned perfectly.

Mayonnaise (1/2 cup)

Purpose

Regular mayonnaise acts as the creamy base for the aioli, providing texture and helping to blend the flavors smoothly.

Choice

You can use store-bought mayonnaise for convenience or homemade mayonnaise for a richer flavor. The type of mayonnaise used can significantly affect the final taste and texture of the aioli.  Get our homemade mayonnaise recipe here.

Lemon Juice (from half a lemon or 1 tbsp)

Purpose

Lemon juice adds a bright, acidic component to the aioli, balancing the richness of the mayonnaise and the intensity of the garlic.

Preparation

Fresh lemon juice is preferred for its vibrant flavor compared to bottled versions, which can sometimes contain preservatives that alter the taste.

Each ingredient in this Garlic Aioli recipe plays a vital role in creating a deliciously creamy and flavorful condiment. By understanding the purpose and preparation of each component, you can make adjustments to suit your taste preferences and achieve the best flavor and texture in your homemade aioli.

Supplies Needed for Lemon Garlic Aioli

• Aluminum Foil: For roasting garlic
• Oven: Preheated to 400 degrees
• Whisk: For combining ingredients
• Refrigerator: For chilling aioli

Detailed Instructions for Homemade Lemon Garlic Aioli

Prepare the Garlic for Roasting

Prep the Garlic

Start by preheating your oven to 400 degrees Fahrenheit. Take a whole head of garlic and slice off the top to expose the individual cloves. This helps the cloves cook evenly and makes them easier to squeeze out after roasting.

Season and Wrap

Place the garlic head on a piece of aluminum foil. Drizzle it generously with avocado oil, then sprinkle with salt and black pepper to enhance the flavor. Wrap the garlic tightly in the foil to trap the heat and moisture, which will steam the garlic as it roasts, making it tender and sweet.

Roast the Garlic

Bake

Place the wrapped garlic in the preheated oven on the middle rack. Roast for about 30 minutes, or until the cloves are soft and slightly caramelized. The exact time can vary depending on the size of the garlic head and your oven, so it’s good to check it around the 25-minute mark.

Prepare the Aioli Base

Mix Base Ingredients

While the garlic is roasting, take a small bowl and combine the mayonnaise, lemon juice, salt, and black pepper. Whisk these together until the mixture is smooth and uniform. This forms the creamy base of your aioli.

Incorporate the Roasted Garlic

Cool and Mash Garlic

Once the garlic is done, remove it from the oven and let it cool enough to handle. Then, squeeze the softened garlic cloves out of their skins onto a plate. Using a fork, mash the garlic into a smooth paste. This releases all the sweet, mellow flavor of the roasted garlic.  Feel free to use a food processor or immersion blender for this step, but a fork works just fine!

Combine with Mayo Mixture

Add the mashed garlic paste to your aioli base. Whisk thoroughly to ensure the garlic is well incorporated into the mixture, creating a rich and flavorful aioli.

Chill and Serve

Chill

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and place the aioli in the refrigerator to chill for at least 30 minutes. This cooling period allows the flavors to meld together and intensifies the garlic taste, making the aioli even more delicious.

Ready to Serve

Once chilled, your homemade garlic aioli is ready to serve. It can be used as a dip, spread, or condiment to enhance the flavor of various dishes.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

This easy Lemon Garlic Aioli recipe transforms simple ingredients into a gourmet condiment that’s both rich in garlic flavor and creamy in texture. It’s a great alternative to store-bought mayonnaise and can be customized with additional ingredients like cayenne pepper for heat or fresh herbs for a vibrant touch.

Serving Suggestions for Homemade Garlic Aioli

The Perfect Dipping Sauce

For Fried Foods

Garlic aioli is a perfect complement to fried foods like French fries, sweet potato fries, or onion rings. Its creamy texture contrasts wonderfully with the crispiness of the fried items.

With Seafood

Serve aioli as a dipping sauce for seafood such as shrimp, crab cakes, or even fish sticks. The garlic flavor pairs exceptionally well with the subtle taste of seafood.

Spread for Sandwiches and Wraps

Sandwiches

Spread a generous layer of garlic aioli on your favorite sandwiches. It works great with turkey, chicken, or veggie sandwiches, adding moisture and flavor.

Wraps

Incorporate aioli into wraps and pitas. Whether you’re preparing a Mediterranean wrap with grilled chicken or a veggie-loaded wrap, aioli can add an extra layer of flavor.

Condiment for Meat

Steak or Chicken

A dollop of garlic aioli on top of a freshly grilled steak or a piece of chicken can enhance the meat’s natural flavors, adding a creamy texture and rich taste.

Burgers

Elevate your burgers by spreading garlic aioli on the bun. Its rich flavor is a fantastic upgrade from regular mayonnaise.

Vegetable Enhancer

Roasted Vegetables

Drizzle or toss roasted vegetables like green beans, Brussels sprouts, carrots, or homemade french fries with this creamy sauce before serving. It adds a flavorful coating that complements the natural sweetness of the veggies.

Raw Veggies

Use aioli as a dip for a vegetable platter. It’s a tastier and more sophisticated alternative to ranch dressing.

Salads

Potato Salad

Mix garlic aioli into your potato salad for a creamy dressing that’s full of flavor.

Green Salads

Use aioli thinned with a little lemon juice or vinegar as a dressing for green salads. It can be particularly delicious with robust greens like kale or arugula.

Appetizers

Deviled Eggs

Incorporate garlic aioli into your deviled eggs mixture for an extra kick of flavor.

Canapés

Spread a thin layer of aioli on canapés and top with a slice of smoked salmon or prosciutto for an easy, elegant appetizer.

Storing Your Lemon Garlic Aioli Sauce

Proper storage is essential for maintaining the freshness and quality of your homemade garlic aioli. Once you’ve prepared your aioli, it should be stored in an airtight container to prevent it from absorbing any odors from other foods in your refrigerator. Place the aioli in the fridge immediately after preparation and chilling. It will keep well for up to a week when stored properly. Always use a clean utensil each time you serve the aioli to avoid contamination and extend its shelf life.

Conclusion

This traditional garlic aioli is a great addition to your kitchen, bringing a rich garlic flavor and creamy texture that can make many dishes even tastier. Whether you’re using it as a dip for fries, spreading it on sandwiches, or adding a dollop to your favorite meats, your own aioli can transform simple meals into something special. Making it at home lets you play with different flavors just how you like it and ensures it’s always fresh. Just keep it stored properly in the fridge, and you’ll have a wonderful condiment that elevates your meals. Whether for a party or a regular family dinner, your homemade aioli is sure to be a hit!

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