Can I make this sauce with less heat?

Absolutely! Start with just 1 teaspoon of sriracha and gradually add more to reach your preferred heat level. Tasting as you go is the best approach.

What can I substitute for mayonnaise to make this healthier?

Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for some or all of the mayonnaise. It will be tangier and less rich, but still delicious. You might want to add a bit more honey to balance the yogurt's tartness.

How long will this sauce last in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container, this sriracha mayo will stay fresh for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve over the first few days.

Can I use this sauce as a marinade?

Yes! It makes a fantastic marinade for chicken, fish, or shrimp. The acidity from the lemon juice tenderizes the protein, while the other ingredients infuse flavor. Just remember that once the sauce has been used as a marinade, it should be discarded rather than reused for dipping.

The Best Spicy Sriracha Mayo Sauce Recipe

This irresistible Spicy Sriracha Mayo Sauce combines creamy mayonnaise with the perfect kick of sriracha heat, balanced by sweet honey and zesty lemon juice. Ready in just minutes but packed with complex flavors, this versatile sauce elevates everything from burgers to sushi rolls. The secret is letting the ingredients mingle in the refrigerator, allowing the flavors to develop into a harmonious blend that’s both spicy and smooth.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Incredibly Versatile: This sauce works magic on practically anything! Spread it on sandwiches, dip your fries in it, drizzle it over tacos, or use it as a dipping sauce for sushi.
Perfect Balance: The creaminess of the mayo mellows the heat of the sriracha while the honey adds just enough sweetness to create that “can’t-stop-eating-it” flavor profile.
Make-Ahead Friendly: This sauce actually gets better after it sits in the fridge, making it perfect for meal prep or entertaining.
Customizable Heat Level: You control the spice by adjusting the sriracha amount to match your heat preference.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Mayonnaise: Creates the creamy base of the sauce. Use full-fat for maximum richness, though light mayo works in a pinch.
Sriracha: Provides the signature spicy kick and beautiful color. This fermented chili sauce brings both heat and depth.
Lemon Juice: Adds brightness and acidity that cuts through the richness. Fresh is vastly superior to bottled here.
Honey: Balances the heat with natural sweetness and helps create that addictive flavor profile.
Dried Minced Onion: Offers subtle onion flavor without the harsh bite of fresh onion. It rehydrates slightly in the sauce for perfect texture.
Prepared Horseradish: Brings a different kind of heat that complements the sriracha beautifully.
Garlic: Provides essential savory notes that round out the flavor profile. Fresh minced garlic is much more flavorful than pre-minced.
Kosher Salt: Enhances all the other flavors and brings everything together.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

Variations

Take this basic recipe and make it your own with these tasty twists:

Lime Sriracha Mayo

Substitute lime juice for the lemon juice and add 1/2 teaspoon of lime zest for a more tropical take.

Smoky Sriracha Mayo

Add 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika and a few drops of liquid smoke for a delicious smoky version.

Extra Garlicky

Double or triple the garlic for an intensely savory sauce that’s perfect for garlic lovers.

Herb-Infused

Add 1 tablespoon of finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, chives, or dill for a fresh dimension.

How to Make the Best Spicy Sriracha Mayo Sauce

Step 1: Combine All Ingredients

Grab a medium-sized bowl and whisk together the mayonnaise, sriracha, lemon juice, honey, dried minced onion, prepared horseradish, minced garlic, and kosher salt. Whisk until completely smooth and uniform in color.

Step 2: Let the Flavors Develop

Cover the bowl with plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least one hour. This resting time is crucial – it allows the dried onion to soften and the flavors to blend together beautifully.

Step 3: Taste and Adjust

After the resting period, taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed. You might want more sriracha for heat, more honey for sweetness, or an extra pinch of salt.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Quality Matters: Use good-quality mayonnaise as your base – it makes a significant difference in the final sauce.
Fresh Ingredients: Always use freshly squeezed lemon juice and freshly minced garlic for the brightest, most vibrant flavor.
Patience Pays Off: The flavor improves dramatically after sitting in the refrigerator, so make it ahead of time if possible.
Consistency Control: If you want a thinner sauce for drizzling, add a little water or extra lemon juice, one teaspoon at a time.
Taste As You Go: Especially with the sriracha – heat levels can vary by brand, so add gradually until you reach your desired spice level.

How to Serve

This versatile sauce pairs beautifully with so many foods:

For Dipping:

Serve with fresh-cut vegetables, french fries, sweet potato fries, chicken nuggets, or spring rolls.

As a Spread:

Use on burgers, sandwiches, wraps, or toasted bagels with smoked salmon.

For Drizzling:

Perfect over fish tacos, sushi rolls, rice bowls, grilled chicken, or roasted vegetables.

In Salads:

Mix with a bit more lemon juice to create a spicy mayo dressing for coleslaw or potato salad.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Keep the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. The flavors will continue to develop during the first few days.

Make Ahead

This sauce is perfect for making ahead since it improves with time. Prepare it up to 3 days before you need it for optimal flavor.

Freezing

I don’t recommend freezing this sauce as mayonnaise can separate when thawed, resulting in an unpleasant texture.

FAQs

Can I make this sauce with less heat?

Absolutely! Start with just 1 teaspoon of sriracha and gradually add more to reach your preferred heat level. Tasting as you go is the best approach.
What can I substitute for mayonnaise to make this healthier?

Greek yogurt makes a great substitute for some or all of the mayonnaise. It will be tangier and less rich, but still delicious. You might want to add a bit more honey to balance the yogurt’s tartness.
How long will this sauce last in the refrigerator?

When stored in an airtight container, this sriracha mayo will stay fresh for up to two weeks in the refrigerator. The flavors actually improve over the first few days.
Can I use this sauce as a marinade?

Yes! It makes a fantastic marinade for chicken, fish, or shrimp. The acidity from the lemon juice tenderizes the protein, while the other ingredients infuse flavor. Just remember that once the sauce has been used as a marinade, it should be discarded rather than reused for dipping.

Final Thoughts

This Spicy Sriracha Mayo Sauce is one of those magical condiments that transforms ordinary foods into something extraordinary. The beauty lies in its simplicity – just a few minutes of prep work rewards you with a sauce that adds personality to virtually any dish. Make a batch this weekend and watch how quickly it becomes a refrigerator staple in your home!