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This 5-minute Spicy Mayo Recipe is creamy, tangy, and packs just the right amount of heat. Made with gochujang (Korean chili paste), mayo, garlic, soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sugar, it’s so addictive you’ll want to slather it on everything from sushi to fried chicken and so much more!
I’m a huge fan of mayonnaise in all its forms: store-bought for convenience, homemade mayonnaise when there’s time, and especially when it’s turned into something bold and flavorful. This spicy mayo sauce takes everything I love about mayo and kicks it up a notch with heat, tang, and irresistible umami flavor.
About This Recipe
Made with gochujang—Korea’s iconic fermented chili paste—this flavorful spicy mayo is the perfect balance of spicy, tangy, and savory flavors. It comes together in minutes using just a handful of pantry staples like mayonnaise, garlic, soy sauce, and rice vinegar, and instantly elevates anything it touches.
This Korean-inspired spicy mayo sauce is a little different from spicy mayo recipes that use Sriracha for flavor and heat.
Gochujang is a type of Korean fermented chili paste made from red chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It’s thick, slightly sweet, savory, spicy, and packed with umami flavor. When mixed into mayo, it adds depth, gentle heat, and a touch of sweetness. Compared to tangier sriracha mayo, gochujang mayo is creamier and more complex.
Drizzle it over sushi, use it as a dip for crispy French fries, slather it over burgers, or add a kick to your favorite rice bowls, because this Korean-inspired spicy mayo is one of those recipes you’ll come back to again and again.
Homemade Spicy Mayo Recipe with Gochujang
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- ¼ cup gochujang paste
- 2 cloves garic, minced/grated
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce, or tamari (for GF)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon sugar
Instructions
- Add all of the ingredients to a medium mixing bowl. Mix well until thoroughly combined.
- Transfer to an airtight jar or container and keep stored in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Notes
- Adjust the heat: Use more or less gochujang depending on your spice preference. Start with 2 tablespoons and add more as needed.
- Make it vegan: Substitute regular mayonnaise with a vegan mayo to make this recipe 100% plant-based.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce: To make this recipe gluten-free, choose tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.
- Store properly: Keep in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days. Freezing is not recommended.
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Flavor Variations
This spicy mayo is incredibly versatile. Whether you prefer more heat, a hint of sweetness, or a smoky finish, here are a few simple ways to customize your sauce.
- Extra Spicy: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an added kick of heat.
- Smoky: Mix in a bit of smoked paprika or chipotle powder for a smoky depth of flavor.
- Citrusy: Add a squeeze of fresh lime or lemon juice for freshness.
- Garlicky: Increase the garlic or roast it first for a deeper, more mellowed-out flavor. Garlic powder is not recommended.
- Creamier: Add a spoonful of sour cream or Greek yogurt (not dairy-free) for an even creamier texture and tangier sauce.
How I Use Spicy Gochujang Mayo
This spicy mayo is one of my favorite condiments to keep on hand. It adds bold, creamy flavor to just about everything but it’s especially delicious with crispy fried favorites and roasted veggies like fried chicken tenders, Brussels sprouts, and Korean fried chicken. I also find myself grabbing for it when I make seafood recipes, particularly shrimp and salmon. Try it with my air fryer coconut shrimp, honey garlic shrimp, sesame-crusted salmon patties, easy baked salmon, or even drizzled over homemade poke bowls. No matter how you choose to enjoy it, it’s a guaranteed winner every single time!
If you love this spicy mayo recipe, be sure to check out some of my other creamy, mayo-based sauce and dip recipes! Try my tangy Creamy Horseradish Sauce, sweet and tangy 5-Minute Honey Mustard Sauce, bold and addictive Comeback Sauce, or flavorful Southern-style Remoulade Sauce—they’re all quick to make and perfect for dipping, spreading, or drizzling.
