4 Things You Didn't Know You Could Do with Mayonnaise
By Adina Steiman, Epicurious
Mayonnaise deserves more respect. It has a surprising range of household uses. It’s an essential component of a BLT (hey, why isn’t it called a BMLT?). But mayonnaise is more than a mere sandwich spread and houseplant cleaner. Here are a few examples of what I mean:
TURN IT INTO A DIPPING SAUCE
Mayo is magic—its tangy-sweet creaminess makes a versatile base for a range of flavors. Add a squeeze of citrus? Brilliant. A dash of Old Bay or smoked paprika? Even better. Or make your own homemade version of that delightfully named condiment, Dijonnaise.
USE AS A SPACKLE FOR YOUR BREADCRUMBS
We all know that breadcrumbs add great crunch to cutlets—and even beef tenderloin. And what better way to attach them then mayonnaise? Sure, a beaten egg is the more typical “glue,” but mayonnaise adds way more umami depth, and crumbs cling to the sticky surface even better than with an egg wash.
SUPERCHARGE YOUR BURGERS
Ketchup or mustard on your burger? That’s the wrong question. Secret sauce, which uses mayo as a carrier for a range of tangy, spicy, and even smoky flavors, is the best partner for your patty. Case in point: Our Epicurious burger sauce.
Get the Recipe: Epicurious Not-So-Secret Sauce
BLEND INTO CAKE BATTER
Whisking mayo into your cake batter shouldn’t be shocking, but it is. When you think about it, though, most cakes contain eggs and oil (or butter), which are the main components in mayo, too. A bit of extra salt from the mayo adds depth to the other flavors in the cake, and the vinegar helps ensure the most tender crumb. See? Mayo can do anything.
Get the Recipe: Chocolate Cake With Mayonnaise
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PHOTO: MARCUS NILSSON
