Spicy Harissa Aioli with Garlic
This spicy, smoky, and creamy Harissa Aioli adds bold flavor to everything from sandwiches to roasted vegetables to wraps. And the best part? You can whip it up in just a few minutes!
Why Make This Recipe
- So easy: Just mix everything together—no cooking required.
- Custom spice level: Adjust the amount of harissa paste according to your spice tolerance.
- Versatile: Ideal for sandwiches, as a dip for fries, or as a sauce for grilled meats and vegetables.
- Bold flavor: The spices and lemon juice complement the smoky heat of the harissa beautifully.
🥗 Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: Use full-fat mayonnaise for creaminess; I recommend Hellman’s or Duke’s.
- Harissa Paste: This can differ in spice level, so start small and add more to your taste.
- Lemon: Use fresh lemon juice and zest for the best flavor—bottled juice just won’t cut it.
- Spices: You’ll need paprika, onion powder, and cumin. If you don’t have fresh garlic, garlic powder will work too, and consider smoked paprika for an extra smoky kick.
🥣 Step-by-Step Instructions
Prepare the Lemon
Zest half a lemon and juice it.
Mix Ingredients
In a medium bowl, combine 1 cup of mayonnaise. Using a microplane grater, grate one garlic clove into the bowl. Then, mix in:
- 1½ tablespoons of harissa paste
- 1 teaspoon of lemon juice
- ½ teaspoon of lemon zest
- ½ teaspoon of paprika
- ½ teaspoon of onion powder
- ½ teaspoon of cumin
- ½ teaspoon of kosher salt
- ¼ teaspoon of freshly ground black pepper
Taste and Adjust
Stir everything well until combined. Feel free to add more lemon juice or harissa to suit your taste preferences.
Serve
Transfer the aioli to a serving bowl and garnish with a swirl of harissa. For the best flavor, let it chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes before serving.
Storage Tips
Store this spicy aioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. It’s perfect for meal prep or making ahead for gatherings!
🧐 Recipe FAQs for Harissa Aioli
Harissa is a North African chili paste made from dried red chili peppers, garlic, olive oil, and spices like cumin and coriander. Its unique flavor profile brings smokiness and heat to dishes.
Absolutely! Just swap out the regular mayonnaise for a vegan version, and you’re all set.
If you’re unsure about the heat of your harissa paste, start with a smaller amount and gradually increase to your liking. The flavors will develop more as they sit together!
This aioli pairs wonderfully with burgers, sandwiches, grilled chicken, fries, and roasted vegetables. It’s also delicious as a dipping sauce for appetizers!
Yes! This recipe is perfect for make-ahead meals. The flavors intensify the longer it sits, making it even more delicious when served after a few hours in the fridge.
