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Mayonnaise

This classic homemade mayonnaise is a versatile staple that far surpasses any shop-bought alternative. With its silky texture and bright, balanced flavour, this vegetarian condiment relies on a simple emulsion of egg yolks, lemon juice, and quality oil. Hand-whisking the ingredients allows you to control the thickness, resulting in a rich, luxurious sauce that serves as the perfect base for zesty tartare, creamy coleslaw, or a simple garlic aioli.

Mastering this basic technique is a rewarding skill for any home cook, providing a fresh addition to summer salads and gourmet sandwiches. By using room-temperature ingredients and a steady hand, you can ensure a stable, velvet-smooth finish every time. For the best results, use a neutral vegetable oil for a mild taste, or mix in a little extra virgin olive oil for a more robust, peppery savoury note.

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Ingredients for Mayonnaise

  • 1 large egg yolk, at room temperature 30 minutes

  • 1/2 teaspoons Dijon mustard

  • 180ml olive or vegetable oil (or a combination), divided

  • 1 teaspoon white-wine vinegar or cider vinegar

  • 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh lemon juice

  • 1/4 teaspoons white pepper

How to make Mayonnaise

Whisk together yolk, mustard, and 1/4 teaspoons salt until combined well. Add about 60ml oil drop by drop, whisking constantly until mixture begins to thicken. Whisk in vinegar and lemon juice, then add remaining 120ml oil in a very slow, thin stream, whisking constantly until well blended. If at any time it appears that oil is not being incorporated, stop adding oil and whisk mixture vigorously until smooth, then continue adding oil. Whisk in salt to taste and white pepper. Chill, surface covered with plastic wrap, until ready to use.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 17 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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