Alton Brown Aioli Recipe

Alton Brown Aioli Recipe is made with garlic, egg yolks, lemon juice, neutral oil, olive oil, cayenne pepper, and a bit of water. This recipe creates a smooth, garlicky, homemade aioli that’s perfect for dipping or drizzling. It takes about 10 minutes to prepare and yields about 1 cup.

Alton Brown Aioli Recipe Ingredients

• 3 cloves garlic
• Kosher salt
• 1 tablespoon lemon juice
• 2 large egg yolks
• 1/2 cup neutral oil (vegetable or safflower)
• 1/2 cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 1 tablespoon water, plus more if needed
• Pinch cayenne pepper

How To Make Alton Brown Aioli Recipe

1. Make Garlic Paste: Smash and finely chop garlic with 1/2 teaspoon salt, mashing it into a paste.
2. Combine Base Ingredients: In a mini food processor, pulse garlic paste, lemon juice, and egg yolks until combined.
3. Emulsify Neutral Oil: With machine running, slowly drizzle in neutral oil until emulsified.
4. Add Olive Oil: Scrape down sides, then drizzle in olive oil the same way. Add water if mixture becomes too thick.
5. Finish and Adjust: Mix in cayenne pepper. For thinner consistency, slowly add 1–2 tablespoons more water as needed.
6. Alternative by Hand: Anchor bowl with towel, whisk garlic paste, lemon juice, and yolks. Add oils drop by drop while whisking. Loosen with water if needed, then mix in cayenne.

Recipe Tips

• Use Fresh Garlic: Fresh cloves provide bold, clean flavor.
• Start Slow with Oil: Begin with drops to form a stable emulsion.
• Balance Oil Flavors: Mixing neutral and olive oil keeps it from tasting too grassy.
• Adjust Consistency: Add water as needed for spreading or drizzling.
• Chill Before Serving: Enhances flavor and thickens texture.

What To Serve With Aioli

This aioli pairs wonderfully with French fries, grilled vegetables, poached fish, burgers, or as a spread for sandwiches. It also complements roasted meats and seafood dishes.

How To Store Aioli

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container for up to 3 days.
Freeze: Not recommended; the emulsion will break when thawed.

Aioli Nutrition Facts (per tablespoon)

• Calories: 120
• Total Fat: 13g
• Saturated Fat: 2g
• Carbohydrates: 0g
• Sugar: 0g
• Protein: 0g
• Sodium: 50mg

FAQs

Can I use only olive oil?
Yes, but the flavor may be more bitter or grassy—blending oils balances it better.

What if the aioli breaks?
Whisk in an extra yolk or start a new batch and slowly add the broken one to re-emulsify.

Is aioli the same as mayonnaise?
They’re similar, but traditional aioli includes garlic and is typically made by hand.

Can I make it spicier?
Yes, increase cayenne or add a splash of hot sauce.

Is it safe with raw eggs?
Use pasteurized eggs if concerned about safety, especially for sensitive groups.

Try More Recipes:

• Alton Brown Peanut Butter Cookie Recipe
• Alton Brown Blue Cheese Dressing
• Alton Brown Chicken Noodle Soup