The idea to make mayonnaise using a stick blender came from a Stonesoup reader. I was very very skeptical. But I also eat a lot of mayo so figured it was worth the risk…
I couldn’t believe the first time I made it. In a few seconds I had a creamy jug of perfect mayonnaise. Every time I make it I still feel nervous and am always happy with the results.
Except for the one time I tried to make a miso mayo and added cold miso paste into the mix before blending. The only time this mayo has split! I now add the miso paste at the end to be sure to be sure.
The general rules of mayo making still apply. Make sure your ingredients are all at room temp (except for the boiling water).
The other secret is to use a tall jug or container so that the head of the stick blender is covered by the non oil components. This is critical for getting the emulsion to happen. If the vessel is too flat you won’t get the right type of mixing to make the emulsion work.
Stick Blender Mayo
Ingredients
- 1 egg yolk
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or white wine vinegar
- 1 tablespoon boiling water
- 1 tablespoon dijon mustard
- 1 cup neutral flavoured oil
Instructions
- Place egg yolk, vinegar, water, mustard and a pinch of salt in a tall jug (see note above for why). Pour in oil.
- With your stick blender head on the bottom of the jug, blitz on high speed. As you start to see the emulsion forming, slowly raise the stick blender so the upper layers of oil get emulsified too.
- Taste and season with extra salt if needed (this can help tone down any bitterness from the oil if using olive oil) or a little extra vinegar if the flavour is too flat.
- If the mayo is too runny, carefully add oil in a thin stream while mixing with the stick blender. This requires some dexterity. If too thick, stir in a little water using a spoon, one tablespoon at a time.
Notes
Nutrition
Recipes to Use Your Mayo
- Fast Roast Fish with Miso Mayo
- Poached Eggs with Mayo
- Salmon with Asparagus (or Green Beans) and Dill Mayo
- Amazing Roast Broccoli & Chicken Caesar-ish Salad
- Classic ‘Slaw
Recipes to Use Your Leftover Egg White
Variations & Substitutions
cranberry mayo – stir in 1-2 handfuls dried cranberries.
aioli / garlicky mayo – crush 1-2 garlic cloves with a little salt. Smash with the side of your knife on a chopping board until you have a puree. Add to mayo ingredients with the egg.
chipotle mayo – replace water with 100g (3.5oz) chipotle chillies in adobo sauce.
vegan / egg-free – Replace the egg yolk with an extra 2 tablespoons dijon mustard. Skip the water.
miso mayo – stir in 1 tablespoon white miso paste (aka ‘shiro’ miso). If you can’t find white miso red or brown miso will work – just use half because these miso pastes are stronger in flavour.
lemony – replace water and vinegar with lemon juice. For extra kick add the zest of 1 lemon.
limey – replace water and vinegar with lime juice. For extra kick add the zest of 1 lime.
preserved lemon – stir in 1-2 tablespoons finely chopped preserved lemon (you won’t need as much salt so best to taste and adjust seasoning at the end in stead of adding salt at the beginning).
cheat’s Hollondaise / Bearnaise sauce – replace the oil with melted butter cooled to room temp. This will split once refrigerated so best to make just as you need it.
different oils – I usually use a cheaper olive oil (not extra virgin) for my mayo because I find extra virgin olive oil (EVOO) overpowers. If you want more antioxidants and are happy with the punchy flavour use EVOO. The other oil I occasionally use is rice bran.
herby – stir in finely chopped fresh herbs. Parsley is great for general use. Or basil. Or dill (magic with fish).
pine nut – stir in a generous handful of cooled roasted pine nuts – amazing with fish, chicken or veg.
harissa mayo – stir in 1-2 tablespoons harissa paste.
Waste Avoidance Strategy
eggs – whole eggs will keep in the fridge for weeks or use for another meal.
rice vinegar or white wine vinegar / dijon mustard / neutral flavoured oil – keep in the pantry.
Prepare Ahead
Yes! Will keep in the fridge for 2 weeks. Do not freeze!
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Add to my Old Favourite Recipes
I’m concerned that the only tall jug I have came with my stick blender and I can’t fathom that the non-oil ingredients would be covered by the base. The jug is 2-⅝ inches at the bottom, but it flares out pretty quickly. I’m curious about the diameter of your jug, and if mine should work.
The non oil ingredients don’t have to cover the base completely Susan – My jar is more like 4 inches at the base (possible more). I’d say it will be fine especially if it’s so narrow at the base.
There’s only one real way to find out if it will work!
Thank you, Jules! I’ll have to try it now.
Question: Could I sub tahini for the mustard? Mustard is not allowed in my kitchen 😆
I don’t see why not April – there’s only one way to find out. Or you could always just skip it
Hi Jules,
I make homemade mayo with a stick blender, too. Just a little differently. I like mine garlic-y and a little tart. Place a whole egg, 1/2 to 1 tsp Dijon, 1 tablespoon lemon juice,a dash of sea salt and a grated garlic clove in the stick blender container. Slowly pour in 1 cup of oil of choice (I use organic canola usually) and wait 15 seconds for everything to settle. Put the stick blender all the way to the bottom and begin blending. When the emulsion is almost fully formed, start pulling the stick blender up and tilt slightly if needed to incorporate any oil floating near the top. Voila! I also use this as the base for my homemade Ranch dressing and tartar sauce.
Thanks for sharing Linda!
I feel a little funny about eating raw egg white – but it’s a great way to avoid waste 🙂
Comment from Valerie via email:
I wanted to tell you that I tried your stick mayo today and it was great, I was amazed how quick it was to make and tasted so much nicer than shop brought mayonnaise.
Thank you again
Valerie ?
Jules, thanks mate for this super smashing mayo. I used 3/4 cup grape seed and 1/4 EEVO. For vinegar I had to use my precious Williams Sonoma white balsamic which was a bit sweet. Wish I had some apple cider vinegar… So countered with fresh ground Williams Sonoma pepper blend which is the bomb. I’m an Aussie and American living in Beijing. So the vinegar and pepper get carried into Beijing in the good ole suitcase. I’ve been loving your recipes for years. Hugs Vicki
Sending you hugs too Vicki!
So glad you enjoyed the mayo.
Next time you should be able to get rice vinegar in China.
Are things still in lock down in Beijing?
Jx