This smoky BBQ Aioli takes only 3 minutes and 2 ingredients to make, and it’s so creamy and delicious you won’t believe this barbecue mayo is also vegan!
A plant-based delight that’s perfect for barbecues, but also your day-to-day meal prep due to its versatility!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- 🔥 Smokin’ BBQ Bliss: This BBQ Aioli brings the heat with a zesty, smoky kick!
- 🌱 Plant-powered Perfection: Indulge guilt-free with this BBQ sauce recipe, blending creamy vegan mayo for a delicious plant-based twist.
- 🎉 Effortless Eats: Make your aioli in just one step and 3 minutes!
- 🌽 Flavorful Flexibility: Whether it’s salads, sandwiches, or as veggie dips in the sunny barbecue months, this aioli is your tasty companion for any meal!
Is Aioli Just Garlic Mayonnaise?
Technically, the difference between aioli and mayo is that aioli uses garlic but mayonnaise does not. The second difference is that aioli traditionally does not contain eggs whereas mayonnaise does.
However, texture-wise, they are very similar. So yes, you can call aioli “garlic mayo” for convenience. This is also why I’m just using mayonnaise in this recipe as the base, to keep things simple for both you and me. 😉
What is BBQ Aioli Made Of?
Just 2 ingredients to make this BBQ aioli: mayonnaise and BBQ sauce/BBQ spice mix.
- Mayonnaise: A velvety base, whether it’s your 3-minute homemade oil-free mayo or a trusted store-bought brand, the mayo sets the foundation for a creamy, luscious texture.
And for the BBQ flavor, you can just opt for one of these, or use both for a bolder, more well-rounded flavor!
- BBQ Sauce: Adds a delightful sweetness, contributing to a smoother, more indulgent BBQ Aioli.
- BBQ Spice Mix: Elevates the flavor profile, giving that smoky mayo vibes 🔥
- Speaking of smoky, check out my Raspberry Chipotle Sauce, or this Raspberry Chipotle Cream Cheese Dip Platter
What’s the difference between using just the BBQ sauce vs just the BBQ spice mix/blend?
If you’re using just the BBQ sauce, you will get a smoother mayonnaise while it might be a little bit more gritty with the BBQ spice blend / BBP spice mix. With the sauce, your bbq mayo will also be sweeter, whereas you can taste more of the spice with the BBQ spice mix.
For the best results, I recommend using both. But feel free to experiment and try things out for yourself!
How to Make BBQ Aioli
Just one simple instruction: combine the ingredients using a whisk, fork, or spoon. And tada!
Feel free to give it a taste test and adjust the seasoning accordingly to really make this recipe your own, and you’re done!🥳
Want to Elevate Your BBQ Mayonnaise?
Add a bit of liquid smoke to give it that smoky aioli vibe. If you have some smoked paprika powder or chipotle pepper powder, feel free to add a dash or two to make it even smokier, similar to my Smoked Paprika Aioli recipe! Or add a sprinkle of freshly cracked black pepper or a dash of tabasco to add some heat, similar to my Black Pepper Aioli recipe!
Serving Suggestions
This barbecue aioli is perfect as a classic dipping sauce for your sweet potato fries, regular potato fries like with my Adobo Fries, loaded fries, roasted potatoes & other veggies, and also your veggie chips. It’s also the condiment you have to make whenever you’re having a barbecue outside in the summer!
Is it cold outside? No worries! This is also great to use as a sauce for your bowls, such as in this Vegan Poke Bowl with Easy Marinated Tofu recipe.
What Do You Eat with Aioli?
Want to spend some time cooking and experimenting in the kitchen using your aioli?
I’ll let you in on a little secret here: aiolis aren’t just great as a sauce, but also in your cooking! They are great as marinades (think something close to this Roasted Tandoori Vegetables recipe), and even as pasta sauces. Yes, you heard me right. Just add some to replace the cream in your pasta, and you’re good to go!
Storage and Meal Prep Instructions
Storage: Keep leftover barbecue aioli in the fridge for up to a week in an airtight container.
Meal prep: Prepare in advance, store in the fridge for up to a week, and you’re ready to elevate multiple meals with this BBQ aioli!
Freezing: Refrain from freezing this smoky barbecue aioli to maintain the best texture and flavor; refrigerate instead.
FAQ
Looking for more sauces & dips?
Want more creamy dips? Check out my 3-minute Yuzu Aioli, Citrus Mayonnaise (with 3 Flavor Options), or Cranberry Mayonnaise for a fruity twist, or my 5-minute Hummus (No Garlic) recipe for a Mediterranean twist.
Or if you’re looking to spice things up, check out my other spicy dipping sauces: from Korean Gochujang Aioli and Kimchi Aioli, Indian Tandoori Mayonnaise, and my Indonesian Sambal Aioli recipes!
The EASIEST BBQ Aioli (Smoky Barbecue Mayo Sauce)
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise (115 grams) I used my homemade oil-free mayo (link below in the Notes section) but feel free to use another recipe/brand
For the BBQ Flavor (choose at least one, but both is better)
- 2 Tablespoons BBQ sauce (choose this for a sweeter sauce and smoother texture)
- 1 teaspoon BBQ spice mix (choose this for a more smoky flavor)
Instructions
- Mix all the ingredients together. You can use a whisk, fork, or even a spoon. Taste and adjust the seasoning to customize this recipe to your liking, and you're done!
Notes
- One serving is equal to one Tablespoon. The calorie information is counted using regular mayonnaise (99 kcal). If using my Oil-free Vegan Mayo (Silken Tofu variation), the mayonnaise will contain 29 kcal per serving.
Unbelievably creamy!
Perfect for superbowls.
Really like this aioli series. Super simple but the flavors are amazing, thanks!