This 5-minute tandoori mayonnaise sauce is the perfect combination of rich, smoky flavors of tandoori and the creamy goodness of mayonnaise. Such a delightful twist to your regular mayo!

Someone dipping a potato fries into a bowl of tandoori mayo.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

Unique Fusion: Experience the best of both worlds – the smoky essence of tandoori and the creaminess of mayo.
Easy to Make
Healthy Twist: Made with silken tofu, this mayonnaise is a much healthier alternative based on my Vegan Oil-Free Mayonnaise recipe.
Customizable Heat: Adjust the chili powder to your liking.
Perfect for Parties

What is Tandoori Mayonnaise?

Tandoori Mayonnaise, often referred to as tandoori mayo, is a delightful fusion of the traditional Indian tandoori flavors with the creamy texture of mayonnaise.

It’s like taking a trip to India with every bite. The smoky, spicy notes of the tandoori (with the same spices as my Creamy Tandoori Sauce Pasta and my Easy Tandoori Vegetables Platter recipe), combined with the smoothness of the mayo make it a must-try for everyone, in my opinion.

You may have seen brands in the store or online like Veeba Tandoori or Urban Platter. But why go through the trouble of finding it though? You can make your very own tandoori mayo right at home, fresh to order!

Tandoori mayonnaise with a small spoon in a white bowl.

Ingredients

The following items should be available at your local grocery store. I’ll bet you can see how yummy this is going to be just by that list!

Silken Tofu: This acts as the creamy base for our mayo. It’s a healthier alternative to the usual mayo ingredients but still gives a smooth, velvety texture.
Rice Vinegar: Lemon juice is a great substitute.
Salt: Enhances the overall flavor.
Agave Syrup: Adds a hint of sweetness to balance out the spices.
Mustard (optional): Gives an extra layer of tanginess.
Garlic: A must-have for that aromatic punch.
Ginger: Complements the garlic and adds a warm, spicy undertone.
Garam Masala: Our favorite Indian spice mix. It brings the tandoori taste to life, without making you buy like 10 bottles of different spices separately.
Paprika: Adds color, smokiness, and a bit of sweetness.
Chili Powder: For that heat! Adjust according to your preference.

All the raw ingredients needed to make tandoori mayonnaise in small white bowls and measuring spoons.

Step-by-step Instructions

Peel and chop: Peel and finely chop the garlic and ginger.

Add: Add all the ingredients into a tall cup.

All the ingredients for spicy tandoori mayo in a tall cup.

Blending the tandoori mayonnaise with an immersion blender.

Blendy blend: Blend for approximately 15-30 seconds using an immersion blender, until you achieve a smooth consistency. Alternatively, you can use a regular blender.

Serving Suggestions

Tandoori Mayonnaise is incredibly versatile. Use it as a dip for your Indian fries or adobo fries, spread it on sandwiches or wraps, or drizzle it over salads. It pairs wonderfully with grilled vegetables, chips, and even Indian snacks like samosas.

If you’re hosting a party, serve it alongside other dips and watch it disappear in no time! Try it out and let me know how it goes in the comments. Maybe you’ve got an idea for serving it that I’ve never tried!

What to Make with Tandoori Mayonnaise

Tandoori Mayonnaise is a delightful addition to various dishes. Use it as a marinade for chicken or vegetables (to make something like my Tandoori Vegetables Platter recipe), mix it into pasta for a creamy sauce (to make something similar to my Creamy Tandoori Pasta recipe), or stir it into soups for added richness and flavor.

Storage and Meal Prep Instructions

Store your Tandoori Mayonnaise in an airtight container in the fridge. It stays fresh for up to a week, though it’s best to consume it within 3-4 days for the best taste.

Tandoori mayo sauce, with the left side of the bowl cropped out.

FAQ

Yes, you can. However, fresh ingredients always give a more vibrant flavor. If using powders, adjust the quantity to your taste.

Absolutely! You can use 1 cup of cashews with 1/4 to 1/2 cup of water, as mentioned in the notes. Just make sure they’re soaked well to get that creamy texture.

Yes, if you have mayo on hand, just add the spices to get the tandoori flavor. Almost always, we’re all looking to save some time so this is a great shortcut!

Tandoori mayo can have a subtle sweetness, as it usually contains ingredients like agave syrup or other sweeteners for balance. But it’s generally more savory than sweet.

Tandoori mayo can be spicy, but the level of spiciness varies depending on the amount of chili powder or paprika used in the recipe. It typically has a mild to moderate heat, providing a pleasant kick without being overly spicy.

Always start with a little bit first, then add more or even use Kashmiri chili powder if you’d like more heat!🔥

Want More Delicious Recipes?

Then check out my other spicy aioli recipes: this 5-Minute Kimchi Aioli, 3-Minute Gochujang Aioli, and 3-Minute Harissa Aioli! 🌶️

P.S. This tandoori sauce is also delicious in bowls such as this Rainbow Poke Bowl or Korean French fries!