This 5-minute tandoori mayonnaise sauce is the perfect combination of rich, smoky flavors of tandoori and the creaminess 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: Smoky tandoori + creamy mayo = so good!
Easy to Make
Optional Healthy Twist
- Feel free to just use a regular mayonnaise. But if you’d like a healthier alternative, you can make this recipe with silken tofu, based on my Vegan Oil-Free Mayonnaise recipe.
Perfect for Parties

Ingredients

Use 1 cup (225 grams) of your favorite store-bought mayonnaise, or feel free to make it yourself using the following:

Silken Tofu: 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
Agave Syrup: A hint of sweetness to balance out the spices.
Mustard (optional): Gives an extra layer of tanginess.

And the spices for that tandoori flavor:

Garlic: Can be substituted with garlic powder, noting that the flavor will be milder.
Ginger: Can be substituted with ginger powder, just like garlic.
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: Adjust to your preference.

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

What is tandoori mayonnaise?

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

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 crowd’s favorite.

You may have seen brands in the store or online like Veeba Tandoori or Urban Platter. But you can also make your very own tandoori mayo right at home, fresh to order!

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 sauce-like consistency. Alternatively, you can use a regular blender.

If you’re using store-bought mayonnaise, you won’t need the blender as you can just mix well using a fork!

Serving Suggestions

Use it as a dip for your Indian fries or adobo fries, spread it on sandwiches or wraps, or drizzle it over salads & pizzas. It pairs great with grilled vegetables, chips, and even Indian snacks like samosas.

If you’re feeling adventurous, they will also go great with pasta and noodles, creating a creamy and flavorful sauce.

If you’re hosting a party, serve it alongside other dips so people have options to choose from!

Storage and Meal Prep Instructions

Store your tandoori mayonnaise sauce 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 mayonnaise with a small spoon in a white bowl.

FAQ

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.

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 kimchi French fries!