
My Mayo-Making Adventure
Last summer, I wanted to jazz up our family picnic sandwiches. I turned to Gordon Ramsay’s mayonnaise recipe, hoping for that chef-level magic. My first try was a flop—too much oil, too fast, and it split! But after a few go’s, I got it: a creamy, tangy spread that made our BLTs unforgettable. This recipe is simple but feels like a win every time. Let me share what I learned so you can nail it on your first try.
Why Homemade Mayo?
Store-bought mayo is fine, but it’s bland compared to this. Gordon’s version is rich, zesty, and ready in 10 minutes. It’s perfect for sandwiches, dips, or even a fancy salad dressing. Plus, you can tweak it to your taste. Trust me, once you make this, you’ll never go back.
What You’ll Need
Here’s the lineup for 1.5 cups of silky mayo:
- 2 large egg yolks (room temp, free-range for extra richness)
- 1 tbsp Dijon mustard (smooth, for that French vibe)
- 1.25 cups neutral oil (sunflower or canola—skip olive oil)
- 1-2 tbsp fresh lemon juice or white wine vinegar (for tang)
- Pinch of sea salt
- Pinch of black pepper
Swaps for Special Diets
- Egg Yolks: Try pasteurized yolks for safety, as explained by the USDA Food Safety guidelines
- Oil: Grapeseed oil works if you’re out of sunflower. Avoid extra virgin olive oil—it’s too strong.
- Acid: Apple cider vinegar gives a softer tang.
- Mustard: Yellow mustard is okay but it changes the flavor a bit.
- Vegan Twist: Use 3 tbsp aquafaba (chickpea brine) instead of eggs.
Gear You’ll Need
- Medium bowl (put a damp towel under it to stop slipping)
- Whisk or food processor (a blender works too)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- An airtight jar for storing
How to Make It
- Get Set Up (1 min)
Add egg yolks, mustard, salt, and pepper to a bowl.
Use room-temperature eggs for easy mixing.
Get oil and lemon juice ready.
Tip: Use a damp towel under the bowl to hold it steady. - Start Mixing (2-3 min)
Whisk yolks and mustard until smooth.
Add oil drop by drop while whisking.
Note: I rushed once and it flopped—go slow!
Easy: Use a food processor on low with oil. - Build the Creaminess (4-5 min)
After ¼ cup oil, pour a thin stream, whisking nonstop.
If thick, add a tsp of lemon juice to loosen.
Keep going until creamy with all the oil.
Check: Should hold soft peaks like a cloud. - Add Flavor (1-2 min)
Mix in 1 tbsp lemon juice or vinegar; add more if zesty.
Add salt or pepper if needed.
My Pick: 1.5 tbsp lemon juice for a bright taste. - Store or Serve (1 min)
Scoop into a jar and fridge it.
Serve now or chill 30 minutes for better flavor.
Fancy: Pipe into a small bowl for a chef vibe. - Total Time: ~10 minutes

Gordon Ramsay Mayonnaise Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- In a bowl, combine egg yolks, mustard, salt, and pepper.
- Add oil drop by drop while whisking constantly.
- Once thick, slowly drizzle in the rest of the oil while whisking.
- Stir in lemon juice or vinegar. Taste and adjust seasoning.
- Transfer to a jar and chill for 30 minutes or serve immediately.
Video
Notes
- Use room-temperature eggs for best emulsification. Cold yolks can cause the mayo to split.
- Add oil slowly—start with drops, then a thin stream. Going too fast will break the emulsion.
- Fix a broken mayo by whisking a new yolk in a clean bowl, then slowly adding the split mixture.
- Storage: Refrigerate in a sealed jar for up to 5 days. Do not freeze—texture will separate.
- Vegan Option: Replace egg yolks with 3 tbsp aquafaba (chickpea brine) and follow the same method.
- Flavor Variations: Add garlic, herbs, or chili sauce for custom twists.
Tips to Avoid Mess-Ups
- Warm Eggs: Cold eggs make it harder to mix. Let them sit out for 30 minutes.
- Slow Oil: Add oil too fast, and it’ll split. Drops first, then a trickle.
- Fix a Split: If it breaks, whisk a new yolk with a tsp of mustard, then slowly add the mess. It works!
- Don’t Overdo It: Stop whisking once it’s creamy to avoid curdling.
- Pick the Right Oil: Olive oil’s too bold and can break the mix. Use sunflower or canola.
- Clean Gear: Grease on your whisk or bowl can ruin the emulsion. Wash well.
How to Store It
- Fridge: Keep in a sealed jar for 3-5 days. It tastes better after a day.
- No Freezing: It’ll break if frozen. Make fresh instead.
- Prep Ahead: Make up to 3 days early. Stir before using.
- Serving Hack: Let it warm up for 10 min before spreading—it’s smoother.
Nutrition Facts (Per 2 Tbsp)
- Calories: ~180 kcal
- Fat: 20g (2g saturated)
- Protein: 0.4g
- Carbs: 0.2g
- Sodium: 60mg
- Allergens: Eggs, mustard
Note: These are rough numbers. Using less oil cuts calories but may change texture.
What It Tastes Like
This mayo is smooth, rich, and just tangy enough, with a mustardy warmth that pops. It’s perfect on burgers, as a fry dip, or in a potato salad. Serve it in a cute bowl with a sprinkle of pepper or chives. At our picnic, it stole the show on BLTs—everyone asked for the recipe!
My Story
I was nervous the first time I tried this. Whisking by hand felt like a workout, and I messed up by pouring oil too fast. But once I got the hang of it, it was like unlocking a chef secret. Now, I whip this up for every barbecue or sandwich night. It’s quick, and the payoff is huge. You’ll feel like a pro, too!
FAQ: Your Questions Answered
Can I use a blender?
Yup! A blender or food processor is easier. Use low speed and drizzle oil slowly.
Are raw egg yolks safe?
Fresh eggs are usually fine, but use pasteurized yolks for kids or pregnant folks.
What if it splits?
Start with a new yolk and a tsp of mustard. Slowly whisk in the broken mayo. It’ll come back.
Can I make it vegan?
Swap eggs for 3 tbsp aquafaba. It works just as well.
Best oil for mayo?
Sunflower or canola. Olive oil’s too strong and can mess it up.
How long does it last?
3-5 days in the fridge. Stir it before using.
Let’s Make It Yours
This mayo is a game-changer. It’s quick, fun, and makes you feel like a kitchen rockstar. Try it for your next sandwich or dip, and let me know how it goes in the comments! What’s your favorite way to use it?

My name is Yeasin Sorker. I have 10 years of experience in cooking and working in various aspects of the kitchen. I studied at Beacon Academy Bangladesh and am now working with them as well. I love discovering, experimenting, and sharing new cooking recipes. Through my website “Mr Kitchen Adviser“, I share my cooking experiences, recipes, and kitchen tips so that everyone can learn from them and make their cooking experience easier and more enjoyable.