5 Best Kewpie Mayo Substitutes

Looking for some Kewpie mayo substitutes? Read on, my fellow condiment enthusiast!

Kewpie mayo is a Japanese condiment. And it has taken the food world by storm!

But what happens when you run out of this delicious staple? Or if you can’t find it in your local grocery store?

Not to fear! 

I’ve gathered 5 of the best Kewpie mayo substitutes that rival the original.

What Is Kewpie Mayo?

Before diving into these tasty alternatives, let’s talk about Kewpie mayo. And why it is so darn good!

Kewpie mayo is a Japanese-style mayo made with egg yolks, rice vinegar, and vegetable oil.

This tasty combo gives Kewpie mayo a thicker consistency and a sweet, tangy flavor.

It has a hint of umami with a solid eggy flavor that adds richness to any dish. It is delicious. 

But the versatility of Kewpie mayo really makes it stand out. 

It’s perfect for sandwiches, sweet potato fries, potato salad, sushi, and dips.

Best Kewpie Mayo Substitutes

Are you a Kewpie convert yet? The only downside of this Japanese condiment is not all American grocery stores carry it. 

Luckily you can recreate the same creamy, delicious flavor with these simple substitutes.

1. Yum Yum Sauce

Yum Yum Sauce is a popular Japanese condiment where the name says it all. 

This creamy sauce is a staple in Japanese steak houses. The sweet, tangy flavors pair perfectly with a juicy slab of sirloin. 

Yum Yum Sauce uses a tomato base, which gives it an extra tangy flavor. Season the sauce with paprika and garlic powder for a zesty punch.  

It does not taste exactly the same as Kewpie mayo. But it is still a tasty substitute with a similar flavor profile.

Replace Kewpie mayo in your recipe in a 1:1 ratio with Yum Yum sauce. 

2. Mayo Ramen

Here’s a cooking hack you didn’t know you needed. (Thank me later.)

If you want to replicate the savory flavors of Kewpie, whip up a batch of mayo ramen!

The recipe could not be more simple. Just whisk together plain mayo with the flavoring pack from instant ramen.

The spices from the ramen flavoring packet create a well-seasoned mayo. Almost like Kewpie! 

Replace Kewpie mayo in your recipe in a 1:1 ratio with mayo ramen. 

3. Spicy Mayo

 Add a little heat to your recipe with spicy mayo! 

You can find spicy mayo in most grocery stores. If not, the recipe is super easy to make.

• Just combine equal parts mayo with Sriracha to create a zesty sauce.

This substitute works great on breakfast sandwiches, burgers, sushi rolls, and more. 

Replace Kewpie mayo in your recipe in a 1:1 ratio with spicy mayo. 

4. Ajinomoto Mayo

Ajinomoto is a Japanese condiment company that creates flavorful mayo.

This brand has less worldwide fame than Kewpie, but it is still much-loved in Japan. Many local chefs even prefer it over Kewpie mayo. 

The recipe uses four different vinegars, making it taste tangy and tart. 

Replace Kewpie mayo in your recipe in a 1:1 ratio with Ajinomoto mayo.

5. Homemade Kewpie Mayo

Try making homemade Kewpie mayo if you’re up for a challenge! (Just a little one.) 

You can create this tasty substitute by combining egg yolks, rice vinegar, and spices. You probably already have most of the ingredients in your pantry right now.

While it’s not a quick fix, you cannot beat the fresh taste of homemade mayo. 

Plus, it is super easy to make. The hardest part is letting it sit for 24 hours. So, patience is key!

Homemade Kewpie Mayo Recipe

Ingredients:

• 2 pasteurized egg yolks
• 1 cup of rice vinegar
• 1/2 teaspoon dashi powder
• 1/2 teaspoon salt
• 1/4 teaspoon pepper
• 1/4 teaspoon Dijon mustard
• 1/8 teaspoon onion powder or garlic powder
• 2 tablespoons fresh lemon juice
• 2 teaspoons sugar

Instructions:

1. Whisk the ingredients, or blend them in a food processor until smooth. 
2. Pour the mixture into a jar with a lid and let sit for 24 hours before using.

You will know it is ready once it has a creamy consistency. 

You can store your homemade Kewpie mayo in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. (If it lasts that long.) 

Replace Kewpie mayo in your recipe in a 1:1 ratio with Homemade Kewpie mayo. 

Kewpie Mayo Uses

Kewpie mayo is one of those condiments you can use for pretty much anything!

• Try drizzling some Kewpie mayo on top of sushi.
• Spread a dollop on burgers for some extra creaminess.
• It also makes a mean sidekick in salad dressings, coleslaws, and even soups! 
• Imagine stirring a spoonful of Kewpie mayo into a bowl of butternut squash soup.

How delicious does that sound? 

If you have a dish that could use some extra creaminess, try adding Kewpie mayo. I promise the results won’t disappoint. 

Kewpie Mayo Substitutes

• Yum Yum Sauce
• Mayo Ramen
• Spicy Mayo
• Ajinomoto Mayo
• Homemade Kewpie Mayo

Pick your favorite Kewpie mayo substitute from above. Swap it into your recipe at a 1:1 ratio.