Black Pepper Free Classic Aioli
Creamy, garlicky, and impossibly silky, this classic aioli is the kind of condiment that makes everything it touches taste better. It comes together with just a handful of pantry staples — garlic, egg yolks, lemon juice, and good olive oil — so there's no mystery about what's going into the bowl. For anyone avoiding black pepper, store-bought aioli and mayonnaise can be a minefield, with pepper tucked into seasoning blends or listed vaguely as "spices." Making it from scratch puts you completely in control, and the result is genuinely superior to anything in a jar. The technique is the real star here: working the garlic into a paste with salt, then building the emulsion drop by drop, gives you that luxuriously thick texture that clings to a crudité or a piece of crusty bread without ever breaking. A squeeze of lemon keeps it bright and balanced, while the extra-virgin olive oil lends a subtle fruitiness that rounds everything out. Spread it, dip into it, or dollop it over roasted vegetables — this is one of those recipes you'll find yourself making on repeat.
About FigFig is a food discovery app that helps you find foods and recipes that fit your dietary needs. Whether you have food allergies, intolerances, or follow a specific diet, Fig makes it easy to eat with confidence.
Learn more →Ingredients
6 servings
- 3 cloves garlic
- ¼ tsp kosher salt, plus more to taste
- 2 pasteurized egg yolks
- 1 tsp fresh lemon juice
- 1 tsp cold water
- ¾ cup extra-virgin olive oil
Instructions
- 1
Using a mortar and pestle (or the flat of a knife on a cutting board), pound or mince the garlic with the 1/4 tsp kosher salt until it forms a smooth, sticky paste with no visible chunks remaining.
- 2
Transfer the garlic paste to a medium bowl. Add the pasteurized egg yolks, lemon juice, and cold water, and whisk together until the mixture is uniform and slightly pale, about 30 seconds.
Want the full recipe?
Create a Fig account for step-by-step instructions, access to our full recipe library, and more!