Creamy Heat: Kewpie Spicy Mayo That Makes California Rolls Irresistible

Written by Sarah Gardner

Let’s take your California rolls to the next level with a creamy, addictive Kewpie-based spicy mayo. It’s the perfect sushi mayo sauce that brings a little heat and a ton of flavor. Think of it as the secret star in your homemade sushi rolls recipes—it’s easy to whip up, super versatile, and will have everyone dipping their rolls (and maybe even sushi sandwich recipes) into it. Whether you’re working on spicy tuna sushi, a spicy crab sushi roll, or just craving sushi recipes homemade, this sauce is your new go-to condiment.

Kewpie Spicy Mayo

Course Condiment, Dip
Cuisine American, Japanese
Servings 0.75 cup (enough dipping sauce for 4–6 California rolls, or to drizzle over multiple sushi creations)

Equipment

  • Small Mixing Bowl easy to whisk everything together.
  • Whisk or Fork to get that silky, smooth texture.
  • Measuring spoons and cups essential for hitting the perfect ratio.
  • Squeeze bottle or airtight jar for easy dipping or storage.
  • Alternative If you don’t have Kewpie, regular mayonnaise will work—just add a pinch more rice vinegar to mimic that Kewpie tang.

Ingredients
  

  • ½ cup Kewpie mayonnaise Japanese-style mayo with rice vinegar for deeper umami
  • 2 –3 tablespoons Sriracha adjust for your spice tolerance; this gives things that classic sriracha mayo vibe
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil to bring in some nuttiness
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar brightens the sauce
  • ½ teaspoon honey or sugar softens the heat and balances the acidity
  • 1 garlic clove finely grated (optional for a garlicky depth)
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds for flavor and texture, plus it looks great when drizzled over rolls

Instructions
 

Gather your ingredients

  1. Have everything measured and ready—this sauce comes together fast.

Combine Kewpie mayo and Sriracha

  1. In your bowl, whisk together until well blended and color is uniform.

Add sesame oil and rice vinegar

  1. These deepen the flavor and give it that authentic Japanese spicy mayo recipe quality.

Sweeten lightly

  1. Mix in honey or sugar; taste and tweak so it’s balanced—not too sweet, not too sharp.

Optional garlic step

  1. Add the grated garlic if you want that extra punch—perfect in sauces like this used for spicy mayo sauce or spicy mayo for sushi.

Finish with sesame seeds

  1. Fold in or sprinkle on top. These also make for a lovely garnish on top of sushi or siracha mayo bowls.

Transfer for storage

  1. Spoon into a squeeze bottle for precision drizzling or an airtight jar for keeping in the fridge.

Pairings

  • Classic California rolls: Drizzle lightly over rolls filled with imitation crab, avocado, and cucumber.
  • Spicy tuna sushi / spicy crab sushi roll: Amp up the flavor—this sauce complements raw or cooked seafood.
  • Siracha mayo bowls: Think poké bowls, rice bowls, or congee topped with a spicy mayo swirl.
  • Tempura or fried bites: Use it as a dipping sauce for shrimp tempura, vegetable katsu, or even fries.
  • Sushi sandwich recipes: Layer the sauce between rice sheets and fillings for an umami-rich bite.
  • Veggie wraps: Try it as a mayo sauce in fusion burrito rolls or lettuce wraps—it’s got the heat and creaminess to elevate anything.

FAQs

1. Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of Kewpie?

Yes, but to mimic Kewpie’s tangy depth, stir in ½ teaspoon of rice vinegar per ½ cup of mayo.

2. How spicy is this mayo? Can I make it milder?

It’s medium-spicy with 2–3 tablespoons of Sriracha. For less heat, start with 1 tablespoon and adjust after mixing—this is your spicy mayo recipe for sushi, after all.

3. Is it safe for raw fish dishes like spicy tuna sushi?

Absolutely—this condiment is shelf-stable and commonly served atop many sushi rolls. Just refrigerate leftover sauce.

4. Can I prep this sauce in advance for homemade sushi rolls recipes?

Yes! Whisk it up and store it in a squeeze bottle or jar in the fridge for up to one week—makes assembly fast and easy.

5. What other proteins pair well?

Beyond tuna or crab, it's delicious on grilled shrimp, salmon, or even crispy tofu—makes for endless creativity in sushi sauce usages.

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