Kewpie Mayo — the “flagship product” of Kewpie (as the company boldly claims on their website) is a beloved condiment that has taken up permanent spots in the shelves of many, characterized by its creamy texture, umami flavor and impressive shelf life.
However, in order to fully appreciate its potential and really understand what the condiment is all about, it is helpful to know what the things are that you can and should pair it with.
In this article, we’ll explore an interesting array of dishes that perfectly complement Kewpie Mayo, and some of the more wild combinations that you can experiment at home.
Without wasting time, let’s get to it.
How To Use Kewpie Mayo
Kewpie mayonnaise undoubtedly enhances the flavor and appearance of a wide variety of dishes while also adding a touch of Japanese culinary finesse them.
Below are 23 fantastic ways to incorporate Kewpie mayo into your everyday meals and snacks.
Toast
There are different types of toasts existing in the culinary realm, for example avocado, tuna, tomatoes and smoked salmon, and believe it when we say that Kewpie Mayo can easily elevate the richness of every one of them with its unique umami notes.
To use kewpie Mayo on a toast, spread it thinly on the white bread and heat it up in a toaster.
Salad Dressing
Give your shrimp, egg, broccoli, mushroom, beef salads or even coleslaw a unique twist by using Kewpie mayo as a base for them.
By mixing the Mayo with ingredients such as sriracha, aioli, chipotle pepper, lemon juice, garlic and herbs, you create a delectable concoction that marries well with every possible type of salad from leafy greens, grilled vegetables to protein-packed salads.
Kewpie mayo’s creaminess would add depth to the salad and balance out other competing flavors in your salads.
Dipping Sauce
Remember Kewpie mayo has a silky texture? Such nature makes it an excellent choice for dipping sauce.
Try mixing it with soy sauce, aonori flakes, shichimi, sriracha or even wasabi to create an array of delightful dips for your favorite appetizers like tempura, fries, sushi rolls or vegetable sticks like celery, radish and carrot.
To be quite frank, the possibilities with kewpie as a dip are endless, as Kewpie mayo harmonizes perfectly with various flavors and spices across different regions and cuisines.
Substitute It For Butter In Grilled Cheese Sandwich
Kewpie Mayo can serve as a perfect (if not better) substitute for butter in grilled cheese sandwich.
Spread a thin layer of Kewpie mayo on the outer sides of your white bread before grilling on a no fat pan.
The result is a perfectly golden, crispy exterior with a delightful creamy note that pairs beautifully with the gooey, melted cheese inside.
Also, no smoky residue on your bread from burnt fat on the pan (as is usually the case with butter) and certainly no acid aroma that lingers and haunts your kitchen space for a while.
Make Elote
Put a Japanese spin on the popular Mexican street food classic (Grilled Corn) by using Kewpie mayo instead of regular Mayo to make elote.
Roll a perfectly grilled and charred corn in a cold bath of kewpie-mayo-jacuzzi made by combining cheese, Kewpie Mayo, Sour cream, cilantro, chilli powder, garlic and a squeeze of lime.
The combination of Kewpie mayo’s umami richness with the tangy and spicy flavors of the rest of the ingredients will make this dish an instant hit at your next BBQ or cookout.
Broiled Fish
Brush a thin layer of Kewpie mayo all over your fish before broiling or roasting to keep the flesh moist, succulent and tender as it cooks. This would also help prevent the fish from sticking to the grill or broiling on.
And if you hate the idea of mayonnaise on fish, don’t be worried, because the taste of the mayo won’t make it through the final taste.
Thicken Sauces
Use Kewpie mayonnaise to add creaminess and lesser weight to your pan made sauces.
Its smooth texture would help thicken and bind sauces, giving them a velvety finish that pairs well with veggies, rice, vegetables and protein based dishes.
Make A Cake with It
Kewpie mayo can serve as a surprising ingredient in cake recipes, especially chocolate and pound cakes.
The mayo’s oil content adds moisture, while its acidity reacts with baking soda to create a tender and fluffy crumb.
Try using Kewpie mayo in place of some of the oil or butter in your favorite cake recipe for a unique and delectable twist.
For pound cake, Kewpie Mayo can directly swap out the sour cream for a moist, tender crumb with a hint of tanginess
Add It To Brownies For Moistness
Cakes aren’t the only things you can bake with mayonnaise.
Give your brownies a luxurious, moist texture by adding a half cup of Kewpie mayo into the batter.
Don’t worry, the mayo will not alter the chocolatey taste but will instead provide a fudgy, melt-in-your-mouth texture that will have everyone begging for seconds.
Substitute It For Eggs In Cookies
If you find yourself short on eggs or seeking an egg-free alternative when making cookies, use Kewpie mayo as a substitute in the recipes.
Simply replace one egg with three tablespoons of Kewpie mayo to keep the moisture and structure balanced in your baked goods.
The mayo’s acidity will also help activate baking soda, ensuring your cookies turn out light and tender.
Salad Dressing Mix
Whip up a batch of homemade or even store bought ranch dressing mix using Kewpie mayo as the base.
Combine it with buttermilk, sour cream, lemon juice, minced garlic, chives, dill and onion powder for a creamy, tangy dressing that’s perfect for salads, for use as dips or drizzled over your favorite dishes.
Use It In Alfredo Sauce As A Substitute For Cream
You can also use Kewpie Mayo as a substitute for heavy cream when making Alfredo sauce for times when you don’t have it.
The mayo will add texture and a subtle umami flavor that will elevate the pasta dishes just like heavy cream would, even though not exactly like it.
Add It To Pancakes
Give your pancakes a tender and fluffy boost by adding a few tablespoons of Kewpie mayo into the batter.
The mayo’s egg content will act as a binder as well as fat, while the acidity will help activate the baking soda, resulting in perfectly airy pancakes that will leave everyone asking for your secret ingredient.
Bake Muffins With It
Add Kewpie Mayo, yes, Kewpie Mayo to your favorite muffin recipes for an extra moist and tender crumb.
The mayo’s oil content will help lock in moisture, ensuring that your muffins stay fresh and delicious for days.
Make Scrambled Eggs With It
When next you’re making scrambled eggs, whisk a dollop of Kewpie mayo into the beaten eggs before scrambling them over heat for a rich, creamy taste. You can also scramble the eggs first, then mix in 2 tbsp of Kewpie Mayo into the egg.
The mayo will give your scrambled eggs an unparalleled silkiness that is sure to impress.
Use It In Mashed Potatoes
For an extra smoothness and velvety finish, mix Kewpie mayo into your mashed potatoes alongside other diary products.
The mayo will provide a subtle tanginess that pairs beautifully with the buttery potatoes, creating a side dish that is both comforting and indulgent.
Use it as a Substitute for Egg Wash for Meats
Instead of using an egg wash for breading your meats, try using Kewpie mayo.
Spread a thin layer of mayo over your poultry or fish before coating it in breadcrumbs or whatever you’re using. The breadcrumbs will adhere silkily, and would turn into a nice golden, crispy crust as the meat cooks.
Make Deviled Eggs
Give your deviled eggs a bold twist by incorporating Kewpie mayo into the filling.
Mix the mayo very well with the yolks, mustard, and your specific choice of spices to create a creamy and flavorful filling that’s both familiar and distinctive at the same time.
Use It On Rice
Drizzle Kewpie mayo over a bowl of steaming rice (or even fried rice) to add a rich, savory element to it.
You can also mix the mayo coated rice with ingredients like furikake, soy sauce, sausage or sriracha for a flavorful, umami-packed rice dish.
Use It On Sushi
Kewpie mayo can be a great accompaniment for sushi like California roll or spicy tuna roll.
Add a dollop of Kewpie mayo to your sushi or mix it with ingredients like sriracha hot sauce, and lime juice for a creamy and spicy topping or dip that enhances the taste of your favorite sushi rolls.
On Ramen
Give your bowl of ramen a creamy boost by tossing your cooked ramen into a broth made by mixing one egg, noodle seasoning, 1 teaspoon minced garlic and 1 tablespoon of Kewpie Mayo brought together using a small part of the broth from the cooked ramen.
The mayo adds a velvety texture and a hint of tanginess that complements the rich broth and noodles, creating a well-rounded and satisfying meal.
On Burgers
Add a dollop of Kewpie mayo to the interior of your burger buns before heating, or 2 tablespoons of it to the ground beef or whatever meat you’re using to make the patty for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
Kewpie Mayo can also be combined with other condiments like ketchup, mustard and cornichons to create a classic burger sauce.
Use it on sandwich
The unique taste and texture of Kewpie makes it an excellent addition to a wide variety of sandwiches from classics such asTurkey, Chicken and Tuna to Veggie and Egg Salad Sandwich.
Its distinct umami flavor can complement and enhance the flavors of various sandwich fillings, from deli meats to vegetables and more.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is Kewpie Healthier Than Mayo?
Kewpie mayo and regular mayonnaise share some similarities, but they also have notable differences in terms of the ingredients used which sets them apart in the department of taste and texture.
When it comes to which is more healthy, there isn’t a clear winner between the two because both formulations revolve around the same basic ingredients: eggs, vinegar and spices; forget the MSG found in the Japanese Mayo, it really isn’t a bad guy as you’ve been made to believe.
Traditional mayonnaise is typically made from oil (usually soybean or canola oil), eggs, vinegar and sometimes lemon juice or mustard.
Kewpie mayo, on the other hand, uses egg yolks only (no whites), rice or/plus apple cider vinegar and a small amount of MSG (monosodium glutamate) for enhancing the umami flavor.
From a calorie and fat content standpoint, both traditional mayonnaise and Kewpie mayo are inseparable.
However, Kewpie mayo might just take the edge for its slightly higher amount of monounsaturated fats, which are considered healthier fats that may help improve heart health.
When it comes to the MSG content in Kewpie mayo, that might raise concerns for some people.
But MSG is generally recognized as safe by the Food And Drug Administration (FDA), although like many food ingredients out there, can still trigger allergic reactions in people that are sensitive to it in the form of headaches or nausea.
However, the majority of people can still safely consume MSG without any adverse effects.