Not all mayonnaise is created equal. Kewpie mayonnaise, Japan’s most popular mayonnaise brand, is truly something special. Made with rice vinegar, egg yolks, and a secret blend of spices, Kewpie adds a tangy creaminess to sandwiches and salads unlike anything else.
Once I tried Kewpie, I was so hooked that I started looking for ways to add its umami-packed flavor to everything. So, in this article, I will share some incredible recipes using Kewpie mayonnaise. From deviled eggs to chicken wings to salad dressings, find out how to get a rich, savory flavor to your dishes!
What to Do with Kewpie Mayo?
Overall, this special condiment opens up a world of culinary possibilities. Next time you’re grocery shopping, grab a bottle and get ready to up your cooking game. Whether you go savory with crab cakes, sweet with chocolate cake, or spicy with kimchi fried rice or eggs, let’s see what else you can make with Kewpie mayo!
Goma Dare — Japanese Sesame Sauce
Kewpie mayo adds a creamy component to this savory and slightly nutty sesame sauce. I like to whip up a quick batch to drizzle over grilled chicken, fish, or veggies, but this versatile condiment also makes a great dip. And don’t forget to add it to your favorite ramen or udon noodle soup — it adds a ton of flavor with just a spoonful.
I absolutely love Korean gochujang paste, a spicy and savory chili pepper condiment, so when I first discovered Kewpie mayonnaise made with gochujang, I was thrilled. This dip is addictively good and easy to make. My favorite is slathering it on grilled cheese sandwiches or cheesesteaks. The flavor combo of gochujang and melted cheese is out of this world!
The slight sweetness of the mayo pairs perfectly with the savory shredded pork. The combination of the soft steamed buns, rich shredded pork, and cool Kewpie mayo is simply delicious. My family devours these buns as soon as they're ready, so I like to make a double batch! Kewpie mayo gives the filling a lovely creamy texture without being too heavy.
Kewpie's unique savory and umami-packed flavor pairs well with seafood in particular. One of my favorite recipes is prawn baguettes with pickled spring vegetables. The spicy Kewpie mayonnaise complements the saltiness of the prawns and the tart, crisp pickled vegetables — such a delicious combination of flavors and textures.
One of my favorite recipes to make with Kewpie mayonnaise is okonomiyaki — savory Japanese pancakes. Once done, top these delicious pancakes with more Kewpie mayonnaise, okonomiyaki sauce, bonito flakes, and nori strips. The combination of the creamy mayonnaise and savory sauces is an amazing comfort combination.
When I think of Japanese potato salad, this delicious condiment immediately comes to mind. Its slightly sweet and tangy flavor is perfect for this staple side for outdoor barbecues. It also pairs well with tonkatsu, okonomiyaki, or yakitori, but no matter what you serve it with, this cool and creamy salad is always a crowd favorite in the summer!
The classic flavor of wasabi and chicken is reinvented in this tasty meatball sub. You will use the mayo while assembling the meatballs and drizzle them with a mixture of mayonnaise, rice vinegar, sesame oil, and sriracha sauce. The zing of wasabi combined with the cool crunch of veggies makes these subs a flavor explosion you won't soon forget!
Kewpie's savory umami flavor pairs perfectly with the fresh fish and vegetables in chirashi sushi. I like to top the rice with diced sashimi-grade tuna, salmon, and avocado, and then drizzle Kewpie mayonnaise over everything and garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped scallions. The creaminess helps all the flavors and textures meld together in each bite. Yum!
Roast Potato and Cabbage Salad with Creamy Miso Dressing
When I make this salad, the creamy miso dressing is really the star of the show. The blend of sweet and savory flavors is to die for, and it perfectly coats the roast potatoes and cabbage. It's hearty enough for a light main dish but also makes an excellent side for Asian-inspired meals. The potatoes provide substance, the cabbage adds freshness, and the creamy miso dressing ties it together.
When I have leftover rice in the fridge, fried rice is one of my go-to meals. To jazz it up, I like to add Kewpie mayo and garlic. Top your fried rice with sliced scallions, sesame seeds, and chili oil. The slight sweetness of the Kewpie mayo pairs perfectly with the savory garlic butter and salty soy sauce. This umami-packed fried rice is irresistible!
Chicken Nanban is a fried chicken dish from Japan and is particularly popular in Miyazaki Prefecture. Who would have thought this mayo could pair so well with fried chicken and a chili-vinegar sauce? This unique blend of flavors and textures is what makes Chicken Nanban such an exciting dish to try. This recipe is a keeper!
Nothing beats a classic grilled cheese sandwich for comfort food. When I want to jazz up this childhood favorite, I reach for this delicious mayo! Adding a smear of the umami-packed Japanese mayo turns a basic grilled cheese into something extraordinary.
Did you know that this savory-sweet mayo can help the miso cling to the chicken as it bakes in the oven? The results are juicy, flavorful chicken breasts with a lovely caramelized crust from the mayonnaise. Serve over rice or noodles to catch all the delicious drippings. It also makes an excellent topping for salads.
When I first saw a recipe for chocolate cake made with Kewpie mayonnaise, I have to admit I was skeptical. Mayo and chocolate? It seemed like an odd combination. But after tasting it, I can tell you that this rich, velvety chocolate cake is the perfect treat. The unique addition of Kewpie mayonnaise helps create an ultra-creamy texture without sacrificing any chocolatey flavor!
Laura Bais is the owner of Julie's Cafe Bakery food blog. From a young age, she had a passion for cooking, and at the age of 13, she made her first meal. After finishing high school, she undergraduates in Cultural Studies at the University of Rijeka, and graduates in Journalism at the University of Zagreb. At that time she honed her cooking skills, but also worked in marketing. Since her love for cooking never faded, in 2021 she finally decided to share her recipes with the world. Laura turned her hobby into a career and loves every moment of it. Now she writes about common mistakes in the kitchen and how to avoid them, about adding twists to traditional meals, etc. Her love for trying new foods often leads her to visit restaurants and attempt to recreate the meals at home. She has been featured on F and B Recipes and BOXROX, to name a few.