Gordon Ramsay's Secret For An Elevated Chipotle Mayo

Compared to the sweetness found in ketchup or the tangy quality of most mustards, mayonnaise on its own is pretty bland — that is, if you let it be. Despite its rather plain makeup, there are seemingly infinite ways to kick up the flavor of mayo in order to take it to a new level. Whether you fold in a special lineup of your favorite spices or mix in other sauces for a completely new taste, homemade mayonnaise is a great base for creating new condiments.

One of the most popular versions of mayonnaise out there right now is arguably chipotle mayo. Even at its most basic, chipotle mayo is extremely versatile, and you can easily use this condiment to accompany most anything. With a spicy kick that adds depth to its base, chipotle mayo can add a sense of complexity to a number of savory dishes — and as a bonus, it's also incredibly easy to make.

Even celebrity chef Gordon Ramsay agrees. In a June 2022 YouTube video, the "MasterChef" host even shared a special secret ingredient for his own recipe for the condiment that can elevate the most ordinary chipotle mayo to an even higher degree. And according to Ramsay, the difference between a run-of-the-mill chipotle mayo and a memorable, delectable chipotle mayo hinges on only one small addition to the reliable condiment.

Before we get into Gordon Ramsey's chipotle mayo, let's talk a little bit more about the condiment. Chipotle mayonnaise is pretty mainstream today, but what came before it? The answer to that is simple and found in the ingredients for chipotle paste: chipotle peppers and adobo seasoning (via Bon Appetit).

Adobo seasoning is mainly thought of as a Latin American spice. According to Food & Wine magazine, the word adobo is Spanish for the word marinade — which most likely alludes to the form adobo takes as a sauce. The actual makeup of the ingredient is a combination of potent spices and flavors like salt, vinegar, paprika, and garlic. Generally speaking, the paprika in the spice mix is what gives adobo its signature vibrant red hue. 

With its own signature dark color and powerful kick, a chipotle pepper packs just as much intense flavor in a small package as adobo does. Author Lior Lev Sercarz of the book "The Spice Companion" (via Food Republic) says that contrary to their name, smoky chipotles are not actually a type of pepper; rather, they're smoked and dried jalapeños. There are many different varieties of jalapeños, but the variety most commonly mixed with adobo is the chipotle morita. Combining these two powerful tastemakers creates the potent paste many have come to love, adding a punch of flavor to any dish. But it's Gordon Ramsay's secret ingredient that really kicks it up a notch. 

Adding an ingredient like honey to a spicy dish may seem counterintuitive to the uninitiated home chef, but by and large, chipotle mayo packs a lot of heat. As Gordon Ramsay explains in one YouTube video, sugars are often used to help neutralize those especially strong flavors in hot, peppery meals. That's exactly why he opts to combine sweet and spicy in his chipotle mayonnaise dipping sauce by adding honey to the mix. 

In addition to Chef Ramsay's use of mayonnaise and honey in his dip, he also mixes in a spoonful of spicy Dijon mustard and, of course, the essential smoked chipotle paste. And that's all there is to it. His elevated chipotle mayo recipe is just as simple as most others, but the ingredients differ per chef. (If you prefer a lighter taste, adding lemon juice or sour cream to a chipotle mayo is also common.) Chef Ramsay's honey trick can work for any spicy dish, so whatever the recipe, remember that sugar could be the saving grace of your next meal too.