Aioli is a popular creamy sauce from the Mediterranean region of Europe that’s often made in a range of flavors. It’s a bit like a from-scratch mayonnaise, and is traditionally dairy free. But chefs often add dairy, particularly with the flavored varieties. Fortunately, you can make your own! This matcha green tea aioli is easy to whip up and has a delicious savory and piquant taste.
Savory Matcha Green Tea Aioli that’s Made from Scratch
This matcha green tea aioli recipe was originally shared with us by my friend Annelies Zijderveld, back when she released her cookbook Steeped: Recipes Infused with Tea. It’s an accompaniment to her dairy-free black bean veggie burgers, but can be used with various other dishes. I’ve included ideas and notes in the FAQs below.
What Goes Well with Matcha Green Tea Aioli?
In addition to black bean burgers, this aioli pairs with fish, chicken, eggs, potatoes, and roasted vegetables. Enjoy it as a condiment with your main dish or side dish, or use it instead of mayonnaise on sandwiches.
Aren’t Eggs Dairy?
You’re in luck! Eggs are from chickens, not cows, and are naturally dairy-free. If you confuse eggs with dairy, you’re not alone. See this post for more information: Are Eggs Dairy?
Is it Safe to Eat the Egg Yolks Raw?
If you are concerned about the safety of raw egg yolks, use pasteurized egg yolks. If you can’t find pasteurized egg yolks, you can temper them. Place the egg yolks and the lemon juice in a double broiler over medium heat. Whisk continuously as the eggs heat, for about 5 minutes, or until thickened. Remove the bowl from the heat and continue whisking as it cools. Once cool, add it to your blender and proceed with the recipe.
Can I Use a Different Oil?
Olive oil is traditional for aioli, but you can use another oil, in a pinch. Choose an oil that either matches the flavor profile, like avocado oil. If you opt for a neutral tasting, like canola oil, it becomes more of a flavored from-scratch mayonnaise.
Where Can I Get Matcha Green Tea Powder?
It’s usually sold in the tea and coffee section, but you can sometimes find it with the Asian food in the international aisle at your local grocery stores. You can also buy it on Amazon. There are many brands available.
Can I Omit the Matcha?
Well, it won’t be green tea aioli if you do, but it will still be a delicious garlic-basil aioli! The choice is yours.
Special Diet Notes: Matcha Green Tea Aioli
By ingredients, this recipe is dairy-free / non-dairy, gluten-free, grain-free, nut-free, peanut-free, soy-free, and vegetarian.
- 4 egg yolks
- 10 fresh basil leaves
- 1 to 4 garlic cloves
- 4 teaspoons freshly squeezed lemon juice
- 1 tablespoon matcha green tea powder
- 1 teaspoon Dijon mustard
- ½ cup olive oil
- Salt, to taste
- Black pepper, to taste
- In your blender or food processor, purée the egg yolks, basil, garlic, lemon juice, matcha powder, and mustard.
- Slowly stream the olive oil in through top shoot with the machine running. Blend until the aioli is smooth.
- Season the aioli to taste with salt and pepper.
Enjoy this Aioli on Dairy-Free Black Bean Veggie Burgers!
