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Portuguese Milk Mayonnaise Recipe (Egg-Free Maionese de Leite)

Egg Free Portuguese Milk Mayonnaise: Maionese de Leite


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  • Author: Carol Egbert
  • Total Time: 10 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cup 1x

Description

Portuguese milk mayonnaise skips the eggs entirely, using cold milk, garlic, and lemon instead. Lighter than traditional mayonnaise but packed with flavor, it’s perfect with seafood, sandwiches, or as a versatile dip.


Ingredients

Scale

1/3 cup (80 ml) cold whole milk

1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

1/2 small garlic clove

Pinch of cayenne pepper (optional)

1/2 cup (120 ml) canola oil

1/4 cup (60 ml) olive oil

Pinch kosher salt, to taste


Instructions

Step 1: Prepare the Base

  • In a tall, narrow 2-cup container (such as a wide-mouthed mason jar), combine:

    • 1/3 cup cold milk

    • 1 teaspoon fresh lemon juice

    • ½ small garlic clove

    • Pinch of cayenne pepper

  • Let sit for 1 minute to allow the lemon juice to slightly acidify the milk.

Step 2: Blend the Base

  • Using an immersion blender, blend on high speed for about 45 seconds until the mixture becomes frothy and lightly aerated.

Step 3: Emulsify with Oils

  • With the blender running, slowly drizzle in ½ cup canola oil in a thin stream. Move the blender gently up and down to incorporate the oil gradually.

  • After the canola oil is halfway in, begin to alternate with the ¼ cup olive oil, continuing to blend steadily.

  • Keep blending until the mixture thickens and becomes smooth and creamy.

Step 4: Season and Finish

  • Add a pinch of kosher salt (start small, then taste and adjust).

  • Optional: Add a tiny splash more lemon juice or cayenne if needed for acidity or heat.

  • Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate.

Notes

Make sure your milk is cold—this helps stabilize the emulsion.

Don’t rush the oil. Pouring it in too fast will cause the emulsion to break.

This milk-based mayo is naturally thinner than traditional egg-based versions—perfect for drizzling or mixing into dressings.

Use fresh garlic for bold flavor, but avoid large amounts or it may overpower the delicate balance.

  • Prep Time: 10 mins
  • Cook Time: 0 mins
  • Category: Condiment
  • Method: Blending
  • Cuisine: Portuguese

Nutrition

  • Serving Size: 2 tbsp
  • Calories: 190
  • Sugar: 0.5g
  • Sodium: 90mg
  • Fat: 20g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 18g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0.5g
  • Cholesterol: 3mg