Fresh Horseradish Aioli

FOR GRILLED DISHES

A decent horseradish sauce for beef is as simple as stirring together prepared horseradish with sour cream. When you want to impress your guests a bit more, whip together this garlicky mayo with the fresh-grated root.

Fresh Horseradish Aioli is a delightful and flavorful condiment that brings a zesty and creamy kick to a variety of dishes, particularly complementing the richness of meats like steak. This aioli is made by blending together a few simple ingredients, resulting in a versatile sauce that can elevate the taste of your meal.

The base of this aioli consists of garlic and salt, crushed together to create a potent and aromatic foundation. The addition of a large egg and egg yolks, along with a touch of fresh lemon juice, helps create a smooth and emulsified texture, reminiscent of traditional mayonnaise. Drizzling in a combination of vegetable oil and extra-virgin olive oil while the processor is running creates the lush consistency characteristic of aioli.

What sets this aioli apart is the star ingredient – freshly grated horseradish. The horseradish adds a bold and pungent flavor profile, giving the aioli its distinctive kick. The amount of horseradish can be adjusted to suit your personal taste preferences, allowing you to make it as mild or as fiery as you like.

This Fresh Horseradish Aioli is a versatile accompaniment to a wide range of dishes. Its creamy texture and robust flavor make it an excellent pairing with grilled or roasted meats, especially steak. Whether dolloped on top of a perfectly cooked steak, served alongside as a dipping sauce, or spread on a sandwich, this aioli adds a unique and tantalizing element to your culinary creations. Keep it on hand in the refrigerator, and its flavors will develop even further over time.

MAKES: ABOUT 1½ CUPS

INGREDIENTS:

• 6 to 8 garlic cloves
• ¾ teaspoon kosher salt or coarse sea salt, or more to taste
• 1 large egg and 2 large egg yolks, at room temperature
• ½ teaspoon fresh lemon juice
• ½ cup vegetable oil or sunflower oil
• ½ cup extra-virgin olive oil
• 2 tablespoons freshly grated horseradish, or more to taste

INSTRUCTIONS:

1. Crush the garlic and salt together in a small mortar. Scrape up the mixture and transfer it to a food processor.
2. Add the egg, egg yolks, and lemon juice to the food processor. With the processor running, drizzle in the vegetable oil, followed by the olive oil.
3. Once a fluffy mayonnaise-like emulsion forms, stop the processor and stir in the freshly grated horseradish.
4. Taste the horseradish aioli and adjust the seasoning with more salt if needed.
5. Serve a spoonful of the horseradish aioli on top of or beside a steak. This flavorful condiment adds a zesty kick to your steak dish.

VARIATIONS:

• Herb Infusion: Add a fresh herbal twist by incorporating chopped fresh herbs like parsley, chives, or tarragon. The herbs will not only enhance the flavor but also provide a vibrant green color.
• Citrus Zest: Experiment with different citrus flavors by adding a hint of zest from lemon, lime, or orange. This can add a refreshing and aromatic element to the aioli.
• Spice Blend: Customize the aioli with your favorite spices. Smoked paprika, cayenne pepper, or even a pinch of cumin can add layers of complexity to the flavor.
• Creaminess Boost: If you prefer a richer texture, increase the egg yolks or use a full cup of mayonnaise as the base instead of a combination of oils.
• Creamy Mustard: Incorporate Dijon or whole grain mustard to introduce a tangy and slightly piquant flavor.
• Yogurt or Sour Cream: For a lighter version, substitute part of the oil with Greek yogurt or sour cream. This variation will yield a tangy and creamy aioli.
• Roasted Garlic: Instead of using raw garlic, try roasting the garlic cloves before adding them to the mix. Roasting mellows out the garlic’s sharpness and adds a deliciously sweet and caramelized note.
• Infused Oils: Use flavored oils like truffle oil, basil-infused oil, or chili-infused oil to add a distinctive taste to the aioli.
• Creamy Horseradish Aioli: To balance out the spiciness of the horseradish, blend in a dollop of sour cream or Greek yogurt for a milder and creamier result.
• Sweet and Spicy: Add a touch of honey or maple syrup for a hint of sweetness that contrasts with the horseradish’s heat.