Homemade aioli with extra virgin olive oil, fresh garlic, and a touch of lemon is a versatile, punchy spread that’s perfect for sandwiches, vegetable platters, and so much more.
Get ready: Wet a kitchen towel and wring out until just damp. Shape the towel into a ring on the counter and nestle a medium bowl in the center. Place the oil in a measuring cup with a spout and set aside.
Season the egg yolk: Using a microplane or the smallest side of a box grater, finely grate the garlic into the bowl. Add the kosher salt and egg yolk. Whisk briefly combine.
Add the oil: Whisk the egg yolk mixture briefly to combine. Add olive oil a few drops at a time while whisking continuously. As the aioli begins to emulsify into the egg yolk, increase the oil to a steady, but very thin, stream as you whisk continuously. Going slow here is key to prevent the emulsion from breaking.
Finish the aioli: Once all oil has been added, whisk a few more times to ensure that the mixture is thoroughly emulsified. Whisk in lemon juice. Taste for salt and adjust accordingly.
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Notes
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Aioli, kept in a tightly sealed container, will keep for up to one week in the fridge.
How to fix broken aioli
Option 1: Start over. Take a deep breath, try again, and add the oil more slowly the second time around. Make sure to use awire whisk and whisk like your life depends on it!
Option 2: Try adding another egg yolk. This can sometimes fix a broken aioli, but ot always. If this doesn’t work, try whisking in a teaspoon of ice water. (This does not always work. If you'll be devastated by another wasted yolk, it may be a better option to start over.)