Japanese mayo has a cult following: here’s why.
Plus, where to buy it and an easy hack for getting started making it at home.
When it comes to American-style mayo, people are divided.
Photo: Getty Images
But when it comes to mayo from Japan, folks tend to be united.
What makes this mayonnaise in a squeezy bottle so special?
Below we break down what this mayo tastes like and how it’s different from its American counterpart.
What Is Japanese-Style Mayo?
By 1925, Nakashima perfected his recipe and launched Kewpie Mayonnaise, or Kewpie for short, in Japan.
Since then, the product has become a staple ingredient in Japan’s cuisine.
Today, many different companies make Japanese-style mayo; however, Kewpie remains the most popular.
It tastes both tangy and sweet and has savory, eggy undertones.
American-style mayo is an off-white hue with a thick and slightly gel-like creaminess.
It is tangy, leaning almost sour, and salty.
Some people may catch a subtle aroma of eggs.
This is the reason why Japanese-style mayo is both tangy and sweet.
Lastly (and maybe most importantly), commercially produced Japanese-style mayo includesmonosodium glutamate, or MSG.
It’s the not-so-secret, secret ingredient that brings that distinct umami undertone to it.
What to Eat with Japanese-Style Mayo
Japanese-style mayo goes well in a wide range of dishes.
It also makes a delicious dipping sauce for foods such as fries and karaage, Japanese-style fried chicken.
In short, there are many ways to eat Japanese-style mayo.
Where to Get Japanese-Style Mayo
Are you convinced that you gotta join the Japanese-style mayo fandom?
If so, you’re in luck!
It’s important to note that Kewpie manufactures Japanese mayo in the States.
Although the U.S. formula and the original are meant to taste the same, many prefer the made-in-Japan version.
That’s because companies like Kewpie use proprietary machinery to emulsify their product to that perfect, silky-smooth consistency.
If you’re looking to make Japanese-style mayo at home, you could use American-style mayo as a base.
you’re able to adjust this formulation to suit your preferences.
What’s the Nutritional Profile of Japanese-Style Mayo?
As long as it’s eaten in moderation, Japanese-style mayo can be part of a healthy diet.
MSG is naturally present in many popular foods such as Parmesan cheese, tomatoes and mushrooms.
The average American consumes about 0.55 g of MSG per day through food.
The Bottom Line
There’s a reason why Japanese-style mayo has such a loyal following.
It’s readily available online and at many grocery stores.
