Craving that creamy, smoky, slightly spicy aioli that makes Red Robin's burgers so irresistible? You're in luck! This copycat recipe brings the restaurant's signature flavor right to your kitchen. It's incredibly easy to make, surprisingly healthy, and perfect for elevating everything from burgers and fries to sandwiches and veggies. Get ready to experience homemade deliciousness at its finest! This is one of those easy recipes that yields amazing results, perfect for a quick dinner idea or a healthy meal addition.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise (choose your favorite brand)
- 2 tablespoons chipotle peppers in adobo sauce, finely minced (adjust to your spice preference)
- 1 tablespoon adobo sauce from the chipotle peppers
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon lime juice, freshly squeezed
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- ½ teaspoon ground cumin
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
Instructions:
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Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, minced chipotle peppers, adobo sauce, minced garlic, lime juice, smoked paprika, cumin, salt, and pepper. Make sure everything is well incorporated.
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Taste and Adjust: Give your aioli a taste test. If you like it spicier, add more chipotle peppers or adobo sauce. If you prefer a tangier flavor, add a little more lime juice. Adjust seasonings as needed to achieve your perfect balance of flavors.
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Chill (Optional): For the best flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate the aioli for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld. This step isn’t strictly necessary, but it enhances the overall taste profile.
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Serve and Enjoy: Once chilled (or immediately if you’re impatient!), serve your homemade Red Robin Chipotle Aioli with your favorite foods. It's fantastic as a burger topping, a dipping sauce for fries or vegetables, or even a spread for sandwiches.
Tips for the Best Chipotle Aioli:
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Fresh Ingredients: Using freshly squeezed lime juice and freshly minced garlic will make a significant difference in the overall flavor.
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Spice Level: Start with a smaller amount of chipotle peppers and adobo sauce, and gradually add more until you reach your desired level of spiciness. Remember, the heat builds over time.
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Storage: Store leftover aioli in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days.
Variations:
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Creamier Aioli: For an even creamier texture, add 1-2 tablespoons of sour cream or Greek yogurt.
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Spicy Kick: Add a pinch of cayenne pepper for an extra fiery kick.
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Citrus Twist: Experiment with other citrus juices like orange or lemon for a different flavor profile.
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Herby Aioli: Incorporate fresh herbs like cilantro or parsley for an added layer of flavor.
Nutritional Information (per serving, approximate):
- Calories: Around 100-120
- Fat: Around 10-12g
- Protein: Around 1-2g
- Carbohydrates: Around 2-3g
This Red Robin Chipotle Aioli recipe is a simple, healthy, and delicious addition to your homemade cooking repertoire. It's a fantastic example of how easy it is to recreate restaurant-quality food at home. Whether you are looking for quick dinner ideas or want to impress your friends and family with your culinary skills, this recipe is a surefire winner. Enjoy!