Out of Mayonnaise, one case
Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise substitutes
5 options, ranked, with the exact amount
Use Homemade mayo with MSG
Same amount as the mayonnaise
The best substitutes for Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise are homemade mayo with MSG (1:1 ratio), regular mayonnaise with rice vinegar (1:1 ratio), or commercial Japanese-style mayo. Kewpie has a unique umami flavor from MSG and rice vinegar that's hard to replicate.
- Best for —
- when you want authentic flavor
One casethe full mayonnaise card
Every option, one card
Ranked| # | Substitute | Instead of mayonnaise |
|---|---|---|
| 1 | Homemade mayo with MSGwhen you want authentic flavor | Same amount |
| 2 | Regular mayonnaise + rice vinegarquick substitute | Same amountMix ¾ mayo + ¼ rice vinegar |
| 3 | Commercial Japanese-style mayowhen you want convenience | Same amount |
| 4 | Greek yogurt + rice vinegar + MSGwhen you want healthier option | Same amount |
| 5 | Sour cream + rice vinegar + MSGwhen you want tangy flavor | Same amount |
Homemade mayo with MSG
umami and tangy
Make homemade mayonnaise using rice vinegar and add a pinch of MSG to replicate Kewpie's unique umami flavor. This provides the closest match to the original taste and texture.
- Best for
- when you want authentic flavor, homemade option, umami taste, creamy texture
- Texture
- thick and creamy
Use rice vinegar instead of regular vinegar. Add a pinch of MSG for umami flavor. Whip until thick and creamy. Provides the closest match to Kewpie's unique taste.
Regular mayonnaise + rice vinegar
tangy and sweet
Mix regular mayonnaise with rice vinegar to approximate Kewpie's tangy flavor. This is a quick substitute that works well in most recipes.
- Best for
- quick substitute, when you want tangy flavor, convenience, creamy texture
- Texture
- creamy and smooth
Mix ¾ regular mayonnaise with ¼ rice vinegar. Add a pinch of sugar for sweetness. Provides tangy flavor similar to Kewpie.
Commercial Japanese-style mayo
umami and tangy
Look for commercial Japanese-style mayonnaise brands that replicate Kewpie's flavor profile. These are often available in Asian grocery stores.
- Best for
- when you want convenience, authentic flavor, commercial option, creamy texture
- Texture
- thick and creamy
Look for brands like Kenko or other Japanese-style mayo. Check ingredients for rice vinegar and MSG. Provides authentic flavor and texture.
Greek yogurt + rice vinegar + MSG
tangy with umami
Mix Greek yogurt with rice vinegar and a pinch of MSG to create a healthier alternative that approximates Kewpie's flavor profile.
- Best for
- when you want healthier option, tangy flavor, umami taste, creamy texture
- Texture
- thick and creamy
Mix Greek yogurt with rice vinegar and a pinch of MSG. Add a pinch of sugar for sweetness. Provides tangy flavor with umami notes.
Sour cream + rice vinegar + MSG
tangy with umami
Mix sour cream with rice vinegar and a pinch of MSG to create a tangy, umami-rich substitute that works well in most recipes.
- Best for
- when you want tangy flavor, umami taste, creamy texture, familiar base
- Texture
- creamy and smooth
Mix sour cream with rice vinegar and a pinch of MSG. Add a pinch of sugar for sweetness. Provides tangy flavor with umami notes.
How it behaves in this recipe
Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise is unique because it uses rice vinegar instead of regular vinegar, contains MSG for umami flavor, and is slightly sweeter than regular mayonnaise. The best substitutes work by replicating these key flavor components while maintaining the creamy texture.
Tips for substituting mayonnaise
7 tips- Kewpie mayonnaise has a unique umami flavor from MSG that's hard to replicate
- Use rice vinegar instead of regular vinegar for authentic tangy flavor
- Add a pinch of MSG to replicate the umami taste
- Kewpie is slightly sweeter than regular mayonnaise, so add a pinch of sugar
- For best results, whip homemade substitutes until thick and creamy
- Store homemade substitutes in the refrigerator and use within 3-5 days
- Look for commercial Japanese-style mayo in Asian grocery stores
Notes on mayonnaise
- For authentic flavor, make homemade mayo with rice vinegar and MSG
- For quick substitute, mix regular mayo with rice vinegar
- For convenience, buy commercial Japanese-style mayo
- For healthier option, use Greek yogurt with rice vinegar and MSG
- For familiar base, use sour cream with rice vinegar and MSG
Questions
5 questionsWhat's the best substitute for Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise?
The best substitute for Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise is homemade mayo with rice vinegar and MSG. This provides the closest match to Kewpie's unique umami flavor and tangy taste.
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of Kewpie?
Yes, you can use regular mayonnaise as a substitute for Kewpie, but it won't have the same umami flavor. Mix it with rice vinegar and a pinch of MSG to get closer to the original taste.
What makes Kewpie mayonnaise different?
Kewpie mayonnaise is different because it uses rice vinegar instead of regular vinegar, contains MSG for umami flavor, and is slightly sweeter. It has a unique tangy, umami taste that's hard to replicate.
Can I make Kewpie mayonnaise at home?
Yes, you can make a close approximation of Kewpie mayonnaise at home by using rice vinegar, MSG, and a pinch of sugar. Whip it until thick and creamy for the best texture.
Where can I buy Japanese-style mayonnaise?
You can buy Japanese-style mayonnaise at Asian grocery stores or online. Look for brands like Kenko or other Japanese-style mayo that contain rice vinegar and MSG.