The Ultimate Guide to Kewpie Mayo

With its striking squeeze bottle and neon yellow cap, Kewpie mayonnaise is an iconic condiment staple in Japan and a cult favorite abroad. Known for its rich, egg yolk-forward flavor, velvety texture, and umami taste, Kewpie mayo has earned fame for its versatility in cooking and unique flavor profile unlike any other mayo.

In this comprehensive guide, we’ll cover everything there is to know about Kewpie mayonnaise. We’ll explore its history, signature ingredients, nutritional profile, versatile uses, recipes, and more. Read on to discover why this Japanese-style mayo has gained such a loyal following worldwide.

What is Kewpie Mayo?

Kewpie mayonnaise has a distinctly thick, creamy texture thanks to the abundance of egg yolks in the recipe. It achieves a pale yellow color from only using egg yolks rather than whole eggs. The flavor strikes a savory umami note, with a subtle sweetness. Rice vinegar lends gentle acidity to balance the rich egg taste.

Compared to American mayonnaise which has a stiff, dense consistency, Kewpie has a light, smooth, velvety texture that melts on the tongue. It has less puckering acidity and more upfront egg flavor. The taste is subtle yet complex, making it highly adaptable to both Eastern and Western cuisines.

History of Kewpie Mayo

Kewpie mayo as we know it today traces back to 1925 in Japan. Industrialist Toichiro Nakashima was inspired by the creamy mayonnaise-based dressings popular in the U.S. and Europe at the time. He reformulated the recipe using more egg yolk for a richer, custard-like texture tailored to Japanese tastes.

Nakashima named his product “Kewpie” after the iconic Kewpie baby doll character designed by American illustrator Rose O’Neill. The kewpie doll was used in the original packaging and marketing, helping make the mayonnaise instantly recognizable nationwide. To this day, the Kewpie brand mascot continues to grace every bottle.

Over the decades Kewpie became Japan’s bestselling mayonnaise and a staple condiment in homes and restaurants. Its popularity slowly spread overseas as Japanese cuisine gained global interest. Today it’s widely available across North America, Europe, and Asia, prized by chefs and home cooks.

Ingredients in Kewpie Mayo

At its core, Kewpie contains just a few simple ingredients:

• Soybean oil – For smooth, creamy texture
• Egg yolks – Provides rich flavor and pale yellow color
• Distilled vinegar – For mild tanginess
• Salt – To balance flavors
• Sugar – Small amount for subtle sweetness
• Spices – Secret blend unique to Kewpie

By using only egg yolks rather than whole eggs, Kewpie achieves a richer, more decadent flavor and texture. The blend of seasonings gives it a touch of umami savoriness. Overall the ingredients create a perfectly balanced, velvety condiment.

Nutritional Information of Kewpie Mayo

A single 15g serving of Kewpie mayo contains:

• 80 calories
• 8g fat
• 0g carbs
• 0g protein
• 115mg sodium

The high fat and calorie content comes from the soybean oil and egg yolks. However the zero carbs make it suitable for low carb and keto diets. Because of the bold egg flavor, even just a bit of Kewpie can add lots of richness.

Health Benefits of Kewpie Mayo

While mayonnaise is high in fat and calories, Kewpie offers some potential nutritional upsides:

• Heart healthy fats – From soybean oil rich in monounsaturated oleic acid
• Lutein – Egg yolks contain the antioxidants for eye and skin health
• Probiotics – Vinegar offers gut-friendly probiotics

However, most benefits come in small amounts. Enjoy Kewpie mayo as part of a healthy diet, in moderation.

Uses for Kewpie Mayo

Beyond sandwiches and salads, Kewpie mayo brings its signature rich flavor to all kinds of dishes:

• Sushi rolls
• Poke bowls
• Dips and dressings
• Potato and chicken salads
• Grilled seafood
• Fried foods
• Burgers
• Glazes and sauces
• Ramen
• Onigiri rice balls

Try using it in place of regular mayo anytime you want an extra creamy, egg-forward flavor.

Where to Buy Kewpie Mayo

Kewpie can be found at most major grocery chains and big box stores like Walmart, especially in international or Asian food aisles. Check specialty Asian supermarkets as well. Online stores like Amazon and Walmart also carry Kewpie mayo.

In the US, a 17oz bottle of Kewpie mayo usually costs $3 to $7. Kewpie is also easily found in supermarkets across Asia, Australia, and the UK.

Kewpie Mayo Recipes

Make the most of Kewpie’s signature flavor in these recipes:

• Kewpie Potato Salad – Creamy, tangy twist on classic
• Kewpie Chicken Wings – Crispy fried wings with Kewpie drizzle
• Shrimp Kewpie Pasta Salad – With celery, onion, tangy dressing
• Kewpie Sushi Rolls – As alternative to rice in rolls
• Kewpie Coleslaw – Tangy mayo dressing on cabbage
• Kerchief Steak – Umami glazed steak with Kewpie
• Kewpie Ramen Eggs – Marinated soft boiled eggs
• Kewpie Dressing – Classic blend of Kewpie, vinegar, herbs

Conclusion

With its one-of-a-kind rich egg flavor, velvety texture, and versatility, it’s easy to see why Kewpie mayonnaise has achieved legendary status. Try some today and discover why it’s Japan’s favorite condiment and a secret weapon of chefs worldwide. The iconic squeeze bottle promises creamy, savory umami flavor that can take your dishes to the next level.