Vietnamese Mayo (Vietnamese Mayonnaise, Vietnamese Butter or Sốt Bơ Trứng) is the essential yellow spread for the iconic Bánh Mì.

Despite being dairy-free, it is often called the “butter for Bánh Mì” due to its incredibly creamy texture.

A close-up photo of homemade Vietnamese Mayo, a creamy and rich sauce used in Vietnamese cuisine. It has a smooth and velvety texture, perfect for enhancing the flavor of Banh Mi sandwiches and other Vietnamese dishes.

Why this recipe is great

  • Easy-to-make: This recipe is simple and straightforward, making it accessible to all skill levels in the kitchen.
  • Versatile component: Vietnamese Mayo serves as a key ingredient in various Vietnamese dishes, not only Bánh Mì but also Bánh Mì Charcuterie Board, Bò Né (Vietnamese steak & eggs)…
  • Safety with Pasteurized eggs: Unlike the traditional recipe that uses raw egg yolks, this version ensures safety by using the bain-marie method (hot water bath) to pasteurize the egg yolks. This eliminates concerns about Salmonella.
A close-up photo of a delicious Banh Mi sandwich with a crispy baguette, filled with vibrant vegetables, fresh herbs, and savory protein.

Related Recipes | Other essential elements for an authentic Bánh Mì

Ingredients

  • Fresh Eggs: Choose large chicken eggs, as you will only need the egg yolks for this recipe. I recommend to use pasteurized eggs.
  • Neutral Cooking Oil: In Vietnam, shallot oil or garlic oil is often used to add flavor to Vietnamese mayo. However, you can substitute it with neutral cooking oil and enhance the aroma by adding either garlic powder or minced fresh garlic.
  • Salt
  • Sugar
  • Garlic/shallots (or garlic powder/onion powder)

Deal with Separated Mayo

If your Vietnamese Mayo ends up separating and doesn’t thicken properly, don’t worry! Here’s a simple solution to salvage it:

  • Prepare a fresh batch of mayo following the original recipe.
  • As the new batch begins to thicken, slowly pour the separated mayo into the mixture.
  • Whisk the combined mixture vigorously until it is well combined and thickened.

Helpful Tips

A close-up photo of homemade Vietnamese Mayo, a creamy and rich sauce used in Vietnamese cuisine. It has a smooth and velvety texture, perfect for enhancing the flavor of Banh Mi sandwiches and other Vietnamese dishes.
  • Using scallion oil, shallot oil or garlic oil instead of neutral oil could enhance the flavor of your Viet Mayo.
  • The more oil you add, the less concentrated and the more thickened your mayo will be. You can add as much oil as desired to achieve the desired amount of mayo.
  • Vietnamese Mayo has a thicker texture compared to regular mayo. It’s better suited as a spread rather than a dipping sauce.

FAQs

More Vietnamese cooking essentials

Vietnamese dipping fish sauce 1 edited
Nước Chấm
(Vietnamese Dipping Fish Sauce)
Vietnamese caramel sauce
Nước Màu
(Vietnamese Caramel Sauce)

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A close-up photo of homemade Vietnamese Mayo, a creamy and rich sauce used in Vietnamese cuisine. It has a smooth and velvety texture, perfect for enhancing the flavor of Banh Mi sandwiches and other Vietnamese dishes.

Vietnamese Mayo (Butter) for Bánh Mì | Sốt Bơ Trứng

Cielle
Vietnamese Mayo (Sốt Bơ Trứng) is essential for Banh Mi, adding creamy flavor. Known as "Banh Mi's Butter," it's dairy-free and easy to make, ideal for savory Vietnamese breads.
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Cook Time 15 minutes
Course Condiments
Cuisine Vietnamese

Equipment

  • 1 Sauce pan
  • 1 Glass or Steel Mixing Bowl
  • 1 Whisk or Handmixer

Ingredients
  

  • 2 egg yolks
  • 1 cup neutral cooking oil (250ml)
  • ½ tsp salt
  • ½ tbsp sugar
  • 1 tbsp minced garlic / minced shallots (or 1/2 tsp garlic powder)

Instructions
 

Make the garlic/shallot-infused oil (optional step)

  • Mince the garlic (or shallots).
    Minced Garlic
  • Fry the minced garlic in oil until golden brown.
    Garlic Oil
  • Strain to separate the garlic from the oil.
  • Allow the garlic-infused oil to cool completely.

Pasteurize the mayo (skip this step if you are using pasteurized eggs):

  • For regular eggs, set up a bain-marie by placing a wide bowl over a saucepan filled with some water. Ensure only the steam touches the bowl, not the boiling water.
    A glass bowl containing an egg yolk is positioned on top of a saucepan filled with boiling water, with the water level not touching the bowl.
  • Lower the heat to low once the water reaches a boil. Place the bowl with the egg yolks over the saucepan.
  • While continuously whisking, once the mayo's temperature reaches 140°F (60°C), whisk for an additional 3 minutes. Then, remove the bowl of eggs from the pot.

Using a whisk:

  • Slowly add a few drops of oil at a time to the egg yolks. Whisk thoroughly until the oil binds before adding more. Adding oil too quickly can cause separation.
    Gradually pour oil while whisking the egg yolk.
  • Keep whisking continuously and gradually add the oil. This process takes about 10-15 minutes of continuous whisking.
    Vietnamese Mayo in the glass bowl.

Using a hand-mixer:

  • Use a hand-mixer with a single whisk attachment at the lowest speed. Whisk the egg yolks while gradually drizzling in the oil, ensuring continuous whisking.
    Vietnamese Mayo Instructions
  • Adjust the amount of oil to your desired amount of mayo. The more oil added, the thicker and the less concentrated the mayo becomes.
    Vietnamese Mayo Instructions

Season the mayo:

  • Season with salt, sugar, and garlic powder or minced fresh garlic.
    A close-up photo of homemade Vietnamese Mayo, a creamy and rich sauce used in Vietnamese cuisine. It has a smooth and velvety texture, perfect for enhancing the flavor of Banh Mi sandwiches and other Vietnamese dishes.
  • Transfer the Vietnamese Mayo to an airtight container and refrigerate. It can be stored for 3-5 days.

Notes

Tried this recipe?Let us know how it was!

10 Comments

  1. 5 stars
    Nice and clear instruction, thank you so much. Could you share how to make pickled carrot?

    1. Hello, sorry for my late response. I have already written a recipe for Đồ Chua (pickled carrot & daikon) here:

  2. 5 stars
    I tried your recipe and it turned out quite nice (very identical to the one in Vietnamese market). Thank you for sharing.

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