How to Fix Broken Mayonnaise

To fix broken mayonnaise, slowly drizzle it into 1 fresh egg yolk whisked in a clean bowl, or into one 5 ml measure of mustard, whisking continuously. The mixture usually becomes smooth again within a few minutes. Mayonnaise is an unstable emulsion: oil droplets are suspended in a water-based liquid. Adding oil too quickly or not mixing continuously can disrupt the emulsion and make the mixture lumpy and separated. 1 fresh egg yolk or mustard can help bind the oil droplets together again. Ingredients at different temperatures can also make the emulsion more likely to break; for example, a cold egg straight from the refrigerator and room-temperature oil may not emulsify as easily.

How Do You Fix Broken Mayonnaise Step by Step?
Work patiently and add the broken mixture slowly to help prevent it from breaking again.
• Lightly whisk 1 egg yolk by itself in a clean bowl; since mayonnaise is not cooked, a pasteurized egg yolk is the better choice.
• While whisking continuously, add the broken mayonnaise to the yolk in a thin stream.
• After each addition, keep whisking until the mixture is smooth.
• Instead of egg, you can use one 5 ml measure of mustard or warm water to help bring the mixture back together.
• Do not add more oil until the broken mixture has been repaired.

What Mistakes Should You Avoid When Fixing Mayonnaise?
Adding all the broken mixture at once can cause the new binder to break, too. Whisking slowly or intermittently makes it harder for the emulsion to form again. Using an egg straight from the refrigerator can also make it harder for the ingredients to combine. Do not add more oil before the mixture is smooth again.

Is It Easier to Fix Mayonnaise with a Blender?
If whisking by hand is not enough, place the broken mayonnaise and 1 fresh egg yolk in a blender or food processor and run it briefly at high speed. A blender breaks the oil droplets into smaller droplets than hand-whisking, which can help the emulsion form again faster. This method can save time when making a large batch.

Is It Easier to Prevent Mayonnaise from Breaking?
Although broken mayonnaise can often be fixed, it takes less effort to prevent the emulsion from breaking in the first place. Bring all the ingredients to room temperature, then add the oil in a thin stream while whisking continuously. Neutral oils, such as sunflower oil, may emulsify more easily and consistently than olive oil. A blender or food processor can make it easier to add the oil at a steady rate.

To fix broken mayonnaise, slowly whisk 1 fresh egg yolk or a little mustard into it. Patient, gradual mixing can often save the mixture. The same method may also work for similar problems with other homemade oil-based sauces.