When it comes to enhancing the flavors of your favorite dishes, mayonnaise is a classic household condiment. But what if we told you there's a way to take this beloved spread to a whole new level of nutrition and taste?

Elevating this condiment, Chef Eva Mrak is back with an easy chef hack: Kelp Powder Mayo. “I’m sure you’ve seen menus featuring chipotle mayo, garlic aioli, etc. They sound fancy, but they are generally simple to create and bring that extra flavor bump to your dish in no time.”

Kelp, a type of brown seaweed found along Maine’s coast and farmed on aquaculture farms like ours, is a nutrient powerhouse. It's rich in vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, making it a fantastic addition to your diet. Plus, it gives a great flavor boost: “I love the combo of mayo and seaweed; the mayo is rich and fatty, the seaweed is salty and earthy.”

how to use kelp mayo

In this recipe, Chef Eva pairs her favorite condiment - mayo- with Nautical Farms Kelp Powder. This deliciously nutritious kelp mayo pairs wonderfully with sweet potato fries as a dipping sauce. But before we get into the recipe, let’s explore other ways to use kelp mayo. 

• Kelp Mayo as a Dip: Use it as a dip for your favorite vegetables, seafood, or even as a drizzle for sushi rolls. Its umami-rich flavor will elevate your appetizers to a whole new level.

• Kelp Mayo as a Sandwich Spread: Swap out regular mayo in sandwiches, wraps, and burgers, or lobster rolls with kelp mayo. It adds a unique oceanic twist that pairs perfectly with a variety of fillings.

• Kelp Mayo Salad Dressing: Thin out your kelp mayo with a bit of water or lemon juice to create a creamy salad dressing. It works wonders on both leafy greens and hearty grain salads.

• Kelp Mayo as a Marinade: Mix kelp mayo with herbs and spices to create a flavorful marinade for grilled chicken, fish, or tofu. The kelp's natural brininess enhances the taste of your favorite savory dishes.

• Kelp Mayo in Coleslaw: Add a scoop of kelp mayo to your coleslaw. It'll bring a delightful sea breeze to your summer picnics.

Now, let’s get into it. Below is Chef Eva’s simplest method for homemade sweet potato fries with a kelp mayo dipping sauce. The best part of this -- no recipe or measurement needed! It’s all general measurements and the best way to make it is to taste as you go.

 

sweet potato fries with kelp mayo 

makes: 2 portions

you’ll need:

• 2 medium sweet potatoes, peeled (you can eat the peels, but for french fries I like to peel them for even consistency in cooking)
• 1 tbsp canola oil
• 1 cup of your favorite mayo (I prefer brands that use cage free eggs)
• 1-2 Tbs Dijon or stone ground mustard, plus more to taste
• About 3 heaping tbsp Nautical Farms kelp powder, or more to taste
• Salt and pepper to taste (I also mix with garlic and onion powder, which I call “SPOG”)

directions:

Peel sweet potatoes and slice in ¼ inch long oval rounds. Place each oval down on the cut side and cut ¼ inch strips for even fry cuts. 

Toss fries with a high-quality olive oil or canola oil and SPOG mixture. Place on a sheet tray with parchment paper.

Bake fries at 450 degrees for about 20-25 min or until fries are golden and crispy on the outside but fork tender on the inside. 

Next, mix mayo with 1-2 tablespoons mustard, kelp powder, and SPOG mixture. If you like spice, add a little sriracha or your favorite hot sauce.

Serve fries hot and enjoy!

 

pro-tip: 

Freeze your sweet potato fries ahead of time and bake from frozen–this will help create a crunchy exterior and soft fluffy interior!

Home-hack: If you have an air fryer or oven with an airfryer component, that is a great tool for making delicious french fries. Cook fries for the suggested time and temperature of your manufacturer.