Yum Yum Sauce Recipe

If you’ve ever had Japanese hibachi or sushi and found yourself dipping everything in that creamy, tangy, sweet, and savory sauce, then you know exactly what I’m talking about. Yum Yum Sauce is that magical concoction that elevates any dish, whether it’s shrimp, chicken, veggies, or even fries. It’s ridiculously easy to make at home, and once you’ve got the recipe, you’ll never want to go without it again.

This sauce is incredibly versatile. It’s rich, a little spicy, and just the right amount of sweetness, making it the perfect dipping sauce for all kinds of foods. Plus, it only takes a few simple ingredients to whip up a batch, so you can have this goodness on hand for any occasion. Trust me—this recipe will become your go-to for everything from grilled meats to vegetables!

Why You’ll Love Yum Yum Sauce

• Simple to Make: With just a handful of ingredients, this sauce comes together in minutes. No fancy equipment needed!
• Versatile: Use it as a dip, dressing, or drizzle over your favorite dishes. It’s the perfect accompaniment to grilled meats, seafood, and even fries!
• Rich and Creamy: It’s creamy with a perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and umami flavor that’ll have you going back for more.
• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, spice, or garlic levels to your liking! You can even make it spicier or add a dash of lime juice for an extra kick.

Ingredients for Yum Yum Sauce

Here’s the magic behind this beloved sauce! These simple ingredients come together to create the unforgettable flavor:

• Mayonnaise: The base of the sauce. You’ll want full-fat mayonnaise for the creamiest texture.
• Ketchup: Gives the sauce a little tang and sweetness. It also adds that signature pinkish color.
• Garlic Powder: A subtle hint of garlic to bring everything together.
• Paprika: Adds a smoky note and a little bit of color.
• Sugar: For a touch of sweetness that balances out the tangy ingredients.
• Rice Vinegar: Adds acidity and a little zing to the sauce.
• Water: To thin the sauce to your desired consistency.
• Optional: A pinch of cayenne pepper or hot sauce if you like a little heat!

(Note: Full ingredient quantities and detailed instructions are in the recipe card above.)

Instructions

Step 1: Mix the Base Ingredients

• In a small bowl, combine the mayonnaise and ketchup. This forms the creamy and tangy foundation of the sauce.

Step 2: Add Seasonings

• Stir in the garlic powder, paprika, and sugar. These ingredients will bring the depth of flavor you’re looking for.
• Add a splash of rice vinegar for a bit of acidity that will balance the richness.

Step 3: Adjust Consistency

• Gradually add water to the mixture, stirring well until you reach your desired consistency. You want it to be thick enough to coat a spoon but still pourable.

Step 4: Optional Heat

• If you like a bit of spice, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few dashes of hot sauce to kick things up a notch.

Step 5: Chill and Serve

• For the best flavor, let the Yum Yum Sauce chill in the fridge for at least 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together. It’ll be even better the next day!
• Serve with grilled meats, seafood, veggies, or use it as a dipping sauce for fries. You’ll find yourself putting it on everything!

How to Serve Yum Yum Sauce

• As a Dipping Sauce: The most classic use! It’s perfect with shrimp, chicken tenders, grilled vegetables, or even fries.
• On Hibachi: It’s a must-have for hibachi-style meals. Drizzle it over grilled meats, rice, and vegetables for that authentic taste.
• As a Salad Dressing: Thin it out with a little extra water or vinegar and use it as a creamy dressing for salads. It’s great on a simple Asian-inspired salad.
• Taco Topping: Drizzle over tacos or use it as a creamy base for a wrap or sandwich.
• With Sushi: Use it as a dip for sushi rolls or poke bowls to add extra flavor.

Additional Tips

• Storage: Store leftover Yum Yum Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1-2 weeks.
• Make it Vegan: Use a plant-based mayonnaise to make this sauce vegan-friendly.
• Adjust Flavor: Feel free to adjust the level of sugar, vinegar, or spice to match your personal taste. More vinegar will give it extra tang, while a little more sugar will make it sweeter.
• Bulk Up the Flavor: You can add a bit of onion powder, mustard, or lemon juice for additional depth of flavor.

Nutrition Facts

Serving Size: 2 tablespoons (based on 8 servings)

• Calories: 90
• Total Fat: 9g (14% DV)
• Saturated Fat: 1g (5% DV)
• Cholesterol: 5mg (2% DV)
• Sodium: 150mg (6% DV)
• Total Carbohydrates: 3g (1% DV)
• Dietary Fiber: 0g (0% DV)
• Sugars: 2g
• Protein: 0g

(Note: Nutritional values may vary depending on ingredients and portion sizes.)

Preparation Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Chill Time: 30 minutes
• Total Time: 35 minutes

FAQ Section

Q1: Can I make Yum Yum Sauce ahead of time?

A1: Yes! Yum Yum Sauce is actually better when the flavors have had time to meld together. Prepare it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.

Q2: Can I make this without mayonnaise?

A2: You could substitute with sour cream or Greek yogurt for a tangy twist, but mayonnaise gives the best creamy texture.

Q3: Can I make this spicier?

A3: Yes! You can add extra cayenne pepper, sriracha, or hot sauce to adjust the spice level to your liking.

Q4: Can I use this as a salad dressing?

A4: Yes! Just thin it out with a little extra vinegar or water to make it pourable and drizzle it over your salad.

Q5: Can I freeze Yum Yum Sauce?

A5: It’s best enjoyed fresh, but you can freeze it in a container for up to 2 months. Just be aware that the texture might change slightly when thawed.

Q6: What other dishes can I use Yum Yum Sauce with?

A6: You can use it with grilled chicken, steak, fried foods, seafood, tacos, or even veggies. It’s the ultimate all-purpose sauce!

Q7: Is Yum Yum Sauce gluten-free?

A7: Yes, as long as your ketchup and mayonnaise are gluten-free, this sauce is naturally gluten-free.

Q8: Can I make Yum Yum Sauce without rice vinegar?

A8: If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar, though the flavor will be slightly different.

Q9: Can I add garlic to this sauce?

A9: Absolutely! If you love garlic, you can add fresh minced garlic or garlic paste for extra flavor.

Q10: How can I adjust the sweetness of Yum Yum Sauce?

A10: You can adjust the sugar to taste. Add more for a sweeter sauce or reduce it for a more savory option.

Conclusion

Making your own Yum Yum Sauce at home is a total game-changer. It’s creamy, tangy, sweet, and just the right amount of spice—perfect for just about anything you want to dip or drizzle it on! With simple ingredients and just a little bit of time, you’ll have a homemade sauce that’s better than anything store-bought. Give it a try, and I promise it’ll quickly become a staple in your kitchen!

Print