Yum Yum Sauce is super simple, absolutely delicious, and ready in minutes. This Japanese steakhouse classic is perfect for dipping, drizzling, or spreading on just about anything! If you've never experienced the magic of this tasty dip, then get ready to have your taste buds blown away.
Ah, Yum Yum Sauce!
Just saying the name brings a smile. This delightful sauce, with its creamy texture and slightly sweet taste tinged with a hint of tanginess, is a staple in hibachi restaurants across the United States.
Made from a simple combination of mayonnaise, vinegar, tomato paste, sugar, and a few spices, this homemade Yum Yum Sauce recipe is versatile enough to drizzle over grilled meats, dunk your favorite tempura, or even spice up your vegetable dishes.
It is the perfect dipping sauce to add a little 'yum' to any meal!
Ingredients
- Mayonnaise: If you're looking for a lighter option, low-fat or vegan mayonnaise can be a great substitute.
- Melted Butter: This brings a subtle, rich flavor to the mix. If you're dairy-free or vegan, coconut oil or a dairy-free butter alternative can work wonders.
- Rice Vinegar: I used unseasoned rice vinegar. Seasoned rice vinegar can be used, but taste before adding any additional sugar.
- Tomato Paste: Concentrated tomato flavor that enriches the sauce. In a pinch, ketchup or tomato sauce can be used, adjusting the sugar to taste since they're sweeter.
- Sugar: Honey, maple syrup, or a sugar substitute could be used.
- Paprika: Smoky or sweet, paprika adds a lovely hue and flavor depth. Smoked paprika can be an interesting twist if you enjoy a smokier note. (That is what we use in my kitchen!)
- Cayenne Pepper: Brings a spicy kick. Adjust based on your heat preference, or swap with red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a different type of heat.
- Salt: Adjust to your liking.
How to Make Yum Yum Sauce
For the full recipe with measurements, see the recipe card at the bottom of the post.
In a large bowl, whisk mayonnaise, water, butter, vinegar, tomato paste, sugar, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt until well combined. Refrigerate until serving.
Serving Suggestions
Serve this Yum Yum Sauce as a side with Blackstone Hibachi Chicken, Hibachi Shrimp, Hibachi Vegetables or Hibachi Steak. Round out your meal with Hibachi Fried Rice or Blackstone Fried Rice for the Japanese Steakhouse experience in the comfort of your home.
Tips and Tricks
- Get the Right Consistency: If your sauce is too thick, don't hesitate to thin it out with a little bit of water. Just add it a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. If it is too thin, add more mayonnaise.
- Customize Your Flavor: Some people love a tangier taste, which you can achieve by adding a bit more vinegar. Garlic powder and onion powder are also nice additions.
- Chill Before Serving: For the flavors to truly meld together, place in the fridge at least an hour before serving.
- Make it Vegan: I recommend using Veganaise if you would like to make vegan Yum Yum Sauce and substitute a vegan butter alternative like Earth Balance. In my experience, the consistency of VeganaiseVeganaise is thinner, so I recommend omitting the water. If you want to add it after everything is mixed up, you can, but I have done this and found it isn't needed.
- Experiment with Uses: This sauce is fabulous over seafood, steak, or chicken hibachi, but don't stop there. Try it with potstickers and wontons, potatoes, mixed vegetables, as a salad dressing, and even a dip for french fries and sweet potato fries.
Storing
Store leftovers in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to four days.
More Don't Miss Sauces and Dips
- If you're a fan of bold and cheesy flavors, our Garlic Parmesan Sauce will become your new go-to for pasta nights and pizza parties!
- For your next backyard BBQ, elevate your grilled meats with the zesty and slightly spicy Brat Sauce—a crowd-pleaser that's easy to whip up.
- Swap out the store-bought stuff for a healthier, tangier option with our Greek Yogurt Ranch Dressing. It's perfect for salads and vegetable dips!
- Dip into something a little different with our creamy and crumbly Garlic Feta Dip. It pairs wonderfully with fresh veggies or warm pita bread.
Yum Yum Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- ¼ teaspoon salt
Instructions
- In a large bowl, combine the mayonnaise, water, butter, vinegar, tomato paste, sugar, paprika, cayenne pepper, and salt.
- Stir to combine.
- Store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.
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