Yum Yum Sauce Recipe
Yum Yum Sauce recipe is the beloved creamy pink dipping sauce, famous at Japanese steakhouse hibachi grills across America, and now you can master it in your own kitchen. While often dubbed “Japanese,” it’s truly an American innovation perfectly tangy, sweet, and savory, and ready in minutes. Skip the store-bought bottles and enjoy full control over ingredients, customization, and unbeatable flavor.
Table of Contents
What Is Yum Yum Sauce Recipe?
Most Japanese chefs have never heard of Yum Yum Sauce recipe it’s a North American creation often served with hibachi chicken, fried rice, and shrimp. Sometimes called “pink sauce,” “shrimp sauce,” or “hibachi sauce,” its creamy texture and balanced taste have made it a staple at Japanese-American restaurants. Whether drizzled or dipped, it’s always a hit.
Why You’ll Love yum yum sauce recipe
- Incredibly easy, requires no special equipment.
- Versatile: amazing with chicken, shrimp, steak, fried rice, veggies, even fries and burgers.
- Customizable to dietary needs (gluten-free, dairy-free, keto).
- Tastes better than any bottled version.
- Comes together in under 5 minutes and gets better as it chills.
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
- Mayonnaise (the base; use regular or vegan for special diets)
- Ketchup (for color and sweetness; sub tomato paste + sugar if needed)
- Rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
- Paprika (smoked or sweet)
- Butter (melted and cooled)
- Sugar (granulated or honey for variation)
- Garlic powder and onion powder
- Optional: Sriracha, chili garlic sauce, hot sauce for heat
- Water (to thin as desired)
Ingredient Substitution Table:
| Ingredient | Substitution |
|---|---|
| Rice vinegar | Apple cider vinegar |
| Ketchup | Tomato paste + sugar |
| Butter | Ghee, margarine, or omit |
| Mayonnaise | Avocado oil mayo, vegan mayo |
| Paprika | Smoked paprika |
Yum Yum Sauce Recipe Step-by-Step
Yum Yum Sauce recipe is a delicious, creamy, sweet-and-savory condiment famous in Japanese steakhouses across America. With this easy recipe, you can make your own perfect dipping sauce at home in just a few minutes no special tools required. Great with hibachi chicken, shrimp, fried rice, veggies, or even on burgers!
Total time: 45 minutes
Step 1. Melt the Butter
If using butter, melt it gently in the microwave or in a small saucepan, then let it cool slightly. This helps it blend smoothly into the sauce.
Step 2. Add Ingredients to Mixing Bowl
In a medium mixing bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup or tomato paste, sugar, paprika, rice vinegar, melted butter, garlic powder, onion powder (optional), and a splash of hot sauce (if using).
Step 3. Whisk Everything Together
Using a whisk, thoroughly mix all the ingredients until smooth and fully combined. Gradually add a little water (start with 1 tablespoon) to achieve your preferred sauce consistency.
Step 4. Taste and Adjust
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning if needed add more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for extra tang, or hot sauce for more heat, according to your preference.
Step 5. Chill the Sauce
Transfer the sauce to an airtight container or jar. Chill in the refrigerator for at least 30–60 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld and deepen.
Step 6. Serve and Store
Serve your Yum Yum Sauce as a dip or drizzle over hibachi meats, seafood, vegetables, or rice. Store any leftovers in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Estimated Cost: 3 USD
Supply:
- Mayonnaise
- Ketchup or Tomato Paste
- Granulated Sugar
- Paprika (Sweet or Smoked)
- Rice Vinegar or Apple Cider Vinegar
- Butter (melted)
- Garlic Powder
- Onion Powder (optional)
- Hot Sauce or Sriracha (optional)
- Water
- Salt and Pepper (to taste)
Tools:
- Mixing Bowl
- Measuring Spoons
- Whisk
- Rubber Spatula
- Airtight Container or Jar (for storage)
Materials: Recipe printout or written instructions
Pro Tips for Perfect Yum Yum Sauce recipe
- Room temperature mayo blends smoother.
- Adjust sugar for a sweeter sauce or add Sriracha for heat.
- Let the sauce chill overnight for the deepest flavor.
- Use a whisk not a fork for best emulsification.
- Store in a sealed container in the refrigerator; it keeps for up to two weeks.
Serving Suggestions
- Hibachi chicken, fried rice, shrimp, steak
- Grilled vegetables, sushi rolls, grain bowls
- Fries, burgers, sandwiches, salads
- Potstickers, wontons, crab cakes
Popular Variations
- Spicy Yum Yum: Add 1–2 tbsp Sriracha or chili sauce.
- Honey Yum Yum: Replace sugar with honey.
- Gluten-Free: Standard ingredients are usually gluten-free; check labels.
- Keto: Use keto-friendly mayo and sugar substitutes.
- Vegan: Use vegan mayo, omit butter or swap for vegan margarine.
Homemade vs. Store-Bought (Comparison Table)
| Feature | Homemade | Store-Bought |
|---|---|---|
| Flavor | Fresh, customizable | Often processed, bland |
| Ingredients | Simple, whole-food | Additives, preservatives |
| Nutrition | Adjustable, healthier | Fixed, may be high sugar |
| Price | Cheaper, bigger yield | More per ounce |
Nutrition Information (Per Tablespoon)
- Calories: 80
- Fat: 8g
- Carbs: 1g
- Protein: 1g
- (Always check with dietary apps or updated nutrition calculators)
yum yum sauce recipe (FAQ)
How long does Yum Yum Sauce recipe last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, up to two weeks.
Can I freeze Yum Yum Sauce?
It’s not recommended; mayo-based sauces may separate when thawed.
Is yum yum sauce recipe healthy?
It can be easily adapted for low-calorie, keto, or vegan diets.
What can I substitute for mirin or rice vinegar?
Apple cider vinegar works well, or omit mirin if not available.
Expert Insights & User Reviews
Food historians confirm Yum Yum Sauce recipe as an American favorite, not traditional Japanese.
User testimonial: “This is exactly like the yum yum sauce in restaurants! I can’t do store-bought this tastes so much better”.
Related yum yum sauce recipe Recipes
- Hibachi Chicken
- Fried Rice
- Asian Dipping Sauces
- Sriracha Mayo
- Teriyaki and Sweet Chili Sauce
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Yum Yum Sauce Recipe – Easy Japanese Steakhouse Copycat
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Step 1: Melt the Butter: Melt the butter gently and let it cool to avoid curdling the sauce. This step helps the sauce blend to a silky texture.
- Step 2: Combine Ingredients in Bowl: In a medium bowl, add mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, cooled melted butter, sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, and sriracha (if using).
- Step 3: Whisk Ingredients Together: Whisk everything until smooth. Gradually add water until the sauce reaches your preferred consistency.
- Step 4: Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust ingredients as needed add more sugar for sweetness, vinegar for tang, or chili sauce for heat.
- Step 5: Chill for Best Flavor: Refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to meld completely.
- Step 6: Serve and Store : Serve with hibachi chicken, shrimp, fried rice, or vegetables. Store leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week.
Notes
Try swapping ketchup for tomato paste plus a pinch of sugar for a richer flavor.
Let the sauce chill overnight for even better flavor.
Use as a drizzle, dipping sauce, or salad dressing. Nutrition:
Calories: 80 per tablespoon
Fat: 8g
Carbs: 1g
Protein: 1g
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- Comment section for tips and questions
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Final Notes & Call to Action
Enjoy making this classic steakhouse sauce at home!
If you loved this recipe, please leave a comment, review, or share on social.
Questions or adaptations? Let us know below!
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