Just as the name suggests, Yum Yum Sauce is really a yummy sauce. It is a famous Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse Sauce and if you have been to any hibachi grill house in the US, you must have seen and had this pink sauce. The homemade version of this sauce is not only easy to make, it’s delicious too and takes 5 minutes flat to make. Here is how to make Yum Yum Sauce Recipe.
Yum yum sauce is also called seafood sauce or sometimes Japanese vegetable sauce. It is so easy to make and takes no time.
You can have it with fried rice, use it as dipping sauce for starters, with vegetables, seafood or steak or even use as salad dressing.
It is also known as shrimp sauce, as it’s mostly served with shrimps, but it does not have shrimps in it.
Yum Yum Sauce is addictive and you won’t be able to stop yourself and add it to anything and everything you are eating. Best thing about this yum yum sauce is it is gluten free and keto friendly.
Just like my other homemade sauces like Pineapple Sauce, Harissa Sauce or Szechuan Sauce, this has also become a favourite.
This recipe is much better than the store-bought one and is comes together very easily.
What is Yum Yum Sauce?
Yum yum sauce is a famous Japanese steakhouse sauce, which is mostly famous is the US and Canada. It is not a traditional sauce and is not common in Japan though.
It is a flavorful, yummy sauce that can be made easily at home. Yum yum sauce is made using mayonnaise as the base.
It is also called Sakura sauce, seafood sauce or shrimp sauce. It is blend of creamy sweet and sour – basically a savoury dip that makes everything yummy.
Yum Yum Sauce Origin
Although yum yum sauce is a famous Japanese Steakhouse sauce, it didn’t originate in Japan. It was originated in the West and is famous in the US and Canada.
You may not find it in restaurants in Japan. However, it’s an important dip in all the Japanese restaurants in the US.
How long can you store Yum Yum Sauce?
It is so easy to make yum yum sauce that you actually don’t need to store it. You can make it fresh anytime you want.
If you still need to make it ahead, then store it in an airtight container in refrigerator.
If you won’t refrigerate it, it will go bad and spoil. Refrigerate it for up to a week in an airtight container. It doesn’t freeze well, so just refrigerate it.
What is Yum Yum Sauce made of?
The ingredients to make Homemade Yum Yum Sauce are basic. It is made of mayonnaise, tomato paste, paprika, cayenne, garlic powder, onion powder, butter, sugar, water and salt to taste.
Mayonnaise: Use plain mayonnaise to make yum yum sauce. It will help you get the flavor you want and not overpower any other flavor.
It is better if you can use a store-bought mayo instead of homemade to get the best result. Use a full fat mayonnaise if you want for the best flavor.
You can use eggless mayonnaise to make an eggless version.
Tomato Paste: Tomato paste is an important ingredient of this sauce. It adds the tartness to the sauce that you need.
It is the tomato paste that renders the beautiful pink color to the yum yum sauce. Try to use tomato paste for the best results and not replace it with ketchup.
Paprika: Paprika adds to the pink color of the sauce. It also adds a beautiful flavor to the sauce. Don’t skip using it. It is one of the most important ingredients.
You can choose either plain or smoked paprika.
Cayenne: To make your sauce a little spicy and hot, add cayenne. It will bring a balance to the otherwise creamy and sweet sauce.
You can add as much depending on how much heat you want to add to the sauce.
Butter: Butter is the most important ingredient. You can’t skip it, if you want the authentic yum yum sauce.
Make sure your butter is soft and melted before you mix it, but it shouldn’t be hot. If it is firm and solid, you will have butter chunks in your sauce.
Sugar: You will need to use a little sugar as tomato paste is tart and will make your sauce tart otherwise. Add a little sugar to bring a balance.
I sometimes add a little rice vinegar and sake to my yum yum sauce for that unique Asian flavour but you can totally choose to skip them.
How to make Yum Yum Sauce without Tomato Paste?
If you don’t have tomato paste available, you can use ketchup instead. It might not fetch you the best result but it is close enough.
When you are using ketchup, remember not to use sugar, as ketchup has sugar already.
Where to use Yum Yum Sauce?
You can serve this yum yum sauce with steamed shrimps, fried rice, vegetables, potato wedges, fish fingers, stir fries and chicken.
You can even use it with your steaks and sandwiches. Serve it with your starters and with mains. It is versatile and pairs well with many things.
It pairs well with any grilled stuff. Be it chicken, beef, pork shrimp or veggies, just serve this sauce along.
You can thin it a bit with warm water and use as salad dressing.
Note: While making yum yum sauce, make sure you whisk it by hand and not use a blender.
Tools to make Yum Yum Sauce
Mixing Bowls – Use a glass or steel mixing bowl to mix the sauce.
Wire Whisk – Wire whisk is best to whisk the ingredients together.
Air Tight Containers – To store the sauce, use glass containers with airtight lids.
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How to make Yum Yum Sauce Step by Step
Whisk the mayonnaise until it is smooth and creamy.
Add all the remaining ingredients and whisk well.
Refrigerate in an airtight container.
Yum Yum Sauce Recipe
Yum Yum Sauce Recipe
Just as the name suggests, Yum Yum Sauce is really a yummy sauce. It is a famous Japanese Hibachi Steakhouse Sauce and if you have been to any hibachi grill house in the US, you must have seen and had this pink sauce. The homemade version of this sauce is not only easy to make, it's delicious too. Here is how to make Yum Yum Sauce Recipe.
Ingredients
- 2 cups Mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Tomato Paste
- 1 tsp Paprika
- 1/4 tsp Cayenne
- 1/2 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1/2 tsp Onion Powder
- 1 tbsp Butter Melted
- 1 tsp Sugar
- 1/4 cup Water
- Salt to taste
Instructions
Whisk the mayonnaise until it is smooth and creamy.
Add all the remaining ingredients and whisk well.
Refrigerate in an airtight container.
Recipe Notes
Use a whisk to mix the sauce and not an electric blender.
If tomato paste is not available, you can use tomato ketchup instead.
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Ashley
How long will this keep in the fridge? I appreciate the nutrition info but how much is a serving size?
Thanks!
Neha Mathur
This recipe will make approximately 2 cups of sauce. This will keep good for a week in refrigerator.