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, but it is also delicious too and takes 5 minutes flat to make. Here is how to make it.
Just like my other homemade sauces like Pineapple Sauce, Harissa Sauce, or Szechuan Sauce, this has also become a favorite.
Jump to:
About This Recipe
Yum Yum Sauce is a famous Japanese steakhouse sauce, which is most famous in 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. Made using mayonnaise as the base, this sauce is super easy to make.
It is also called Sakura sauce, seafood sauce, or shrimp sauce and is a blend of creamy sweet and sour – basically a savory dip that makes everything yummy.
It is addictive and you won’t be able to stop yourself and add it to anything and everything you are eating.
The best thing about this sauce is that it is gluten-free and keto-friendly.
Origin
Although this 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.
Ingredients
The ingredients to make this 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 this 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 this 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 sauce for that unique Asian flavor but you can totally choose to skip them.
Step by Step Recipe
Whisk the mayonnaise until it is smooth and creamy.
Add all the remaining ingredients and whisk well.
Refrigerate in an airtight container.
Frequently Asked Questions
It is a creamy sauce that has all the three flavors, Sweet, Tangy, and Spicy at one place, which makes it even more delicious.
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.
You can use Vegan Mayo instead of Mayo and Coconut Oil instead of Butter to make a vegan version of the same.
Serving Suggestions
It is versatile sauce and pairs well with many things.
You can serve this 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 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 it as a salad dressing.
Storage Suggestions
It is so easy to make this 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 the 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.
Tools Required
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.
You might also like
Recipe Card
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.
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.
Carol
Can’t wait to try boom boom and yum yum sauce. I have tried Sheetz and I think this will be great! Thank you.
Neha Mathur
Do share how it turned out 🙂