Why You’ll Love This Recipe
Here’s why Yum Yum Sauce is a must-try:
- Quick and Easy – With just a few ingredients and 5 minutes of prep time, you can make this creamy sauce in no time.
- Customizable Heat – Adjust the spice level to your taste, whether you like it mild, medium, or hot.
- Versatile – Perfect as a dip for grilled meats, seafood, or veggies, or even as a sauce for rice or noodles.
- Creamy and Flavorful – The combination of mayo, vinegar, tomato paste, and spices creates a rich and umami-packed flavor.
This sauce adds a savory and tangy twist to your meals, and it’s a great addition to any homemade Hibachi night!
Ingredients
(Tip: You’ll find the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)
- 1 1/4 cup mayonnaise (use Japanese mayo if possible, but any good-quality mayo will do)
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar (or vinegary hot sauce for a spicier version)
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste (or ketchup, or sriracha/gochujang for a spicier sauce)
- 1 teaspoon honey
- 1 teaspoon cayenne powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons water (or as needed to thin the sauce)
Directions
- Whisk Together Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients except the water. Ensure that the mayo, tomato paste, vinegar, honey, and spices are fully combined.
- Adjust for Taste:
- Taste the sauce and adjust the flavors to your preference. Add more tomato paste for tang, sriracha/gochujang for spice, or more honey for sweetness.
- Thin the Sauce:
- If the sauce is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time, whisking to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy:
- Use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week.
Servings and Timing
- Servings: 24 tablespoons (enough for multiple meals)
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
This sauce is quick to prepare and is perfect for making ahead, ensuring you always have a flavorful dipping sauce on hand.
Storage
- Storage: Store the Yum Yum sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
- Reheating: Yum Yum sauce is best served cold, so simply give it a good stir before using again if it separates in the fridge.
FAQs
1. Can I use a different kind of mayo?
Yes, you can use any type of mayo, but Japanese mayo (like Kewpie) will give you a creamier and richer flavor.
2. Can I make it spicier?
Absolutely! Add more sriracha, cayenne powder, or gochujang to increase the heat level to your liking.
3. Can I use this sauce on anything other than Hibachi?
Yes! Yum Yum sauce is great as a dipping sauce for shrimp, chicken tenders, fries, or roasted vegetables. It also works as a spread for burgers or sandwiches.
4. Can I make this sauce vegan?
Yes, you can make a vegan version by swapping out the mayonnaise for a plant-based alternative and using non-dairy butter.
5. How long can I store Yum Yum Sauce?
This sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just be sure to store it in an airtight container to preserve freshness.
Conclusion
Yum Yum Sauce is a deliciously creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy sauce that’s perfect for adding flavor to your meals. Whether you’re hosting a Hibachi night or looking for a versatile dipping sauce, this homemade recipe is easy to make and sure to impress. With its rich umami flavors, this sauce is a must-have addition to any meal!

Yum Yum Sauce Recipe: A Delicious Hibachi-inspired Sauce
- Prep Time: 3 minutes
- Cook Time: 2 minutes
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 24 tablespoons
- Category: Condiment
- Method: No-cook
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
Yum Yum Sauce is a creamy, slightly sweet, and spicy sauce often found in Japanese Hibachi restaurants. This homemade version is easy to make and delivers an authentic flavor, perfect for dipping, drizzling, or using as a condiment with grilled meats, vegetables, or seafood. Quick, versatile, and customizable, this sauce will add a tangy kick to any dish.
Ingredients
1 1/4 cup mayonnaise (use Japanese mayo if possible, but any good-quality mayo will do)
1 tablespoon melted butter
2 teaspoons rice vinegar (or vinegary hot sauce for a spicier version)
1 teaspoon tomato paste (or ketchup, or sriracha/gochujang for a spicier sauce)
1 teaspoon honey
1 teaspoon cayenne powder
1 teaspoon paprika
1 teaspoon garlic powder
2 tablespoons water (or as needed to thin the sauce)
Instructions
- Whisk Together Ingredients: In a small bowl, whisk together all the ingredients except the water. Ensure that the mayo, tomato paste, vinegar, honey, and spices are fully combined.
- Adjust for Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the flavors to your preference. Add more tomato paste for tang, sriracha/gochujang for spice, or more honey for sweetness.
- Thin the Sauce: If the sauce is too thick, add water a tablespoon at a time, whisking to reach your desired consistency.
- Serve and Enjoy: Use immediately or refrigerate in an airtight container for up to a week.
Notes
For a richer flavor, try using Japanese Kewpie mayo.
If you want more spice, add more sriracha, cayenne powder, or gochujang to suit your taste.
Yum Yum Sauce works well as a dip for chicken, seafood, roasted vegetables, or fries.
For a vegan version, use a plant-based mayo and non-dairy butter.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 2g
- Sodium: 150mg
- Fat: 7g
- Saturated Fat: 1g
- Unsaturated Fat: 6g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 2g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 0g
- Cholesterol: 10mg