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
