Easy Yum Yum Sauce Recipe (made with Kewpie Mayo)

Last Updated on February 10, 2025 by Karen

Whether you’re enjoying sushi, shrimp, or vegetables, this delicious Yum Yum Sauce made with Kewpie Mayo adds a rich, zesty kick that will take your meal to the next level. 

This homemade Yum Yum Sauce recipe brings the creamy, tangy flavor that has become a beloved staple in Japanese steakhouses, sushi restaurants, and hibachi grills. Known for its smooth texture and rich taste, this versatile sauce is perfect for dipping and drizzling over a wide variety of dishes. It’s especially popular for sushi rolls, hibachi steak, and shrimp, but it also elevates everyday foods like French fries, tempura shrimp, and even crispy vegetables to a whole new level of deliciousness.

What makes Yum Yum Sauce so special is its balance of creamy and tangy elements. The base of the sauce, made with Kewpie mayo, lends it a smooth, velvety texture, while the addition of garlic powder and a splash of rice vinegar brings just the right amount of flavor depth and acidity. This creamy sauce is not only a favorite at Japanese restaurants but also a go-to choice for a variety of occasions, whether you’re enjoying a family hibachi dinner, a sushi feast, or a casual meal at home.

The beauty of this sauce lies in its simplicity. With just a few simple ingredients like Kewpie mayo, garlic powder, and a dash of rice vinegar, you can whip up this flavorful condiment in no time, making it the perfect addition to your next meal or gathering. Whether you’re dipping crispy fries into its creamy goodness, pairing it with tempura shrimp for an extra kick, or enjoying it with your favorite sushi rolls, this Yum Yum Sauce is sure to become a household favorite.

It’s the best Yum Yum Sauce to make because it captures the essence of the famous Japanese steakhouse shrimp sauce you find at sushi restaurants and hibachi grills, all while being incredibly easy to prepare and full of flavor.

What is Yum Yum Sauce?

Yum Yum Sauce, also known as Japanese white sauce, is a popular Japanese condiment found at hibachi grills and Japanese cuisine spots around the United States. It’s made with a mayonnaise base, which gives it a creamy texture, combined with ketchup or tomato paste for sweetness, rice vinegar for tang, and a few other spices like garlic powder and onion powder to enhance the flavor. This tangy sauce can be used for dipping or drizzling over your favorite dishes like sushi, fried rice, and even potato salad.

What is the Flavor Profile of Yum Yum Sauce?

Yum Yum Sauce has a sweet, tangy flavor that complements many types of food. The creamy mayo base is balanced by the slight sweetness of ketchup or tomato paste and the tang from rice vinegar and lemon juice. The addition of garlic powder and onion powder adds depth, while a hint of cayenne pepper or sriracha sauce brings just a touch of spice (optional, if you like a spicy sauce). Its pale pink color and smooth consistency make it the perfect addition to hibachi shrimp, grilled meats, and even as a salad dressing.

Ingredients for Yum Yum Sauce

To make this homemade Yum Yum Sauce, you’ll need some basic ingredients, many of which can be found at your local grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:

Kewpie mayonnaise (or regular mayonnaise if you prefer): This Japanese mayonnaise adds a richer, sweeter flavor compared to regular mayo.

Ketchup: Ketchup adds sweetness and tang to the sauce. You can also use tomato paste which gives the sauce a thicker texture.

Garlic powder and onion powder: These spices add flavor complexity to your sauce.

Rice vinegar: Adds the tangy flavor you’ll find in most Japanese hibachi sauces. Substitute with lemon juice or lime juice for a citrusy brightness.

Cayenne pepper: For a slight heat, if you want to make your sauce a bit spicy.

Sugar (optional): Enhances sweetness if you like your sauce a bit sweeter.

How to Make Yum Yum Sauce

Making this easy Yum Yum Sauce recipe is a breeze! In a small bowl, combine the main ingredients—mayonnaise, ketchup, garlic powder, onion powder, and rice vinegar. If you like your sauce a little spicier, add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a drizzle of sriracha sauce. Stir everything together until you achieve the perfect creamy sauce.

If the sauce is too thick, you can thin it out with a bit of melted butter or a small splash of water until you reach your desired consistency. Taste and adjust, adding more ketchup for sweetness or more rice vinegar for tang.

What is Japanese Mayo?

Japanese mayo is a unique type of mayonnaise that is a staple in Japanese cuisine. It differs from Western-style mayonnaise in a few key ways, giving it a distinct flavor and texture.

Here are some characteristics that set Japanese mayo apart:

Egg Yolks: Kewpie mayo uses only egg yolks (not whole eggs, as in most Western mayo), which gives it a richer and smoother texture.

Vinegar: Instead of regular white vinegar, Kewpie mayo is made with rice vinegar, which gives it a milder, slightly sweeter flavor.

Umami Flavor: Kewpie mayo has a savory, umami taste that comes from its unique blend of ingredients, making it a great addition to a variety of dishes.

Texture: It has a creamier and thicker texture compared to regular mayo, making it perfect for drizzling over dishes or using as a dipping sauce.

The most popular brand of Japanese mayo is Kewpie, which is sold in a squeezable plastic bottle and often has a cute baby logo on the label. It’s widely available in grocery stores that carry international or Japanese products, and it can also be found online.

Japanese mayo is a favorite in sushi restaurants, used on everything from sushi rolls to grilled meats, and it’s also commonly used in dishes like karage (Japanese fried chicken), salads, and even as a topping for fries.

How to Serve Yum Yum Sauce

This versatile condiment can be served in many ways:

As a dipping sauce: It’s the perfect complement to hibachi chicken, hibachi steak, or hibachi shrimp.
With sushi rolls: Drizzle it over spicy salmon rolls or your favorite sushi rolls for a burst of flavor.
With rice bowls: Add a dollop to your next rice bowl or poke bowl for extra creaminess.
As a salad dressing: Use this tangy sauce as a creamy dressing for slaws or leafy greens.
With French fries: This creamy sauce pairs wonderfully with crispy fries, making it a great fry sauce alternative.

How to Store Yum Yum Sauce

This sauce is quick to make and perfect for meal prep. After making your homemade Yum Yum Sauce, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. The flavors tend to deepen and meld together as it sits, so it’s even better after a few hours or overnight. Just give it a good stir before serving.

How Do You Make a Vegan Version of Yum Yum Sauce?

If you follow a vegan diet, you can easily swap the Kewpie mayo for a vegan mayonnaise alternative. To make a creamy mayo base, use a plant-based mayo made with egg yolks replaced by ingredients like avocado or olive oil. You can also substitute Greek yogurt for a slightly tangy and creamy vegan version.

Can You Make Yum Yum Sauce Ahead of Time?

Yes! This is a great sauce to make ahead of time. It stores well in the fridge and is perfect for adding flavor to any dish the next day. Whether you’re preparing for hibachi night or meal prepping for the week, this easy recipe will become a go-to for adding a flavorful kick to your next meal.

The Difference Between Yum Yum Sauce and Spicy Mayo

Yum Yum Sauce and spicy mayo are both creamy sauces, but the biggest difference is in their flavor profiles. Yum Yum Sauce is milder and sweeter, with a tangy flavor thanks to ingredients like rice vinegar and lemon juice. It’s perfect for those who prefer a non-spicy dipping sauce. On the other hand, spicy mayo is made with sriracha sauce or another spicy sauce, giving it a hotter, spicier flavor. If you prefer heat, spicy mayo might be your go-to, but if you like a creamy, tangy sauce without the spice, Yum Yum Sauce is the best choice.

This homemade Yum Yum Sauce recipe is the perfect condiment for your next meal, whether you’re cooking at home or enjoying takeout from your favorite Japanese hibachi restaurant.

Made with simple ingredients and a creamy mayo base, it adds a sweet, tangy, and creamy texture to a variety of dishes. Whether you’re using it as a dipping sauce for sushi or drizzling it over hibachi chicken, this Yum Yum Sauce will quickly become a favorite in your household.

Give this easy recipe a try today and elevate your next meal with the best Yum Yum Sauce!

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