Last Updated on December 26, 2024 by Karen

This homemade Yum Yum Sauce recipe delivers that creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor perfect for dipping or drizzling over your favorite dishes. Whether you’re enjoying sushi, shrimp, or vegetables, this delicious sauce adds a rich, zesty kick that will take your meal to the next level. Compared to spicy mayo, Yum Yum Sauce offers a milder, sweeter profile but with the same creamy texture that makes it a favorite at Japanese hibachi restaurants and sushi bars.

Yum Yum Sauce, often referred to as “white sauce” in hibachi grills, Japanese steakhouses, sushi restaurants, and Japanese restaurants, is a creamy, flavorful condiment that has gained popularity in the United States. Known for its sweet, savory, and slightly tangy flavor, Yum-Yum Sauce is one of the most popular condiments. It’s a versatile addition to a variety of dishes, from grilled meats and vegetables to rice bowls and even French fries.

An American invention, Yum Yum Sauce has become a beloved staple in many households. It’s become a famous Japanese steakhouse sauce. At our favorite Japanese sushi bar takeout spot, we are often given a choice of free yum yum sauce, bang bang sauce, hibachi sauce, and sriracha mayo, and I always choose the delicious yum yum sauce to compliment my sushi rolls and hand rolls! Our kids love it on karaage (Japanese fried chicken) and onigiri (rice balls) too!

My favorite ways to enjoy this is as a dipping sauce for hibachi chicken or drizzled over my favorite sushi rolls like California rolls and spicy tuna rolls. Its smooth texture and balanced taste make it a crowd-pleaser, and with simple ingredients like mayonnaise, ketchup or tomato paste, and a touch of vinegar, it’s easy to make this yummy sauce at home for any occasion. See the recipe card below for the easy recipe.

What is Yum Yum Sauce?

Yum Yum Sauce is a creamy, sweet, and tangy mayonnaise-based sauce often served with hibachi dishes, shrimp, vegetables, and even French fries. The main ingredients are mayonnaise, ketchup, garlic, and sometimes a little rice vinegar, cayenne pepper, or onion powder.

The balance of sweetness, tanginess, and creaminess makes it a great complement to a variety of foods, including poke bowls, potato salad, and even as a salad dressing.

What does Yum Yum Sauce taste like?

The flavor of Yum Yum Sauce is a combination of creamy mayo, sweet ketchup, and a little tang from the rice vinegar or splash of lemon juice. It’s milder than spicy mayo but still has enough depth to make it stand out. Garlic powder and onion powder add flavor complexity, making it a tasty addition to various dishes, from hibachi shrimp to fried rice.

With a smooth, creamy texture, Yum Yum Sauce is perfect for dipping or drizzling. It’s thick enough to cling to your food but still smooth and easy to spread. The texture is almost identical to spicy mayo, but without the heat. The mayonnaise base gives it a rich, velvety consistency.

Is it easy to make Yum Yum Sauce?

Making Yum Yum Sauce takes just 5 minutes! It’s a quick and easy all purpose sauce recipe that can be whipped up whenever you need a flavorful sauce to complement your meal.

This recipe is incredibly simple and can be made with common ingredients found in your local grocery store. It’s ideal for anyone looking to make a tasty dipping sauce in no time. If you’re in a pinch, you can even use a small bowl to mix up the ingredients!

What Ingredients Do You Need to Make Homemade Yum Yum Sauce?

The ingredients for this recipe are basic and easy to find in most grocery stores. Here’s what you’ll need:

Mayonnaise: The base of the sauce, adding creaminess. The base recipe for traditional yum yum sauce is made with Japanese mayonnaise (Japanese Kewpie mayonnaise is the most popular brand and has a sweeter flavor), but you can also regular mayonnaise. If you have fresh whole eggs or egg yolks, you can make your own mayo in a blender or food processor by drizzling in olive oil!
Ketchup: Adds sweetness and a slight tang. You can also substitute with a little tomato paste thinned out with water, or tomato sauce.
Garlic powder: For flavor depth.
Paprika: Gives the sauce a subtle smoky taste.
Onion powder: Adds a savory note to balance the sweetness.
Rice vinegar or a splash of lime juice: Adds acidity for balance.
Cayenne pepper (optional): For a tiny bit of heat, if you prefer.
Sugar (optional): Adds a touch more sweetness to enhance the flavor. If you’re using regular mayo instead of Japanese mayo, then I recommend a touch of sugar to balance the flavors.

Once you have your ingredients, making Yum Yum Sauce is a breeze.

How to Make Yum Yum Sauce:

Mix all the ingredients: In a bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, rice vinegar or splash of lime juice, and a pinch of sugar (if desired).
Adjust the consistency: Add water or melted butter a little at a time until the sauce reaches your preferred thickness.
Taste and adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning if needed, adding more ketchup for sweetness, garlic powder for flavor, or rice vinegar for tang.
Serve: Use the Yum Yum Sauce immediately, or refrigerate for later use. It can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

How Should You Serve Yum Yum Sauce?

Yum Yum Sauce is incredibly versatile. Here are a few ideas for serving it:

As a dipping sauce: This tangy sauce is perfect for shrimp, chicken, vegetables, or French fries.
On sushi: A great complement to sushi rolls, especially spicy rolls or poke bowls.
With grilled meats: Drizzle over grilled chicken, steak, or hibachi shrimp.
As a salad dressing: Use it as a creamy dressing for salads or slaws.
With rice bowls or fried rice: Add a dollop to your favorite rice dishes or poke bowls for extra flavor.

Can You Make Yum Yum Sauce Healthier?

Yes! To make healthy yum yum sauce, use light mayonnaise or a vegan mayonnaise alternative, and Greek yogurt instead of regular mayo. You can also adjust the amount of sugar to reduce the sweetness if you prefer a more balanced taste. For a healthier Yum Yum Sauce, consider using a lower-fat mayo base or skipping the sugar entirely.

Can You Make Vegan Yum Yum Sauce?

Making vegan yum yum sauce is easy and requires just a few simple substitution to create a plant-based version of this delicious condiment. Instead of regular mayo, you will need to use vegan mayonnaise, which is made with plant-based ingredients instead of eggs and dairy.

Can Yum Yum Sauce Be Made Ahead?

Absolutely! Yum Yum Sauce can be made ahead of time and stored in the fridge. In fact, the flavors tend to meld together even more after sitting for a few hours or overnight. Just be sure to give it a good stir before serving.

Can You Freeze Yum Yum Sauce?

While it’s possible to freeze Yum Yum Sauce, it’s not recommended because the texture can change upon thawing, making it less creamy. It’s best to enjoy it fresh or store it in the fridge for up to a week.

What is the Difference Between Yum Yum Sauce and Spicy Mayo?

While both sauces are creamy and often served at Japanese restaurants, the key difference lies in the heat and flavor profiles. Yum Yum Sauce is a sweet, tangy, and creamy sauce with no spice, making it perfect for those who prefer a milder flavor. Spicy mayo, on the other hand, is made with mayonnaise and sriracha or another spicy sauce, giving it a spicy, tangy flavor that’s hotter and more intense. The biggest difference between the two sauces is the absence of heat in Yum Yum Sauce, while spicy mayo is perfect for those who love a spicy sauce.

How do you make Spicy Mayonnaise?

Spicy mayo is a simple and versatile condiment that can enhance a variety of dishes like sushi, rice bowls, and even fries. To make it, start by combining 1/2 cup of mayonnaise with 1-2 tablespoons of sriracha sauce, adjusting the amount based on your preferred spice level. Add 1 tablespoon of lemon juice (or lime juice for a different twist) for a bit of tang, and if you’d like an extra layer of umami, include 1 teaspoon of soy sauce.

If the mayo is too thick, thin it out with a small splash of water to reach your desired consistency. Taste the mixture and adjust the spice level by adding more sriracha or lemon juice as needed. For the best flavor, refrigerate the spicy mayo for about 30 minutes before serving.

It can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week, and it pairs perfectly with sushi, poke bowls, fried rice, or as a dipping sauce for fries.

What are some variations to this spicy mayo recipe?

Instead of using sriracha, you can try it with sweet chili sauce (the resulting sauce tastes a bit like yum yum sauce), your favorite hot sauce, or buffalo sauce.

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This homemade Yum Yum Sauce recipe delivers that creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor perfect for dipping or drizzling over your favorite dishes. Whether you're enjoying sushi, shrimp, or vegetables, this delicious sauce adds a rich, zesty kick that will take your meal to the next level. Compared to spicy mayo, Yum Yum Sauce offers a milder, sweeter profile but with the same creamy texture that makes it a favorite at Japanese hibachi restaurants and sushi bars.

Ingredients

1 cup of Japanese or regular mayonnaise
1 tablespoon ketchup
1 tablespoon unsalted butter melted
2 teaspoons rice vinegar
1/4 teaspoon paprika
3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
3/4 teaspoon onion powder
1 tablespoon granulated sugar or honey
1-2 tablespoons of water adjust to reach your preferred consistency
Optional: A few dashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for added heat
Optional: A pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor

Instructions

In a small bowl, mix together all the ingredients until fully combined.
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours to allow the flavors to meld. For the best taste, chill overnight.
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the fridge, where it will stay fresh for up to a week.

Enjoy this creamy, flavorful sauce as a topping for your favorite dishes!

Next time you make this best Yum Yum Sauce, and feel free to leave a comment to let me know how it turns out!