The Best Yum Yum Sauce
Table of Contents
If you’ve ever been to a hibachi restaurant, you know that irresistible, creamy pink sauce that goes with everything — shrimp, chicken, rice, even veggies. That’s Yum Yum Sauce, and the good news is you can make it at home in just a few minutes!
This Homemade Yum Yum Sauce recipe is smooth, tangy, and slightly sweet, perfectly capturing the flavor of your favorite Japanese steakhouse. It’s the ideal condiment to drizzle over hibachi meals, grilled meats, or even use as a dipping sauce. Once you make this version, you’ll never reach for the bottled kind again.
Why You’ll Love This Yum Yum Sauce
- Restaurant flavor at home — tastes just like the classic hibachi version.
- Quick & easy — ready in under 5 minutes!
- Versatile — perfect with grilled shrimp, chicken, veggies, or fries.
- Make-ahead friendly — the flavor gets even better after chilling.
Ingredients You’ll Need
To make The Best Yum Yum Sauce, you only need a few pantry staples.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tbsp ketchup
- 1 tbsp melted butter
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 tsp garlic powder
- 1 tsp sugar
- ½ tsp paprika
- 1–2 tbsp water (to thin if needed)
How to Make Yum Yum Sauce
- Combine: In a medium bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, melted butter, vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, and paprika until smooth.
- Adjust consistency: Add 1–2 tablespoons of water until you reach your desired thickness.
- Chill: Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving — this helps the flavors develop beautifully.
Tips for the Best Homemade Yum Yum Sauce
- Chill before serving: This enhances the flavor and makes it taste more authentic.
- Use Japanese mayo: For a richer flavor, try Kewpie mayo.
- Add spice: Stir in a dash of hot sauce or cayenne for a spicy kick.
- Store properly: Keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 7 days.
Serving Ideas
This Yum Yum Sauce goes with practically everything! Try it with:
- Hibachi-style grilled shrimp or chicken
- Fried rice or noodles
- Fries, onion rings, or roasted veggies
- As a burger or sandwich spread
FAQs
What makes Yum Yum Sauce pink?
It gets its signature color from ketchup and paprika.
Can I make it dairy-free?
Yes — simply omit the butter or use a dairy-free alternative.
Is Yum Yum Sauce the same as spicy mayo?
No, spicy mayo is made with Sriracha. Yum Yum Sauce is creamier and slightly sweet.
Conclusion
Making The Best Yum Yum Sauce at home is incredibly easy and rewarding. It’s the ultimate finishing touch for your favorite hibachi-style meals, bringing that restaurant-quality flavor right to your kitchen. Creamy, tangy, and just a little sweet — this sauce truly lives up to its name! 🍤✨
