The best Japanese restaurant yum yum sauce recipe perfect for dipping and drizzling onto grilled meats, seafood and fried rice. Making it from scratch is so much better than store bought bottles.
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The first time I recipe tested this yum yum sauce, I was surprised how much it tasted like most hibachi restaurants. Plus it comes together in five minutes with ingredients that are mostly refrigerator and pantry staples.
Check out these delicious restaurant-style recipes ranch dressing, buffalo sauce, tartar sauce and Alfredo sauce.
What is Yum Yum Sauce?
A creamy pink dipping sauce that you find in most Japanese-American steakhouses or hibachi-teppanyaki restaurants, like Benihana’s. It’s mayo based that is sweet, savory, and tangy. So good.
Ingredients
Mayonnaise - Choice your favorite mayo brand like Dukes, Hellman’s or Kraft. Kewpie is a Japanese brand that is extra delicious.
Ketchup- Helps with that pink hue. You can also substitute it with tomato paste.
Butter- Unsalted or salted.
Vinegar- Rice vinegar is recommended. Any light or subtle tasting vinegar like apple, champagne, or coconut would be great substitutes.
Spices- Garlic powder and sweet or smoked paprika.
Sugar- Granulated or cane would will balance the flavors.
Mix In’s and Swaps
If you like to add even more flavor or want to change up a few ingredients, check out these delicious options.
- Sour Cream
- Plain Yogurt
- Onion Powder
- Cayenne Pepper
- White Pepper
- Lemon Juice
- Mustard
- Chili Garlic Sauce
- Sriracha
- Ginger Paste or Powder
- Mirin
- Honey
- Maple Syrup
How To Use Yum Yum Sauce
You’ll want to dip this sauce onto everything after making it. From meats, seafood, and vegetables. So good.
- Fried Rice
- Steak Bites
- Hibachi Shrimp
- Grilled Chicken
- Tempura Shrimp
- Chicken Tenders or Nuggets
- Beer Battered Fish
- Fried Calamari
- Crab Cakes
- Chicken Cutlet
- French Fries
- Roasted Potatoes
- Fresh Vegetables
- Chicken Burgers
- Potstickers
- Wontons
- Green Salad
Storage
This yum yum sauce should be stored in an airtight container (bottle or jar) for up to a two weeks in the refrigerator.
Recipe Testing
After testing this recipe a few times my best recommendation is to allow the yum yum sauce to chill for a minimum of 1 hour after mixing. Honestly overnight is even better. It really allows the flavors to develop.
Step By Step Instructions and Photos
- Grab the prepped ingredients.
- To a mixing bowl add mayonnaise, ketchup, vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, and sugar.
3. Add the cooled melted butter.
4. Mix well with a whisk.
5. Store in a jar, bowl, or squeeze bottle. For best results, chill for a minimum of 1 hour, but overnight is even better. Enjoy.
Restaurant Style Yum Yum Sauce
Equipment
- Mixing Bowl and Whisk
- Mason Jar or Bottle
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon Ketchup
- 2 tablespoon Unsalted Butter, melted and cooled
- 2 tablespoon Rice Vinegar
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika, sweet or smoked
- 2 teaspoon Sugar
Instructions
- To a mixing bowl add mayonnaise, ketchup, vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, and sugar.
- Add the cooled melted butter.
- Mix well with a whisk. Store in a jar, bowl, or squeeze bottle.
- For best results, chill for a minimum of 1 hour, but overnight is even better. Enjoy.
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