Yum Yum Sauce is the pale pink sauce that you have probably enjoyed at your local hibachi restaurant.
This sauce is packed with flavor and is perfect to pair with seafood, veggies, chicken, and fried rice.
Hibachi Sauce
Once you realize how easy it is to make homemade sauces at home, you’ll be making them all the time. I love making Jack Daniels sauce, honey BBQ sauce, and now this yum yum sauce.
It plays nicely with chicken, pork, steak, vegetables, and fried rice.
No matter what you choose to dip, you’ll love the flavor. You’re gonna want to put it on everything.
Why you’ll love this homemade Yum Yum Sauce recipe
Perfect Dipping Sauce – From shrimp, chicken, broccoli, to french fries, you can dip just about anything into it.
Restaurant Quality at Home – The same flavor as Japanese hibachi restaurants made at home with pantry staples.
Affordable – Many people have pointed out that you can buy this sauce premade at the market but I have all the components on hand so I don’t need to buy another sauce when I can just whip up a batch whenever I want some.
Never heard of Yum Yum Sauce? Let me tell you what’s in it…
Each restaurant will have slight variations, but it will always start with a mayo base. Specifically Japanese mayo (which is made with only egg yolks & apple cider vinegar), but “regular” will work as well (western mayo uses whole eggs and distilled vinegar).
I find that a store brand mayo works best in this sauce because the big guys (i.e. Hellman’s) has a stronger flavor.
It only takes about five minutes to prepare and is made with basic pantry essentials.
To get the pale pink hue, you’ll add either ketchup or tomato paste. If you want to control the sugar, opt for tomato paste, or a no sugar added ketchup.
Many people have told me it is similar to fry sauce, which is popular in Utah, but I haven’t personally tried it.
Tools you’ll need
- Small Mixing Bowl – I like having a variety of sizes of mixing bowls.
- Balloon Whisk – You don’t even need a mixer for this sauce.
- Airtight Container – To store the extra sauce in.
Yum Yum Sauce Ingredients
Below is a list of ingredients you’ll need to gather to make this recipe. Scroll all the way down for the full recipe card.
- Mayonnaise
- Water
- Ketchup
- Sugar
- Garlic Powder
- Paprika or Smoked Paprika
- Salt
- Ginger
- Onion Powder
If you want a bit of heat, add a dash of hot sauce or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
What is the real name of Yum Yum Sauce?
Depending on which restaurant you go to, you’ll hear this sauce called yum yum sauce, Sakura sauce, white sauce, seafood sauce, or sometimes Japanese vegetable sauce.
What to serve with it
Besides fried rice, it goes well with noodles, potstickers, sweet potato fries, on a burger…really the possibilities are endless. It’s a really versatile and yummy sauce.
Drizzle on eggs, potatoes, and the list goes on. This pink sauce can be used on any and everything.
How long does this sauce last?
You can keep this sauce in the refrigerator in an airtight jar for 7-10 days.
After that, you will want to toss out any leftovers you have as it could be spoiled.
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! If you want to make this a day ahead of time, go right ahead. Just whip it up and store it in the refrigerator until you are ready to serve. Stir well and then serve as you normally would.
This sauce has to be made at least 1 hour in advance. It needs time to let the flavors come together.
Can I freeze it?
Unfortunately no you can’t freeze this sauce. Since it takes just 5-10 minutes to make, it is easy enough to make when you get to craving it.
Can I double it?
Absolutely! You can easily double or triple this recipe. Simply whip up as much as you want in a bowl or mixer. Then store in the fridge until you are ready to serve.
Need more homemade sauces in your life? Try these:
Click here to view my entire collection of sauces.
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Angela says
So easy with simple ingredients. The best!
Melissa Williams says
Thanks, Angela!
Lori says
Tastes better than store bought! And so EASY to make!!!
Michelle says
This was delicious! Better than what you get at the hibachi restaurants, for sure. I made it for a family gathering to serve with chicken and it was a big hit. I also put it on my broccoli and rice for lunch the next day and it really made eating a boring meal much tastier! I had all ingredients on hand already and it was so easy to make, too!
Jeanette says
Love your recipes as they are doable for a limited income. Thanks
Melissa Williams says
Thanks, Jeanette! 🙂