easy yum yum sauce recipe
The Best easy yum yum sauce recipe
I keep a jar of this yum yum sauce in my fridge most weeks because it takes about five minutes and I always have the ingredients on hand. Mayo, ketchup, a little rice vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, and a touch of sugar get whisked together in one bowl and that is it. No cooking, no blender, no trip to the store for anything fancy. It tastes like the pink sauce they bring you at hibachi restaurants, and it costs a fraction of what a bottle costs at the grocery store.
My kids treat it like a condiment for everything. Chicken nuggets, fries, roasted broccoli, grilled shrimp, burgers, and whatever vegetables I am trying to get them to eat that week. I make a double batch before cookouts because it disappears fast, and it works just as well on a random Tuesday when I am pulling dinner together at the last minute. It holds in the fridge for about a week, so I spoon some into a small bowl whenever we need it.
What I like most is that I know exactly what goes into it. There are no preservatives or ingredients I cannot pronounce, and I decide how much sugar goes in, which means I can cut it down or leave it out if I want. The mayo base means it is rich, so a little goes a long way and I am not dumping half a bottle on my plate. It is a small thing that makes a plain piece of grilled chicken or a bowl of rice taste like something my family actually gets excited about.
Easy Yum Yum Sauce
A creamy, tangy hibachi-style sauce you can stir together in one bowl with pantry staples. It comes together in about five minutes and tastes even better after a short rest in the fridge.
🥘Ingredients
For the Base
For the Seasoning
👨🍳Directions
🔧Equipment
📊Nutrition Facts (per serving)
📝Notes
Watch Video Of How Easy Yum Yum Sauce Works
This easy yum yum sauce takes about five minutes to stir together and it turns plain chicken, shrimp or veggies into something my whole family actually gets excited about. I keep the ingredients in my fridge all summer because it works just as well for a random Tuesday dinner as it does for a big family cookout. If you need one sauce that pleases picky kids and grownups at the same table, this is the one I reach for every time.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Yum Yum Sauce
1. What is yum yum sauce made of?
Yum yum sauce is a creamy, slightly sweet sauce built on a mayonnaise base. Most versions blend mayo with a little melted butter, ketchup or tomato paste for color and tang, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, and paprika. A splash of water thins it to a drizzly consistency.
2. How long does homemade yum yum sauce last in the fridge?
Stored in an airtight container, it keeps for about one week in the refrigerator. Because it contains butter and mayonnaise, keep it chilled at all times and don’t leave it sitting out at room temperature for more than two hours. Stir before using, since separation is normal.
3. Do I have to use butter in yum yum sauce?
No. Melted butter adds richness and that classic hibachi-style flavor, but you can leave it out or swap in a mild oil if you want a lighter sauce. If you skip the butter, taste and adjust the sugar and vinegar slightly, since the butter carries some of the sweetness.
4. What do you serve with yum yum sauce?
It’s most often spooned over hibachi-style chicken, shrimp, steak, and fried rice, but it works just as well as a dip for french fries, onion rings, roasted vegetables, or grilled skewers. Try it as a spread on burgers and sandwiches or a dressing for shredded cabbage slaw.
5. Can I make yum yum sauce ahead of time?
Yes, and it’s actually better that way. Mix it up at least an hour before serving so the garlic powder and paprika have time to bloom, then refrigerate until needed. It will thicken as it chills, so whisk in a teaspoon of water to loosen it before you serve.
