I first tasted this yum yum sauce recipe at a Japanese steakhouse years ago, and I immediately became obsessed with that creamy, tangy, slightly sweet flavor that made every bite of my hibachi vegetables taste incredible.

After countless attempts in my kitchen and a few embarrassing failures (who knew mayo could separate so easily?), I finally cracked the code to making restaurant-quality yum yum sauce at home. The best part is that it takes just five minutes and uses ingredients you probably already have in your fridge.

This sauce has become such a staple in my house that I make a batch every week. My kids drizzle it on everything from chicken nuggets to rice, and honestly, I can’t blame them.

Quick Recipe Summary
Prep Time	5 minutes
Cook Time	0 minutes
Total Time	5 minutes
Servings	1 cup (8 servings)
Difficulty Level	Easy

Table of Contents

Why You’ll Love This Yum Yum Sauce Recipe

This sauce is ridiculously versatile and adds an instant flavor upgrade to practically anything you put it on. I’ve tried many versions over the years, but this one hits all the right notes with its perfect balance of creaminess, tanginess, and subtle sweetness.

It’s also incredibly forgiving. You can adjust the garlic powder if you want more punch, add a bit more sugar for sweetness, or thin it out with water if you prefer a lighter consistency.

Here’s what makes this recipe special:

Ready in 5 minutes: No cooking required, just whisk and serve
Customizable heat level: Add as much or as little cayenne as you like
Budget-friendly: All common ingredients that cost pennies per batch
Makes everything taste better: Seriously, try it on grilled chicken, shrimp, vegetables, or even french fries
Stores beautifully: Keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks
Restaurant copycat: Tastes exactly like what you get at Japanese steakhouses
Kid-approved: Mild enough for picky eaters but flavorful enough for adults

The creamy texture of tzatziki sauce is wonderful, but this yum yum sauce has become my absolute go-to for weeknight dinners.

Ingredients

The beauty of this recipe is its simplicity. You need just a handful of pantry staples to create something truly magical.

1 cup mayonnaise (240 ml): The creamy base that holds everything together
2 tablespoons tomato paste (30 ml): Adds a subtle sweetness and that signature pink color
1 tablespoon melted butter (15 ml): Creates richness and helps emulsify the sauce
1 tablespoon rice vinegar (15 ml): Provides tanginess without being too acidic
1 tablespoon sugar (12 g): Balances the acidity perfectly
½ teaspoon garlic powder (1.5 g): Adds savory depth
½ teaspoon paprika (1.5 g): Contributes mild smokiness and color
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (0.5 g): Optional, but adds a gentle kick
⅛ teaspoon salt (0.75 g): Enhances all the flavors
1-2 tablespoons water (15-30 ml): To adjust consistency

Kitchen Equipment Needed

You barely need any special equipment for this recipe, which is another reason I love it so much.

Medium mixing bowl: For combining all ingredients
Whisk or fork: To blend everything smoothly
Measuring spoons: For accurate measurements
Measuring cups: For the mayo and water
Airtight container: For storage in the refrigerator
Small saucepan: Optional, just for melting the butter

Recommended Products for This Recipe

I’ve tested this recipe with various brands and tools over the years, and these are the products that consistently give me the best results.

1. Kewpie Japanese Mayonnaise

This Japanese mayo is richer and creamier than American versions, with a slightly sweet and tangy flavor that takes your yum yum sauce to the next level. I started using it after a friend from Japan recommended it, and I’ve never looked back.

Get it on Amazon

2. Marukan Genuine Brewed Rice Vinegar

The quality of your rice vinegar makes a noticeable difference in the final taste. This brand has a clean, mild flavor without any harsh aftertaste that can overpower the other ingredients.

Get it on Amazon

3. OXO Good Grips 3-Piece Mixing Bowl Set

These mixing bowls have a non-slip bottom that stays put when you’re whisking vigorously. The pour spouts make transferring your sauce to storage containers mess-free, which I appreciate every single time I use them.

Get it on Amazon

4. OXO Good Grips 11-Inch Balloon Whisk

A good whisk helps you achieve that silky smooth consistency without lumps. This one has a comfortable handle and the perfect balance of flexibility and stiffness for blending thick sauces.

Get it on Amazon

Step-by-Step Instructions: How to Make Yum Yum Sauce

Making this sauce is genuinely foolproof. I’ve taught my teenager to make it, and she nails it every time.

1. Prepare Your Butter

Melt 1 tablespoon of butter in a small saucepan over low heat or in the microwave for about 15-20 seconds
Let it cool slightly so it doesn’t affect the consistency of your mayo
Room temperature butter works best as it incorporates more smoothly into the cold mayo

2. Combine the Base Ingredients

Add 1 cup of mayonnaise to your medium mixing bowl
Pour in 2 tablespoons of tomato paste
The tomato paste can be thick, so make sure to measure it carefully using a spoon
Add the melted butter to the bowl

3. Add the Flavor Components

Measure out 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar and add it to the bowl
Sprinkle in 1 tablespoon of sugar
Add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder
Add ½ teaspoon of paprika for color and subtle smokiness
If you like a bit of heat, add ¼ teaspoon of cayenne pepper now (you can always start with less and add more later)
Finish with ⅛ teaspoon of salt

4. Whisk Until Smooth

Using your whisk or fork, blend all ingredients together vigorously for about 1-2 minutes
Make sure to scrape down the sides of the bowl to incorporate any tomato paste that might stick
Continue whisking until the sauce is completely smooth with no lumps or streaks
The color should be a uniform pale orange-pink

5. Adjust the Consistency

Add 1 tablespoon of water and whisk again
Check the consistency by lifting your whisk and watching how the sauce drips off
It should be pourable but still thick enough to coat a spoon
If it’s too thick, add another tablespoon of water and whisk until combined
For a thicker dipping sauce, skip the water entirely

6. Taste and Adjust Seasonings

Dip a clean spoon into the sauce and taste it
If you want more tang, add a splash more rice vinegar
For more sweetness, add a pinch of sugar
If you need more garlic flavor, sprinkle in a bit more garlic powder
Want it spicier? Add another pinch of cayenne pepper
Remember that the flavors will meld and intensify as the sauce sits in the refrigerator

7. Store and Serve

Transfer the sauce to an airtight container
Cover tightly and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for the best flavor
The sauce will keep in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks
Give it a quick stir before serving as some separation may occur

Another fantastic sauce option is my teriyaki sauce, which pairs beautifully with grilled meats.

Tips for The Best Yum Yum Sauce

After making this sauce more times than I can count, I’ve picked up some tricks that ensure perfect results every time.

Use full-fat mayonnaise: Low-fat or light versions create a watery, less flavorful sauce that doesn’t have the right texture
Melt the butter completely: Cold or partially melted butter creates lumps that are difficult to incorporate smoothly
Let it rest: The flavors develop and improve significantly after sitting in the fridge for at least 30 minutes
Whisk thoroughly: Take your time to ensure no tomato paste lumps remain, as they create an unpleasant texture
Adjust sweetness carefully: Different brands of mayo have varying sweetness levels, so taste as you go
Start with less cayenne: You can always add more heat, but you can’t take it away once it’s mixed in
Keep it cold: This sauce tastes best when served chilled, so don’t leave it out at room temperature for too long
Use fresh ingredients: Check your spice dates, as old garlic powder and paprika lose their potency
Try different vinegars: Apple cider vinegar works in a pinch, though rice vinegar is more authentic
Make it ahead: This sauce actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have had time to marry

Serving Suggestions

This versatile sauce pairs with so many dishes that I’ve started keeping a jar in my fridge at all times.

Here are my favorite ways to use it:

Hibachi-style meals: Drizzle over grilled chicken, steak, shrimp, or salmon with fried rice and vegetables
Dipping sauce: Perfect for chicken tenders, french fries, onion rings, or tempura vegetables
Sandwich spread: Use it instead of mayo on burgers, wraps, or club sandwiches
Salad dressing: Thin it out with a bit more water or rice vinegar for a creamy salad topping
Sushi accompaniment: Serve alongside sushi rolls or poke bowls
Vegetable dip: Great with raw carrots, celery, bell peppers, and cucumber
Rice bowl topper: Drizzle over rice bowls with grilled proteins and roasted vegetables
Taco sauce: Use as a creamy topping for fish tacos or shrimp tacos
Seafood pairing: Serve with grilled lobster tails, crab cakes, or deviled eggs

Variations of Yum Yum Sauce

Once you master the basic recipe, you can customize it in countless ways to suit your preferences or what you’re serving.

Spicy version: Double the cayenne pepper and add a dash of sriracha or hot sauce for serious heat
Ginger yum yum sauce: Add ½ teaspoon of ground ginger or 1 teaspoon of freshly grated ginger for a zesty kick
Sesame variation: Stir in 1 teaspoon of toasted sesame oil for a nutty depth of flavor
Citrus twist: Replace the rice vinegar with fresh lemon juice for a brighter, more acidic flavor
Smoky version: Add ½ teaspoon of smoked paprika instead of regular paprika
Extra garlicky: Increase garlic powder to 1 teaspoon or add 1 minced fresh garlic clove
Herb-infused: Mix in 1 tablespoon of fresh chopped chives, parsley, or dill
Wasabi kick: Stir in ¼ teaspoon of wasabi paste for a Japanese-inspired heat
Honey sweetened: Replace sugar with honey for a more complex sweetness
Lighter version: Use half mayonnaise and half Greek yogurt to reduce calories while maintaining creaminess

You might also enjoy my BBQ sauce for a completely different flavor profile.

Storage and Reheating

Proper storage keeps this sauce fresh and delicious for your meals throughout the week.

Storage instructions:

Refrigerator: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks
Container choice: Glass jars or plastic containers with tight-fitting lids work best
Temperature: Keep refrigerated at all times when not in use
Before serving: Give it a good stir as ingredients may separate slightly during storage
Freshness check: Discard if you notice any off smell, mold, or significant color change
Portion control: Consider storing in smaller containers so you only open what you need

Reheating notes:

This sauce is meant to be served cold, so no reheating is necessary
If it’s too thick straight from the fridge, let it sit at room temperature for 5-10 minutes
You can also thin it with a teaspoon of water and whisk to restore the original consistency

Freezing:

Freezing is not recommended as mayonnaise-based sauces separate and become grainy when thawed
Make fresh batches instead since the recipe is so quick and easy

Nutritional Facts

Here’s the approximate nutritional information per 2-tablespoon serving (based on 8 servings total):

Calories: 190
Total Fat: 20g
Saturated Fat: 3g
Cholesterol: 15mg
Sodium: 180mg
Total Carbohydrates: 3g
Dietary Fiber: 0g
Sugars: 2g
Protein: 0g
Vitamin A: 4% DV
Vitamin C: 2% DV
Calcium: 1% DV
Iron: 1% DV

Note: Nutritional values are estimates and may vary based on specific brands and ingredients used.

Health Benefits of Key Ingredients

While yum yum sauce is definitely an indulgent condiment, some of its ingredients do offer nutritional benefits.

Tomato paste is concentrated with lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that supports heart health and may reduce the risk of certain cancers. It also provides vitamin C and potassium in small amounts.

Rice vinegar may help regulate blood sugar levels and improve digestion. It’s also lower in acidity than other vinegars, making it gentler on your stomach.

Garlic powder contains allicin, which has antibacterial and antiviral properties. It may support immune function and cardiovascular health when consumed regularly.

Paprika provides vitamin A, which is essential for eye health and immune function. It also contains capsaicin in small amounts, which can boost metabolism.

Cayenne pepper contains capsaicin that may boost metabolism, reduce appetite, and provide pain relief. It also has anti-inflammatory properties.

For a healthier alternative, try my healthy Alfredo sauce.

FAQs About Yum Yum Sauce

1. Can I make yum yum sauce without tomato paste?

Yes, you can substitute ketchup for tomato paste, though the flavor will be slightly different. Use 3 tablespoons of ketchup in place of the 2 tablespoons of tomato paste and omit the sugar since ketchup is already sweetened.

2. Why is my yum yum sauce too thin or too thick?

The consistency depends on your mayonnaise brand and how much water you add. If it’s too thin, add more mayo a tablespoon at a time. If it’s too thick, thin it with water, adding just a teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.

3. What can I use instead of rice vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar work as substitutes, though they’re more acidic. Start with 2 teaspoons instead of 1 tablespoon and adjust to taste. Regular white vinegar is too harsh for this delicate sauce.

4. How long does homemade yum yum sauce last?

When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, yum yum sauce lasts up to 2 weeks. Always check for any off odors or discoloration before using.

5. Can I make yum yum sauce dairy-free?

Absolutely! Simply replace the butter with melted coconut oil or olive oil. The flavor will be slightly different, but it will still be delicious and completely dairy-free.

For another Asian-inspired option, check out my spaghetti sauce.

Final Thoughts

This yum yum sauce recipe has transformed the way I cook and serve meals at home. It’s one of those rare recipes that’s both incredibly simple and incredibly rewarding.

I hope you love this sauce as much as my family does. Try drizzling it over your next grilled chicken dinner or use it as a dip for your favorite vegetables.

Have you made this yum yum sauce yet? I’d love to hear about your favorite ways to use it or any tweaks you made to customize it to your taste. Drop a comment below and share your experience!

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