Yum Yum Sauce

Wholesome Cove

This Japanese steakhouse-style yum yum sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment that takes just 5 minutes to make with simple pantry ingredients. Perfect for drizzling over hibachi meals, using as a dip, or adding flavor to sandwiches and wraps.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 0

Total Time 5

Course Sauce

Cuisine Japanese

Servings servings

Calories 190 kcal

Equipment

Medium mixing bowl
Whisk or fork
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups
Small saucepan - Optional, for melting butter
Airtight container - For storage

Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise - 240 ml, full-fat recommended
2 tablespoons tomato paste - 30 ml
1 tablespoon butter - 15 ml, melted
1 tablespoon rice vinegar - 15 ml
1 tablespoon sugar - 12 g
½ teaspoon garlic powder - 1.5 g
½ teaspoon paprika - 1.5 g
¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper - 0.5 g, optional
⅛ teaspoon salt - 0.75 g
1-2 tablespoons water - 15-30 ml, for consistency adjustment

Instructions

Melt butter in microwave for 15-20 seconds and let cool slightly.
Add mayonnaise, tomato paste, and melted butter to a medium mixing bowl.
Add rice vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, paprika, cayenne pepper (if using), and salt to the bowl.
Whisk vigorously for 1-2 minutes until completely smooth with no lumps or streaks.
Add 1-2 tablespoons of water and whisk until you reach desired consistency.
Sample the sauce and adjust seasonings to your preference.
Transfer to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes before serving for best flavor.

Notes

Use full-fat mayonnaise for the best texture and flavor.
Japanese Kewpie mayo creates an even richer, more authentic taste.
Start with less cayenne pepper and add more if you want extra heat.
The sauce tastes even better after sitting in the fridge overnight as flavors meld.
Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
If sauce is too thick after refrigeration, thin with a teaspoon of water and stir well.
Substitute ketchup (3 tablespoons) for tomato paste and omit sugar if needed.
For dairy-free version, replace butter with melted coconut oil or olive oil.
Add ½ teaspoon ground ginger or 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger for a zesty variation.
Stir in 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil for nutty depth of flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1ServingCalories: 190kcalCarbohydrates: 3gFat: 20gSaturated Fat: 3gCholesterol: 15mgSodium: 180mgSugar: 2gVitamin A: 4IUVitamin C: 2mgCalcium: 1mgIron: 1mg

Keyword dipping sauce, hibachi sauce, japanese sauce, steakhouse sauce, yum yum sauce