Yum Yum Sauce
There’s something about a good sauce that can elevate any meal, and that’s exactly what Yum Yum Sauce does. I remember the first time I tasted it at a local Japanese steakhouse. The rich, creamy texture combined with a hint of sweetness was an explosion of flavors that I couldn’t shake off. Since then, I’ve been on a mission to replicate that taste in my own kitchen. Every time I whip up a batch of Yum Yum Sauce, it brings back those memories of sizzling teppanyaki and laughter shared with friends around the table.
This sauce has become a staple in my home. Whether I’m serving it with grilled vegetables, sushi, or just drizzling it over some crispy fries, it never fails to impress. It’s incredibly easy to make, and the flavor combinations are simply irresistible. The creamy mayonnaise blended with ketchup, a touch of mirin, and various spices creates a sauce that’s not just versatile but downright addictive. If you haven’t yet tried making Yum Yum Sauce at home, you’re in for a treat.
So let’s dive into this recipe and bring a taste of that wonderful restaurant experience right to your dining table. You’ll be amazed at how quickly you can whip up this delightful sauce!
Recipe Snapshot
60 mins
0 mins
0 mins
Easy
80 kcal
1 g
Whole30, Vegan, Gluten-Free
8 g
Whisk
Why You’ll Love This Yum Yum Sauce
Versatile Usage
One of the standout features of Yum Yum Sauce is its incredible versatility. You can use it as a dipping sauce for everything from fresh vegetables to fried dishes. It pairs beautifully with grilled meats, making it an ideal sauce for summer barbecues. The creamy texture and balanced flavors make it perfect for drizzling over rice bowls or sushi. This adaptability means you can experiment and find new favorites, ensuring that it never gets old in your kitchen!
Easy to Make
If you’re a fan of quick and easy recipes, Yum Yum Sauce is a must-try. With just a handful of ingredients that you likely already have in your pantry, you can create a delicious sauce in minutes. Just mix everything together and voilĂ ! This makes it a fantastic option for busy weeknights when you want to elevate a simple dish without spending hours in the kitchen.
Customizable Flavor
Another reason to love Yum Yum Sauce is how easy it is to customize according to your taste. Want a spicier kick? Add a bit of sriracha or chili sauce. Prefer a sweeter version? Adjust the amount of granulated sugar or even throw in a splash of honey. This flexibility allows you to make it uniquely yours, tailoring the sauce to suit your flavor preferences perfectly.
Great for Meal Prep
Making Yum Yum Sauce ahead of time is a game-changer. It stores beautifully in the fridge, becoming even more flavorful as it sits. I love preparing a batch at the beginning of the week to have on hand for quick meals. Whether it’s for a last-minute dinner or a packed lunch, having this sauce ready to go means I can whip up something delicious in no time.
Family Friendly
Kids are usually big fans of creamy sauces, and Yum Yum Sauce is no exception. Its mild and sweet flavor profile makes it an excellent choice for even the pickiest eaters. I’ve found that drizzling it over their favorite dishes gets them excited to eat, making mealtimes much easier and more enjoyable!
Perfect for Entertaining
Hosting a gathering? Yum Yum Sauce is a crowd-pleaser that can impress your guests. Serve it alongside a variety of appetizers, like grilled skewers or fried calamari, and watch it disappear. Its complementary flavor enhances almost any dish, making it an ideal addition to your entertaining spread.
Ingredient List for Yum Yum Sauce

When it comes to making a rich and flavorful Yum Yum Sauce, the quality of your ingredients matters. Each component plays an essential role in creating that harmonious blend of flavors that we love. The main ingredients are simple yet effective, showcasing how a few pantry staples can come together to create something extraordinary.
- 1 cup mayonnaise: The base of the sauce, providing a creamy texture and rich flavor.
- 1 tbsp ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and tang that complements the creaminess of the mayonnaise.
- 1 tbsp mirin: This sweet rice wine brings in a hint of sweetness and depth, enhancing the overall flavor.
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar: Offers a subtle tanginess that balances the richness of the sauce.
- 1 tsp granulated sugar: A little sweetness to offset the acidity of the vinegar.
- 1 tsp garlic powder: Adds a savory note that rounds out the flavors beautifully.
- 1 tsp onion powder: Enhances the umami flavor profile of the sauce.
- ½ tsp paprika: Optional, but it adds a lovely color and mild warmth.
- 1 tbsp hot sauce: Optional, for those who like a kick of heat in their sauce.
Recipe Steps for Yum Yum Sauce

Creating Yum Yum Sauce at home is as simple as gathering your ingredients and mixing them together. Follow these easy steps, and you’ll have a delicious sauce ready to enhance your meals in no time!
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp ketchup, and 1 tbsp mirin. Use a whisk to blend these ingredients together until smooth.
- Add in 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Whisk everything together again, ensuring all components are well incorporated.
- If you wish to add a bit of heat, mix in ½ tsp paprika and 1 tbsp hot sauce at this stage. Whisk until fully blended. The color should become a beautiful light orange.
- Once the mixture is well combined, taste it. Adjust the sweetness or spice level to your preference by adding more sugar or hot sauce if desired.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the sauce to an airtight container. Place it in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- After chilling, your Yum Yum Sauce is ready to serve! Use it as a dip for fresh veggies or a topping for grilled meats. Enjoy!
Things Worth Knowing
- Ingredient Quality: Always use high-quality mayonnaise for the best flavor. The taste of your sauce largely depends on this base.
- Flavor Fusion: The longer you let the sauce chill, the better the flavors will meld together. Aim for at least one hour for optimal taste.
- Storage: Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It can last for up to one week, making it a great meal prep companion.
- Mixing Technique: Whisk the ingredients thoroughly to achieve a creamy and homogeneous texture. Avoid lumps for a smooth sauce.
Recipe Tips about Yum Yum Sauce

Making Yum Yum Sauce is straightforward, but there are a few tips to keep in mind to perfect your sauce. Here are my top recommendations:
- Storage: To keep your Yum Yum Sauce fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It typically stays good for up to one week.
- Freezing: Freezing this sauce is not recommended due to its creamy texture, which may separate upon thawing.
- Pairing: This sauce works wonderfully as a dip for tempura vegetables, or you can use it to drizzle over grilled seafood and chicken.
- Experiment with Spice: If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to increase the amount of hot sauce or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make it Vegan: For a vegan version, substitute mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative and ensure your hot sauce is vegan-friendly.
Accompaniments for Yum Yum Sauce
Serving Yum Yum Sauce is part of the fun, and there are countless ways to enjoy it. Here’s how you can enhance your meals with this delectable sauce:
- Grilled Meats: Pair Yum Yum Sauce with grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak for a creamy contrast to the charred flavors.
- Vegetable Dishes: Use it as a dipping sauce for fresh veggies, tempura, or even as a dressing for a vibrant salad.
- Sushi Night: Make your sushi night special by serving Yum Yum Sauce as a dipping sauce alongside your favorite rolls.
- Fries and Chips: This sauce is an excellent dip for crispy fries or potato wedges, offering a unique twist to traditional condiments.
- Picnics and BBQs: Bring Yum Yum Sauce to your next outdoor gathering as a crowd-pleasing dip for grilled skewers and fresh salads.
- Meal Prepping: Use this sauce in meal prep containers for a flavorful addition to rice bowls or grain salads throughout the week.
FAQ
Conclusion
The magic of Yum Yum Sauce lies in its simplicity and flavor. This creamy sauce not only enhances your meals but also adds a delightful touch of nostalgia. I encourage you to try making it at home and discover how easy it is to whip up a batch. You might find yourself making it regularly, and it will surely become a favorite in your kitchen!

Yum Yum Sauce
Equipment
- Whisk
Ingredients
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 1 tbsp Ketchup
- 1 tbsp Mirin
- 1 tbsp Rice Vinegar
- 1 tsp Granulated Sugar
- 1 tsp Garlic Powder
- 1 tsp Onion Powder
- ½ tsp Paprika optional
- 1 tbsp Hot Sauce optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine 1 cup mayonnaise, 1 tbsp ketchup, and 1 tbsp mirin. Use a whisk to blend these ingredients together until smooth.
- Add in 1 tbsp rice vinegar, 1 tsp granulated sugar, 1 tsp garlic powder, and 1 tsp onion powder. Whisk everything together again, ensuring all components are well incorporated.
- If you wish to add a bit of heat, mix in ½ tsp paprika and 1 tbsp hot sauce at this stage. Whisk until fully blended. The color should become a beautiful light orange.
- Once the mixture is well combined, taste it. Adjust the sweetness or spice level to your preference by adding more sugar or hot sauce if desired.
- Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or transfer the sauce to an airtight container. Place it in the fridge to chill for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld together beautifully.
- After chilling, your Yum Yum Sauce is ready to serve! Use it as a dip for fresh veggies or a topping for grilled meats. Enjoy!
Notes
- Storage: To keep your Yum Yum Sauce fresh, store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It typically stays good for up to one week.
- Freezing: Freezing this sauce is not recommended due to its creamy texture, which may separate upon thawing.
- Pairing: This sauce works wonderfully as a dip for tempura vegetables, or you can use it to drizzle over grilled seafood and chicken.
- Experiment with Spice: If you enjoy a bit of heat, feel free to increase the amount of hot sauce or even add a pinch of cayenne pepper.
- Make it Vegan: For a vegan version, substitute mayonnaise with a plant-based alternative and ensure your hot sauce is vegan-friendly.


