Yum yum sauce is a creamy, slightly sweet and tangy condiment popular at Japanese steakhouses. It’s made with a mayo base and flavored with paprika, garlic, and a touch of ketchup for a hint of tomatoey sweetness.
It’s perfect for dipping shrimp, drizzling over rice and noodles, or adding a flavorful boost to grilled meats and vegetables.
Why You’ll Love Homemade Yum Yum Sauce
- Superior Flavor: Fresh ingredients create a brighter, richer taste compared to store-bought varieties.
- Customization: Control the sweetness, tang, and spice level to suit your exact preferences.
- Quick & Easy: Made in minutes with pantry staples, perfect for busy weeknights.
- More Affordable: Skip the pricier store-bought versions and make a big batch for less.
- Versatility Unbound: Goes beyond dipping for shrimp! Use it on everything from fries to burgers to rice bowls.
- Freshness You Can Taste: Homemade sauce avoids preservatives, ensuring a clean, delicious flavor.
Great Uses for Yum Yum Sauce
Yum yum sauce is a versatile condiment that goes well with a variety of foods. Here are some ideas:
Dipping:
- Seafood: It’s a classic for dipping shrimp, tempura, or any kind of fried or grilled fish.
- Vegetables: Use it as a dip for broccoli, carrots, or other raw or roasted vegetables.
- French Fries & Tater Tots: For a fun twist on ketchup, try dipping your fries or tater tots in yum yum sauce.
Drizzling:
- Fried Rice: Drizzle some yum yum sauce over fried rice for a creamy and flavorful touch.
- Noodles: Add a delicious twist to your favorite noodle dish with a drizzle of yum yum sauce.
- Salads: For a unique salad dressing, try mixing some yum yum sauce with a little vinegar or lemon juice.
Other Uses:
- Burgers & Sandwiches: Spread yum yum sauce on your burger bun for a flavorful alternative to mayo or ketchup.
- Tacos & Burritos: Add a creamy element to your tacos or burritos with a dollop of yum yum sauce.
- Egg Rolls: For an extra layer of flavor, dip your egg rolls in yum yum sauce.
Remember, yum yum sauce is all about adding a creamy, sweet, and tangy flavor to your food. So get creative and experiment with what you like!
Storage and Shelf Life
Storage:
- Airtight is Key: Transfer your yum yum sauce to an airtight container. This prevents air and moisture from sneaking in, which can spoil the sauce. Mason jars are a great option, or any container with a secure lid will work.
- Glass Over Plastic: Avoid plastic containers. Over time, spices in the sauce can absorb odors from plastic, affecting the flavor. Glass is the preferred material as it won’t react with the ingredients.
- Chilling Out: Yum yum sauce is mayonnaise-based, so it needs to be refrigerated to keep it safe to eat. Find a cool spot in your fridge, away from the door (which experiences temperature fluctuations).
Shelf Life:
- Fresh is Best: Homemade yum yum sauce generally lasts for about 5 to 7 days in the refrigerator when stored properly.
- Quality Over Quantity: While it might be tempting to make a giant batch, it’s best to make what you’ll use within a week to ensure the freshest flavor and texture.
- The Sniff Test: Always give your yum yum sauce a good sniff before using it. If it smells off or has an unusual appearance, discard it for safety.
More Great Sauce Recipes
- White Garlic Pizza Sauce
- Spicy Cajun Tartar Sauce
- Dark Chocolate Salted Caramel Sauce
- Hot Honey Sauce (external)
Making the Recipe
Yum Yum Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 Tablespoons butter melted
- 1 teaspoon ketchup
- 1 teaspoon Garlic Powder
- 1 teaspoon Paprika
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- ¼ teaspoon salt
- 2 tablespoons water
- ¼ teaspoon sriracha or 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- salt to taste
Instructions
- Blend all ingredients together in a bowl until smooth.
- Cover and refrigerate at least 2 hours to allow flavors to marry and set.
- Remove from fridge and taste. See notes for adjustments.
Notes
- Taste sauce when removed from refrigerator. If needed, add more salt.
- When sauce is removed from refrigerator, it may be thicker than you'd like it. Add a teaspoon or two of water at a time and blend well until you get the consistency you like.