Yum Yum Sauce
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. This homemade yum yum sauce recipe should most definitely be added to your recipe box!

Why You’ll Love Homemade Yum Yum Sauce
Yum Yum Sauce Ingredients
Get the full ingredient list and full instructions in the printable recipe card below.
Great Uses for Yum Yum Sauce
Yum yum sauce is a versatile condiment that goes well with a variety of foods. It makes a great dipping sauce, drizzle and more. Here are some ideas:
Dipping:
- Seafood: It’s a classic for dipping shrimp, tempura, or any kind of fried or grilled fish. Use as a dip for crab cakes or as an alternative to shrimp sauce.
- 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. And don’t forget the sweet potato fries!
Drizzling:
- Fried Rice: Drizzle some yum yum sauce over fried rice for a creamy and flavorful touch.
- Proteins: Drizzle yum yum sauce over steak, grilled chicken, eggs
- 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.
- Vegetables: Drizzle over fresh or roasted vegetables like potatoes, peppers, broccoli and more.
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!
This famous japanese steakhouse sauce is perfect for almost any meal!
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)
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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 desired consistency.