Best Homemade Yum Yum Sauce Recipe – Ready in 5 Minutes!

This creamy, tangy Yum Yum Sauce tastes even better than what you’ll find at your favorite Japanese hibachi restaurant – and it comes together in just 5 minutes with simple pantry ingredients!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Have you ever found yourself at a Japanese steakhouse, completely ignoring your hibachi steak and shrimp because you’re too busy dunking everything in that addictive pink sauce? I’ve been there more times than I can count! After years of craving that sauce between restaurant visits, I finally perfected this homemade version that – dare I say – tastes even better than the original.

What makes this sauce so special is the perfect balance of tangy, savory, and sweet flavors that complement literally any protein you pair it with. My family now requests this sauce weekly, and I’m not complaining because it’s ridiculously easy to whip up. Just a handful of simple ingredients, five minutes of your time, and a little patience while it chills – that’s all that stands between you and sauce perfection.

The best part? You probably already have everything you need in your pantry and fridge right now. No special ingredients or complicated techniques required – just easy, accessible cooking that delivers restaurant-quality results. Let me show you how to make the Yum Yum Sauce that’s become my most-requested recipe!

Prep & Cook Time

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Chill Time: 1 hour (minimum)
• Total Time: 1 hour 5 minutes
• Servings: 8 (about 1¼ cups total)

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons ketchup
• 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
• ½ tablespoon paprika
• 2 teaspoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 2 teaspoons garlic powder
• 1-4 tablespoons water (as needed for desired consistency)

Instructions

1. Combine the base ingredients: In a medium bowl, add the mayonnaise, ketchup, sugar, paprika, rice vinegar, and garlic powder.

1. Mix thoroughly: Using a whisk, blend all ingredients together until completely smooth and well incorporated. Make sure there are no streaks of spices or sugar granules visible.

1. Adjust consistency: Start by adding 1 tablespoon of water and whisking well. For a drizzling consistency (perfect for hibachi-style dishes), gradually add up to 3 additional tablespoons of water until you reach your desired thickness. For a thicker dipping consistency, use less water.

1. Taste and adjust: Give your sauce a quick taste (though remember it will develop more flavor as it chills). If needed, adjust seasonings to your preference – a pinch more sugar for sweetness, a dash more vinegar for tanginess, or a bit more paprika for color and depth.
2. Chill for flavor development: Transfer the sauce to an airtight container and refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving. For the absolute best flavor, let it chill for up to 24 hours – this waiting time is truly worth it as the flavors meld and deepen significantly.

1. Serve and enjoy: Give the sauce a quick stir before serving with your favorite proteins, vegetables, or as a dipping sauce.

Nutrition Info (Per 2 Tablespoon Serving)

• Calories: 200 kcal
• Fat: 21g
• Carbohydrates: 3g
• Protein: 0g

Please note that nutrition information is an estimate and may vary based on specific ingredients used.

Cook’s Tips and Variations

After making this sauce dozens of times, I’ve discovered a few tricks and variations that take it to the next level:

Pro Tips

• Rice vinegar is best: While apple cider vinegar works in a pinch, rice vinegar provides that authentic Japanese restaurant flavor that really makes the difference.
• Don’t skip the chill time: I know it’s tempting to dive right in, but the flavor transformation that happens during that hour in the refrigerator is remarkable. The garlic powder blooms, the tanginess mellows, and all the flavors meld together beautifully.
• Quality matters for mayo: Since mayonnaise is the primary ingredient, use a good-quality brand for the best flavor. I prefer Japanese Kewpie mayo when I can find it, but any good full-fat mayonnaise works well.
• Adjust thickness as needed: The beauty of homemade sauce is customization. Make it thicker for dipping tempura or thinner for drizzling over rice bowls – the choice is yours!

Tasty Variations

• Spicy Yum Yum: Add ¼ to ½ teaspoon of cayenne pepper or sriracha for a sauce with a kick.
• Smoky Yum Yum: Replace regular paprika with smoked paprika for a deeper, more complex flavor profile.
• Herb-Infused: Mix in 1 teaspoon of finely chopped fresh herbs like chives or parsley just before serving for a burst of freshness.
• Citrus Twist: Add ½ teaspoon of finely grated lemon zest for a bright, citrusy note that pairs beautifully with seafood.

Pairing Ideas

This versatile sauce elevates practically anything you serve it with. Here are some of my family’s favorite pairings:

Proteins

• Grilled chicken breasts or thighs
• Seared or grilled steak (especially London Broil)
• Crispy baked chicken cutlets
• Pan-seared or grilled shrimp
• Salmon or any grilled fish
• Crispy tofu for a vegetarian option

Sides & Snacks

• Roasted or grilled vegetables
• Steamed rice or fried rice
• Homemade french fries or sweet potato fries
• Onion rings
• Fresh vegetable crudités
• Spring rolls or egg rolls

Complete Meals

• Hibachi-Style Dinner: Serve with grilled meat, sautéed vegetables, and fried rice for an at-home Japanese steakhouse experience.
• Rice Bowls: Drizzle over a bowl of rice topped with your choice of protein and vegetables.
• Homemade Sushi Rolls: Use as a dipping sauce or drizzle for homemade sushi.
• Burger Upgrade: Spread on burger buns for an unexpected flavor boost.

Storage Instructions

Store any leftover Yum Yum Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5-7 days. The flavor actually continues to develop over the first day or two, so don’t be surprised if it tastes even better the next day!

I don’t recommend freezing this sauce as the mayonnaise base can separate when thawed, affecting both texture and flavor.

FAQs

What exactly is Yum Yum Sauce?

Yum Yum Sauce is a creamy, tangy condiment commonly served at Japanese hibachi-style restaurants. It’s sometimes called White Sauce, Sakura Sauce, or Shrimp Sauce, depending on the restaurant. The pink-orange sauce has become incredibly popular in the United States as a versatile condiment for all kinds of dishes.

Can I make this sauce with low-fat mayonnaise?

Yes, you can use light mayonnaise to reduce calories, though the texture may be slightly thinner and the flavor a bit less rich. You might need less water if using low-fat mayo.

Is this sauce gluten-free?

Yes, all the ingredients in this recipe are naturally gluten-free, but always check your specific brand ingredients if you have celiac disease or severe gluten sensitivity.

How can I make this sauce vegan?

Simply substitute the regular mayonnaise with your favorite vegan mayo, and you’ll have a delicious vegan version!

What can I use if I don’t have rice vinegar?

Apple cider vinegar is the best substitute, as mentioned in the recipe. White vinegar will work in a pinch but has a sharper flavor, so you might want to reduce the amount slightly and perhaps add a tiny pinch of extra sugar to balance it.

Can I double or triple this recipe?

Absolutely! This sauce scales up perfectly for larger gatherings or meal prep. Just maintain the same ratios of ingredients.

Why does my sauce taste better the next day?

The flavors in the sauce need time to meld and develop. The garlic powder fully hydrates, the sugars dissolve completely, and the tanginess from the vinegar balances out during rest time in the refrigerator.

What gives Yum Yum Sauce its signature color?

The paprika and ketchup give the sauce its distinctive pink-orange hue. For a more vibrant color, you can add a touch more paprika.

After countless batches and many taste tests with friends and family, I’m confident this Yum Yum Sauce recipe rivals any restaurant version. The key is getting those ratios just right, and I’ve done all the experimenting for you! Whether you’re recreating a hibachi night at home or just looking for a delicious sauce to elevate your weeknight chicken, this sauce delivers restaurant-quality flavor with minimal effort.

What will you pair your Yum Yum Sauce with first? Leave a comment below with your favorite combinations or any adaptations you’ve tried – I love hearing how you make these recipes your own!

Originally published: May 15, 2025