Easy 5-Minute Homemade Yum Yum Sauce (Hibachi Style)

Introduction

Hankering for that deliciously creamy, tangy, and sweet sauce from your go-to Japanese Hibachi restaurant? You know, the one you wish you could take home in the bottle? And now you can make it yourself in under 5 minutes!

This is the real deal Yum Yum Sauce. It’s a great dip for shrimp, to drizzle over fried rice, or to put on a burger. Forget about the stuff you buy in the store—this simple recipe has different way of making a fresh, tasty sauce that everyone will be clamoring for more of. Let's get mixing!

Why You'll Love This Recipe

5-Minute Prep: Just mix all the ingredients in one bowl. It’s the easiest way to elevate any meal!

All Pantry Staple Ingredients: No need to go on a scavenger hunt for special items. You likely have everything you’ll need in your kitchen already, right now.

Totally Customizable: You can control the spice, the sweet and the creaminess to your exact preference.

So Much Better Than Store-Bought: The flavor is fresh and unbeatable, and it’s preservative-free.

What is Yum Yum Sauce?

Yum Yum Sauce: Yum Yum Sauce (also known as White Sauce) is a perennial favorite in Japanese eateries at North American hibachi restaurants and steakhouses. If you ever order a dish at a Japanese hibachi grill, you’ve probably tasted a version of this sauce commonly referred to as “Shrimp Sauce” or “White Sauce.” It's renowned for its distinctive pink color and savory, sweet taste, and is a common grilled-meat, fish, and vegetable topping.

Pro Tips for Success

Don't Skip the Chilling Time! I can't stress this enough. The sauce is fine after mixing, but it tastes amazing after the flavors have had time to mingle in the fridge.

Adjust to Taste: Once completely chilled, taste the sauce once more. Does it need more salt? A little more sugar? A bigger kick of cayenne? There you go, tailor it to your preference.

For a Thinner Sauce: If you prefer your mixture to be more drizzle-able, whisk in another teaspoon of water at a time until you have the texture you like.

As a Drizzle: It’s great as a drizzle on grilled chicken, steak, Hibachi-style fried rice, or fish tacos.

As a Spread: Slather it on sandwiches, wraps, and burgers in place of plain mayo. It’s a game-changer!

Storage Instructions

Keep your homemade Yum Yum Sauce in an airtight container or a squeezy bottle in the fridge for up to 3 days. It keeps for up to 1 week.
 

Notes:

Chill It: Don't skip that chilling step! This is important for the best tasting product.

Mayo Choice: To get the most authentic flavor, use a full-fat Japanese mayonnaise such as Kewpie.

Storage: The relish can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

 

Easy 5-Minute Homemade Yum Yum Sauce (Hibachi Style)

Ingredients

• 1 cup mayonnaise
• 2 tablespoons tomato paste or ketchup (tomato paste is traditional for a richer flavor)
• 1 tablespoon melted butter, cooled
• ¼ cup water (or more for desired consistency)
• 1 teaspoon sugar
• ½ teaspoon paprika
• ¼ teaspoon garlic powder
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or sub apple cider vinegar)
• ½ teaspoon onion powder
• ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper (optional, for a slight kick)
• Salt and pepper to taste

Directions

1. Mix the base ingredients: In a medium bowl, mix together the mayonnaise, tomato paste (or ketchup), and cooled melted butter until smooth.
2. Whisk in the Water, Rice Vinegar, Sugar, Paprika, Garlic Powder and Onion Powder: You can also try using sugar substitutes until well mixed and the sauce is smooth.
3. Season and Tweak: Taste the sauce and season with a sprinkle of salt, pepper and cayeene pepper (if using). If a thinner sauce is desired, add one more tablespoon of water and whisk.
4. Chill: For optimum flavor, cover the bowl and refrigerate sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving. It is to cause flavors to merge, and to do so seamlessly.
5. Serve: Spoon over hibachi chicken, steak, shrimp, grilled vegetables or, for a dip, fried and try to stop eating!