Yum Yum Sauce is a delightful condiment often served at Japanese steakhouses. Its creamy texture and tangy flavor make it a perfect accompaniment for grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables. This versatile sauce can also be used as a dip or a spread, adding a burst of flavor to any dish.
Most of the ingredients for Yum Yum Sauce are common pantry staples, but you might need to pick up rice vinegar if you don't already have it. This ingredient adds a subtle tanginess that balances the richness of the mayonnaise. Make sure to get paprika as well, which gives the sauce its characteristic color and a hint of smokiness.

Ingredients for Yum Yum Sauce Recipe
Mayonnaise: The creamy base of the sauce, providing a rich and smooth texture.
Ketchup: Adds a touch of sweetness and a hint of tomato flavor.
Sugar: Balances the tanginess and enhances the overall flavor.
Rice vinegar: Provides a mild acidity that complements the other ingredients.
Garlic powder: Adds a subtle garlic flavor without overpowering the sauce.
Paprika: Gives the sauce its distinctive color and a mild smoky flavor.
Water: Used to adjust the consistency of the sauce.
Technique Tip for This Sauce
When making Yum Yum Sauce, ensure that the mayonnaise is at room temperature before mixing. This helps the ingredients blend more smoothly and prevents the sauce from becoming lumpy. Additionally, using a whisk instead of a spoon can help achieve a creamier texture. For an extra depth of flavor, consider using smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
mayonnaise - Substitute with Greek yogurt: Greek yogurt provides a creamy texture and tangy flavor, making it a healthier alternative to mayonnaise.
ketchup - Substitute with tomato paste: Tomato paste can be mixed with a bit of sugar and vinegar to mimic the sweetness and acidity of ketchup.
sugar - Substitute with honey: Honey adds sweetness and a bit of depth to the flavor, making it a natural alternative to sugar.
rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and slight sweetness, making it a good substitute for rice vinegar.
garlic powder - Substitute with fresh garlic: Fresh garlic can be minced and used in place of garlic powder for a more robust garlic flavor.
paprika - Substitute with smoked paprika: Smoked paprika adds a similar color and a smoky depth of flavor, enhancing the overall taste.
water - Substitute with milk: Milk can be used to thin the sauce while adding a bit of creaminess.
Other Alternative Recipes Similar to This Sauce
How to Store / Freeze This Sauce
- Ensure your Yum Yum Sauce is stored in an airtight container to maintain its freshness and prevent any unwanted flavors from seeping in.
- Place the container in the refrigerator, where it can stay fresh for up to two weeks. The cool temperature helps preserve the sauce's creamy texture and rich flavor.
- If you plan to keep the sauce for a longer period, consider freezing it. Pour the sauce into a freezer-safe container, leaving some space at the top for expansion.
- Label the container with the date to keep track of its storage time. Frozen Yum Yum Sauce can last up to three months without losing its delightful taste.
- When ready to use, thaw the sauce in the refrigerator overnight. This slow thawing process helps maintain the sauce's consistency.
- Give the thawed sauce a good stir to reincorporate any separated ingredients, ensuring a smooth and creamy texture.
- Avoid refreezing the sauce once it has been thawed, as this can affect the quality and flavor.
- For best results, use the sauce within a few days after thawing to enjoy its optimal taste and texture.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Place the yum yum sauce in a microwave-safe bowl. Cover it with a microwave-safe lid or a damp paper towel to prevent splatters. Heat on medium power for 10-15 seconds, then stir. Repeat if necessary until the sauce is warmed through.
For a more controlled reheating, use a double boiler. Fill a pot with a couple of inches of water and bring it to a simmer. Place a heatproof bowl with the yum yum sauce over the pot, ensuring the bottom of the bowl doesn't touch the water. Stir occasionally until the sauce is warmed to your liking.
If you prefer using the stovetop, pour the yum yum sauce into a small saucepan. Heat over low heat, stirring frequently to prevent the sauce from sticking or burning. Remove from heat once it's warmed through.
To maintain the sauce's creamy texture, avoid overheating. If the sauce becomes too thick during reheating, you can thin it out with a small amount of water or rice vinegar.
If you have a sous-vide machine, place the yum yum sauce in a vacuum-sealed bag or a ziplock bag with the air removed. Submerge the bag in a water bath set to 140°F (60°C) and let it warm for about 15-20 minutes. This method ensures even heating without altering the sauce's consistency.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Mixing bowl: A large bowl to combine all the ingredients together.
Whisk: Essential for blending the ingredients until smooth and well combined.
Measuring cups: Used to measure the mayonnaise accurately.
Measuring spoons: Necessary for measuring smaller quantities like ketchup, sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and paprika.
Spatula: Helpful for scraping down the sides of the mixing bowl to ensure all ingredients are fully incorporated.
Refrigerator: Used to chill the sauce for at least 1 hour before serving to allow the flavors to meld.
Small container with lid: Ideal for storing the sauce in the refrigerator.
How to Save Time on Making This Sauce
Use a food processor: Quickly blend mayonnaise, ketchup, and other ingredients in a food processor for a smoother consistency.
Pre-measure ingredients: Measure out all your ingredients beforehand to streamline the mixing process.
Batch preparation: Make a larger batch of yum yum sauce and store it in the fridge for future use.
Use a whisk: A whisk can combine ingredients faster and more efficiently than a spoon.
Chill in advance: Prepare the sauce a day ahead and refrigerate, so it's ready to serve when needed.

Yum Yum Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup Mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoon Ketchup
- 1 tablespoon Sugar
- 1 tablespoon Rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon Garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon Paprika
- 2 tablespoon Water to thin
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients.
- Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Adjust the consistency with water if needed.
- Refrigerate for at least 1 hour before serving.
Nutritional Value
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