Yum Yum Sauce

Recently, more sushi and Chinese food restaurants have begun offering Yum Sauce, proving just how beloved this delicious sauce has become. While you can find store-bought versions like Terry Ho’s Yum Yum Sauce, making it at home ensures you get the best flavor without unnecessary additives.

Homemade Yum Yum Sauce Recipe

I’ve spent time perfecting this recipe by testing different combinations of mayonnaise, spices, and vinegar to achieve the desired consistency and taste. The result? A tangy, slightly sweet, and ultra-creamy sauce that rivals the ones served in top Japanese steakhouses.

A Special Note on Mayonnaise

The key to achieving that restaurant-style flavor is using the right mayo. I tested this recipe with different types of mayonnaise, including heavy mayonnaise, Miracle Whip, and low-fat options. However, none of them compared to the rich, tangy, and slightly sweet taste of Kewpie Mayo.

If you can’t find Kewpie, opt for a high-quality heavy mayonnaise to maintain the best flavor and desired consistency.

How to Serve Yum Yum Sauce

This tasty dipping sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in many dishes beyond just Japanese steakhouse meals. Here are some delicious ways to enjoy it:

• Dipping for French fries, seafood, shrimp, and crab cakes
• Drizzled over fried rice, sushi, or grilled vegetables
• A condiment for burgers, chicken sandwiches, or beef sliders
• A savory spread for wraps and sandwiches
• A marinade for grilled chicken, meat, or seafood

Storage Tips

• Keep your homemade Yum Yum Sauce in an airtight bottle or bowl in the fridge for up to one week.
• Stir well before using, as some ingredients may separate.

Let’s Make Yum Yum Sauce!

For this tutorial, you will need:

• 1.5 Tbsp of Rice Wine Vinegar
• 1.5 Tbsp of Mirin
• 1 Tbsp of Melted Butter
• 1 tsp of Garlic Powder (5ml)
• 1 tsp of Paprika (5ml)
• 1 cup of Kewpie Mayo (237ml)
• 1/2 tsp Cayenne Pepper (2.5 ml)
• 1 tsp of granulated Sugar
• 1/4 cup of water
• a microwave safe dish
• whisk or fork
• bowl
• sauce container (I use re-purposed sauce bottles – empty sriracha bottles work great for this!)

This recipe makes approximately 1.5 cups of Yum Yum Sauce.

1. Take your 1 Tbsp of butter and place it into a microwave-safe dish. Microwave the butter until it is completely melted (using my 700 watt microwave, I only put it on for 10 seconds – your microwave time may vary slightly).

Please note: attempting to use a regular glass container to melt butter will result in broken glass and a small mess in your microwave. Also, it doesn’t take much time to melt butter; I wouldn’t set the microwave for any longer than 15 seconds at a time!

2. Add 1 cup of Kewpie Mayo to your bowl and pour the melted butter on top.

3. Next, measure out and add your 1 tsp of garlic powder:

4. Then add your 1 tsp of paprika…

5. And then add 1/2 tsp of cayenne pepper:

6. Add your 1 tsp of granulated sugar:

7. Finally, add your rice wine vinegar and mirin together with 1/4 cup of water and whisk all of the ingredients together!

8. This last step is very important: You must cover your bowl (or pour the sauce into a bottle) and let it sit in your refrigerator over night. This step allows all of the flavors to mix together! It won’t taste right without letting it sit over night.

Happy Sushi Rolling and Sauce Making!

I hope you enjoyed this tutorial! Obviously, different Japanese steakhouses and sushi restaurants will make this sauce differently. Feel free to experiment and have fun with this recipe. Make it your own!

With its creamy texture, tangy sweetness, and incredible flavor, this homemade Yum Yum Sauce recipe is a must-try for any Japanese food lover. Whether you’re using it as a dipping sauce, a marinade, or a drizzle over your favorite dishes, it’s guaranteed to elevate your cooking.

Now that you have the perfect recipe, what will you eat it with first?