This 5-minute homemade yum yum sauce is savory-sweet and tangy, perfect for dipping and spreading on all your favorite dishes!
Why this recipe works
A simple blend of mayo, tomato paste, rice vinegar, paprika, sugar, and hot sauce creates this tangy homemade yum yum sauce to dip, spread, and smother on all your favorite foods. Our Japanese-inspired sauce is creamy at the base from the mayonnaise with a touch of sweetness from the sugar and tomato paste on top of paprika, garlic powder, and hot sauce to level everything together.
Yum yum sauce is fairly similar to french fry sauce with the mayo and tomato, however, it’s slightly thicker and a touch sweeter. You’ve likely heard of this sauce from your favorite Japanese steak house. However, it actually isn’t traditionally Japanese, but rather an American staple across Hibachi grills and Japanese restaurants in the States.
Ingredients you will need
Get all measurements, ingredients, and instructions in the printable version at the end of this post.
Ingredient Info and Substitution Suggestions
MAYO – Mayonnaise the is base for this sauce. I wouldn’t recommend substituting it as it provides the creaminess you yearn for in a good yum yum sauce.
OTHER – Tomato paste, butter, rice vinegar, paprika, sugar, garlic powder, and hot sauce are the other components. Tomato paste is what creates the pink color, do not use tomato sauce or ketchup. For hot sauce, you can use your favorite. We opted for Frank’s red hot sauce. You can substitute other sweeteners for the sugar such as brown sugar, honey, agave, or other sweetener of your choice.
How to Make Yum Yum Sauce
These step by step photos and instructions are here to help you visualize how to make this recipe. You can Jump to Recipe to get the printable version of this recipe, complete with measurements and instructions at the bottom.
- Whisk all ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Store in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
Frequently Asked Questions & Expert Tips
Store your sauce in an air-tight container or jar kept in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
Yes, absolutely. This sauce is great for preparing a day or two in advance as the flavors develop even more as they sit and mingle together in the fridge. Store in an air-tight container.
Serving Suggestions
Yum yum sauce is typically used as a dipping sauce for shrimp or steak at Japanese steak houses, but it can also be used as a tangy dip for vegetables, chicken, french fries, onion rings, or drizzled on top of sushi or fried rice. We like also like to add it to burgers, hot dogs, and bratwurst as a condiment.
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Yum Yum Sauce
IMPORTANT – There are often Frequently Asked Questions within the blog post that you may find helpful. Simply scroll back up to read them!
Print It Rate ItIngredients
- 2 cups mayonnaise
- 2 Tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 Tablespoons unsalted butter melted
- 3 teaspoons rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 teaspoons Frank's red hot sauce
Things You’ll Need
Before You Begin
- You can substitute other sweeteners for the sugar such as brown sugar, honey, agave, or other sweetener of your choice.
- Mayonnaise the is base for this sauce. I wouldn’t recommend substituting it as it provides the creaminess you look for in yum yum sauce.
- Tomato paste is what creates the pink color, do not use tomato sauce or ketchup as they are too sweet and runny.
Instructions
- Whisk all ingredients together in a large bowl.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 months.
Nutrition
Chef Antoine Davis
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