This easy homemade Yum Yum hibachi sauce is creamy, tangy, and just the right amount of sweet. It’s perfect for dipping veggies, shrimp, or grilled meat!
Making this sauce is a breeze! I often whip it up in just a few minutes and keep it in the fridge. It tastes fantastic on everything and often makes my meals feel like a fancy night out! 🥢
Key Ingredients & Substitutions
Mayonnaise: This is the base of your Yum Yum Sauce. You can use regular, light, or even vegan mayonnaise if you prefer a healthier or plant-based option.
Tomato paste: For a bolder flavor, stick with tomato paste, but ketchup is a handy substitute for a sweeter taste. Just remember it has added sugar.
Rice vinegar: If rice vinegar is hard to find, white vinegar or apple cider vinegar can work. Just use less if you’re concerned about acidity.
Cayenne pepper: Adjust the amount based on your heat tolerance. If you want a milder sauce, leave it out or replace it with sweet paprika for color without the spice.
How Can You Make Sure Your Sauce is Smooth and Creamy?
Getting the right texture is all about mixing properly. Start with whisking your mayonnaise and tomato paste until smooth before adding other ingredients. This base ensures that the sauce doesn’t clump up later.
- Mix wet ingredients first to create a smooth consistency.
- Add dry spices slowly, whisking continuously to blend them well.
- Adjust thickness by adding water in small amounts—this helps you control how creamy or thin the sauce gets.
Letting it chill in the fridge is key, too! This helps the flavors blend and the sauce thicken up perfectly.
Easy Homemade Yum Yum Hibachi Sauce
Ingredients You’ll Need:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste (or ketchup as a substitute)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper (adjust for spice preference)
- 2-4 tablespoons water (to thin sauce to desired consistency)
How Much Time Will You Need?
This sauce takes about 10 minutes to prepare and then an additional hour to chill in the refrigerator. So, total time is around 1 hour and 10 minutes—most of that is just waiting while the flavors come together!
Step-by-Step Instructions:
1. Combine the Base Ingredients:
Start by taking a medium-sized bowl. Add 1 cup of mayonnaise, 2 tablespoons of tomato paste (or ketchup), 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon of melted butter, and 1 tablespoon of sugar. This will create a creamy and flavorful base for your sauce.
2. Mix in the Seasonings:
Next, sprinkle in the garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, and cayenne pepper. Use a whisk to mix all of these ingredients together until everything is smooth and well combined. Make sure there are no lumps for the best texture!
3. Adjust the Consistency:
If your sauce is too thick, slowly add 2 to 4 tablespoons of water, one tablespoon at a time. Keep whisking until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. It’s okay if you like it a bit thicker or thinner—just adjust to your preference!
4. Chill the Sauce:
Cover the bowl with plastic wrap or a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Let it chill for at least 1 hour. This resting time is essential for the flavors to meld and intensify, making your Yum Yum Sauce even tastier!
5. Serve & Enjoy!
Once chilled, take the sauce out and give it a little stir. Serve it alongside grilled meats, shrimp, or fresh vegetables. It also makes a fantastic dipping sauce! Enjoy your creamy, flavorful Yum Yum Sauce!
Can I Use Low-Fat Mayonnaise for This Recipe?
Absolutely! Low-fat mayonnaise will work just fine. The sauce might be slightly less creamy, but it will still have great flavor. You can also try Greek yogurt for a healthier alternative!
How Long Can I Store Leftover Yum Yum Sauce?
Your Yum Yum Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week. Just give it a good stir before using, as some separation may occur over time.
Can I Make This Sauce Spicier?
Yes! If you want to amp up the heat, you can increase the cayenne pepper or add a dash of sriracha or hot sauce to taste. Just remember to add a little at a time, so it doesn’t become too spicy!
What Can I Serve with Yum Yum Sauce?
This versatile sauce pairs well with grilled meats, shrimp, fried rice, or fresh vegetables. It also makes a delicious dipping sauce for egg rolls and sushi! Get creative and enjoy!
