Yum Yum Sauce is a scrumptious, creamy condiment that adds a burst of flavor and a touch of magic to any dish. You’ll love this sweet, tangy Japanese sauce!
Easy Homemade Yum Yum Sauce!
Have you ever tried yum yum sauce? If so, you will probably be excited to learn that making this sauce at home is very easy. I love making a batch of it and drizzling it over everything – not just sushi but burgers, potato wedges, chicken… it’s just so YUM YUM! 😉
If you’re not familiar, yum yum sauce is usually served with dishes like sushi and tempura. It’s creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet, with a vibrant color that adds a playful touch to your plate. Once you try this delectable sauce, you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again!
Why You Will Love This Recipe
- Versatile: This sauce has a unique, sweet and tangy flavor that works well with all kinds of dishes, from grilled seafood to roasted veggies. You will love it with everything!
- Creamy and Smooth: The velvety texture of yum yum sauce is luscious and luxurious. If you like creamy sauces, this one will blow you away!
- Visual Appeal: The vibrant color adds a pop of happiness to any plate.
- Easy to Make: Yum yum sauce can be enjoyed whenever you crave it because whipping up a batch only takes a couple of minutes and a few basic ingredients.
What Is Yum Yum Sauce Made Of?
The ingredients for homemade yum yum sauce are probably already in your pantry. And if not, they are super easy to find in almost any grocery store. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Mayonnaise: Creamy mayo is the secret to a perfectly creamy, smooth sauce.
- Tomato Paste: Be sure to use tomato paste, not tomato sauce. Tomato paste is much thicker and more flavorful.
- Butter: A small amount of melted butter ups the richness of this recipe and adds a slight sweetness.
- Sugar: You could also use honey or maple syrup, although those will change the flavor slightly.
- Rice Vinegar: This light, almost fruity vinegar is a must-have.
- Seasonings: Smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, and black pepper.
- Cayenne Pepper: Optional for those who prefer a little heat.
How to Make Yum Yum Sauce
Making the sauce is even easier than you might think. Since there are no ingredients to peel, chop, or cook, it comes together in a flash.
- Mix: In a small mixing bowl, combine the sauce ingredients: mayonnaise, tomato paste, melted butter, sugar, rice vinegar, and seasonings. Stir until all of the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Taste: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more sugar for sweetness, more vinegar for tanginess, or more spices, salt, and pepper for extra flavor.
- Chill. Once the sauce is well mixed and seasoned to your liking, transfer it to a serving bowl, jar, or other container. Refrigerate for at least half an hour so that the flavors can meld together.
- Enjoy! Serve the sauce as a dipping sauce, or drizzle on your favorite dishes.
Tips for Success
This recipe makes a fabulous version of homemade yum yum sauce, but you should know that this is very customizable – so if you want to tweak the flavors, go for it! Here are a few tips to make your homemade version the best it can be:
- Balance the Flavors: Yum yum sauce is all about finding the right balance of flavors. Start with this basic recipe, and then adjust the ingredients to get a balance that works for you.
- Get the Right Texture: The sauce should have a smooth, luscious texture. A whisk can help you achieve this, although stirring with a spoon usually does the trick. If you prefer a thicker sauce, add some yogurt or sour cream to the mixture. On the other hand, if you like a thinner consistency, you can add a small amount of water or milk to achieve the desired consistency. Be sure to taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning after adding these ingredients.
- Experiment with Seasonings: Don’t be afraid to experiment with different seasonings to suit your tastes. You can add a dash of hot sauce or Sriracha for some heat, a squeeze of lemon juice for freshness, or even a pinch of ginger for a subtle kick. Taste as you go, and enjoy!
- Let It Rest: Allow the sauce to rest in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes before serving. This resting period helps the flavors blend together, making your sauce even tastier.
How Do You Use Yum Yum Sauce?
Yum yum sauce is versatile and can be used in various ways. Try it on all of your favorite foods! I mean, probably not dessert, but other than that, the sky’s the limit. Here are a few common ways to use it:
- Dipping Sauce: This sauce is commonly used as a dipping sauce for a wide range of foods. It pairs exceptionally well with crispy Air Fryer Chicken Tempura.
- Sandwich Spread: This creamy sauce can also be used as a condiment on sandwiches and burgers. Spread it onto bread or buns before adding your sandwich fillings to elevate the taste. I love it on cheeseburgers but also on these adorable Crab Cake Sliders.
- Drizzle and Garnish: Add a pretty garnish by drizzling over stir-fries, salads, and homemade Rainbow Roll Sushi.
Storing This Sauce
- For fridge storage, keep it in an airtight jar for about a week. Avoid storing sauce that has touched food, as it can spoil faster.
- You can freeze the yum-yum sauce, but it may become watery, so I don’t recommend it. If you freeze it, use a sealed zip-top bag and freeze it for up to 2 months.
Yum Yum Sauce
Yum Yum Sauce is a scrumptious, creamy condiment that adds a burst of flavor and a touch of magic to any dish. You'll love this sweet, tangy Japanese sauce!
Servings: 4
Calories: 39kcal
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon fresh ground black pepper
- 1/2 teaspoon cayenne pepper, optional
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise, tomato paste, melted butter, sugar, rice vinegar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, salt, black pepper, and cayenne pepper. Stir well until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the seasonings as needed. You can add more sugar for sweetness, more vinegar for tanginess, or more spices for extra flavor.
- Once the sauce is well mixed and seasoned to your liking, transfer it to a serving bowl.
- Cover and refrigerate the yum-yum sauce for at least 30 minutes before serving to allow the flavors to meld together.
Notes
- Quality ingredients: For a more authentic taste, use Japanese mayonnaise if available. It has a distinct flavor due to its unique ingredient composition.
- Adjust to taste: Feel free to tweak the recipe according to your personal preference. Some people prefer their sauce a little sweeter, while others like it tangier. You can adjust the amount of sugar or vinegar accordingly.
- Allow flavors to meld: Make the sauce ahead of time and let it sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes or overnight before serving. This will allow the flavors to meld together and make the sauce even more delicious.
- Consistency: If you find your sauce too thick, thin it out with a little water or milk. If it’s too thin, add a bit more mayonnaise to thicken it up.
- Storage: Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It should keep for about a week. Do not dip food directly into the sauce container to prevent contamination and faster spoilage.
Nutrition
Calories: 39kcal | Carbohydrates: 3g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 3g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Trans Fat: 0.1g | Cholesterol: 8mg | Sodium: 377mg | Potassium: 100mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 2g | Vitamin A: 437IU | Vitamin C: 2mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 0.4mg
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