Pour this creamy, tangy Yum Yum Sauce over grilled meat, veggies, or rice bowls and your taste buds will sing!
If you’ve been to a Japanese hibachi restaurant, you’ve probably had yum yum sauce without even knowing it! While this zesty sauce is usually associated with hibachi-style cooking, it actually originated in the United States and was popularized in the 1980s by Terry Ho, a restaurateur from Georgia. It’s a creamy, Asian-inspired sauce that can be used for a wide variety of dishes. With a basic combo of mayo, ketchup, and rice vinegar, it’s a delicious fusion of American and Asian condiments that produces something sweet, tangy, and savory. With this sauce, you can dress a salad, elevate the flavor of grilled meat and seafood, or use it as a dip for fried veggies or egg rolls.
Kids might especially enjoy this sauce as an elevated version of ketchup that can expand their culinary horizons and help them get used to different flavor combos. Whether it’s you or the little ones who are trying something new, this sauce is sure to become a household favorite.
Is Yum Yum Sauce Healthy?
With a high fat content, this isn’t the healthiest sauce out there, but some of the ingredients can be exchanged for healthier options. For example, mayo can be replaced with Greek yogurt, which offers protein and calcium. Ketchup can easily be swapped for tomato paste to ensure there are no added preservatives or artificial sweeteners. Additionally, you’re welcome to use honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar instead of regular sugar for a more natural option. Finally, there is a small amount of melted butter used in this recipe, which can be swapped out for olive oil or plant-based butter.
The Benefits Behind Using Rice Vinegar
One of the key ingredients behind the yum yum sauce is rice vinegar. While you may think that it’s the mayo and ketchup that makes the sauce shine, some would argue that it’s actually the rice vinegar. The subtly sweet and mild vinegar adds a delicate acidity that cuts through the richness of the sauce. So if you’re thinking you can use any vinegar for this sauce, you’ll want to think again! The rice vinegar is essential here.
Although rice vinegar originated in China, it became popular in Japanese cuisine, where it is used in sushi rice as well as marinades and sauces. Rice vinegar can be used in dressings, stir-fries, pickled veggies, and even as a seasoning for soups.
How Do I Store Leftovers?
Since this recipe yields 6 servings, you’re likely to have leftovers. They can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for about 10 days. It does tend to taste better after a few days, since all the flavors meld together. When serving, make sure to shake the jar or stir before each use to ensure all ingredients are well combined. Freezing leftovers isn’t recommended because the consistency will be affected upon thawing.
Serving Suggestions
Yum yum sauce is delicious with a wide variety of dishes. I recommend drizzling it on Asian Rice, Vietnamese Noodle Bowls, or an Asian Healthy Broccoli Salad. It’s also a delicious dip for Crispy Air-Fryer Egg Rolls, as the sauce really adds to the overall flavor profile. However, that’s just a starting point! I love dipping veggies into it as well. And how about swapping some of your traditional sandwich spreads for yum yum sauce? I recommend trying it on Avocado Grilled Cheese Sandwich for a unique flavor. Of course, yum yum sauce is also a match made in heaven with Easy Poached Shrimp, a Juicy Grilled Chicken Breast, and even Oven-Cooked Top Sirloin Steak.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- Water as needed, for consistency
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sugar, garlic powder, paprika, melted butter, and rice vinegar. Mix until smooth.
- Gradually add water to reach desired consistency. Start with a tablespoon and increase as needed. Season with salt and pepper to taste.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour to allow flavors to meld. Serve chilled.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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