This homemade Yum Yum Sauce Recipe is a mouthwatering and simple Japanese Hibachi sauce made with just seven ingredients. Within minutes, you can create a delectable sauce that rivals the ones served at pricey Japanese Hibachi Restaurants, all at a fraction of the cost.
The Irresistible Japanese Steakhouse Experience
Nestled about twenty minutes away from our home is one of our all-time favorite dining spots, a Japanese Steakhouse. We absolutely adore the entire experience, from the skilled chef showcasing impressive cooking skills to the tantalizing aroma of fried rice and the delightful assortment of seafood, crispy vegetables, and succulent chicken. But, what truly captivates my family is the addictive and renowned Japanese Steakhouse sauce that accompanies our meals. We relish every moment of dipping our shrimp and fried rice into this irresistibly delicious sauce.
Unfortunately, we can’t always indulge in the pleasures of hibachi grills as much as we’d like to. Sometimes it’s due to the weather, but more often than not, it’s a matter of being budget-conscious. Thankfully, you can recreate this delightful recipe right in your very own kitchen at a fraction of the cost. I personally love dipping my Sweet Pork Dumplings and whipping up an Easy Basic Chicken Stir Fry to pair with this sauce. Trust me, it’s absolutely divine! Just remember, it’s best to let the sauce sit for one to two days to allow the flavors to fully develop.
What Makes Yum Yum Sauce So Special?
Known by various names such as White Sauce, Sakura Sauce, Seafood Sauce, or pale pink sauce, Yum Yum Sauce is a dipping sauce commonly found in Japanese steak houses. With a preparation time of only five minutes, this sauce is predominantly made with Japanese mayonnaise. However, if you can’t get your hands on Japanese mayo, regular mayo from your local grocery store works perfectly fine. I’ve personally tried both Hellmann’s and Duke’s mayonnaise, and they yield equally delightful results. This sauce is so delicious that we even enjoy dunking hibachi vegetables like broccoli and zucchini in it. It’s also a fantastic condiment for grilled hamburgers, wraps, sandwiches, and even salads.
How to Make Yum Yum Sauce
As mentioned earlier, this sauce comes together in just five minutes. Grab a mixing bowl and whisk together the mayo, ketchup, rice vinegar, mirin, garlic powder, paprika, and water. Keep whisking until everything blends smoothly. It may take a few minutes, but trust me, it’ll come together beautifully. Now, here’s the crucial part: cover the bowl and let the sauce sit for a day or two. While you can certainly enjoy it immediately after mixing, the flavors truly intensify with a bit of patience.
Recipe Tips
- If you don’t have mirin on hand, you can substitute it with a mixture of 1 tablespoon of white wine, dry sherry, or vermouth, and 1 teaspoon of sugar.
- Tomato paste can be used as a substitute, but consider adding 1-3 teaspoons of granulated sugar to balance out the flavors.
- For an extra kick, sprinkle in a couple of pinches of cayenne pepper.
- Adjust the consistency to your liking by adding 1 teaspoon of cold water if the sauce is too thick.
- Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 10 days.
What to Pair with Yum Yum Sauce
This versatile sauce complements a wide range of dishes. Here are some delectable choices:
- Sushi
- Shrimp
- Grilled Chicken
- Wontons
- Sweet Potato Fries
- Onion Rings
- Stir Fry Vegetables
- Sushi and Rice Balls
- Steak
- Stir-Fried Rice
- Fried Potatoes
- Veggies
- Noodles
- Potstickers
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