Jacy Craving the creamy, savory, and slightly sweet pink sauce from your favorite Japanese steakhouse? You don’t have to wait for your next restaurant visit to enjoy it. Making a copycat version at home is incredibly simple and requires just a handful of pantry staples. Today, I’m sharing the ultimate yum yum sauce recipe easy to whip up in under five minutes. This simple yum yum sauce recipe is so versatile, it will quickly become your go-to condiment for everything from grilled meats to vegetable crudités.
Table of Contents
Japanese Steakhouse Yum Yum Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup high-quality mayonnaise (like Kewpie or Hellmann’s)
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon melted unsalted butter, cooled
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1/2 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2-3 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency)
- 1/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Pinch of salt
Step-by-Step Instructions
1. In a medium mixing bowl, combine the mayonnaise and tomato paste. Whisk vigorously until the mixture is completely smooth and an even pink color is achieved.
2. Add the cooled melted butter, sugar, garlic powder, onion powder, and smoked paprika. Whisk again to incorporate all the dry ingredients.
3. Stir in the rice vinegar. This adds the necessary tang and balances the richness.
4. Add water, one tablespoon at a time, while whisking until your desired creamy consistency is reached.
5. Taste and adjust seasoning with a pinch of salt if needed. For an even smoother sauce, you can blend it with an immersion blender. And there you have it—your very own homemade yum yum sauce recipe easy is ready! This simple yum yum sauce recipe is perfect for immediate use, though the flavor deepens after resting.
Tips & Variations
- Spicy Kick: Add 1/2 teaspoon of sriracha or a dash of cayenne pepper.
- Tangier Version: Substitute the rice vinegar with fresh lemon juice.
- Dairy-Free: Simply omit the melted butter; the sauce will still be delicious.
- Fresh Herbs: For a gourmet touch, mix in a tablespoon of finely chopped chives.
Serving & Storage
This sauce is a superstar! Drizzle it over hibachi-style grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp. It’s the perfect dip for crispy tempura, french fries, or spring rolls. Use it as a spread for burgers and sandwiches for an instant upgrade.
Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. Give it a quick stir before serving, as separation can occur.
Nutritional Benefits
While this is a condiment, it’s made with real ingredients. Tomato paste provides lycopene, an antioxidant. Using a high-quality mayonnaise offers healthy fats that help with the absorption of fat-soluble vitamins from the foods you pair it with.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Using Ketchup Instead of Tomato Paste: Ketchup contains additional vinegar and sweeteners that will throw off the flavor balance. Tomato paste is essential for the authentic color and savory depth.
- Adding Hot Butter: Pouring hot, melted butter into the mayonnaise can cause it to break and become oily. Always let it cool to room temperature first.
- Skipping the Whisking: Not whisking thoroughly after each addition can result in a lumpy sauce with uneven flavor.
Final Conclusion
Creating restaurant-quality condiments at home is one of the joys of cooking, and this iconic pink sauce is no exception. With just a few minutes of effort, you can have a creamy, dreamy sauce that transforms simple meals into something special. I hope you love this incredibly yum yum sauce recipe easy as much as I do. Give this simple yum yum sauce recipe a try this week and watch it become a new staple in your fridge!
FAQs
What is Yum Yum sauce made of?
The classic base consists of mayonnaise, tomato paste, butter, vinegar, sugar, and garlic/onion powder. It’s the combination of these simple ingredients that creates its unique savory, sweet, and tangy profile.
Can I make Yum Yum sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! In fact, making it a few hours or even a day ahead allows the flavors to meld beautifully. Just store it in the refrigerator in a sealed container.
Is there a substitute for rice vinegar?
Yes, you can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. The flavor will be slightly different but still delicious. Avoid strongly flavored vinegars like balsamic.
Why is my Yum Yum sauce too thick or too runny?
The thickness depends on your mayonnaise brand and personal preference. If it’s too thick, whisk in more water, one teaspoon at a time. If it’s too runny, you can whisk in a little more mayonnaise to thicken it back up.
Does Yum Yum sauce contain dairy?
Traditional recipes include melted butter, which is a dairy product. However, as noted in the variations, you can easily omit the butter for a dairy-free version that is still very tasty.
