Japanese White Sauce Recipe (Yum-Yum Sauce!)

Name: Japanese White Sauce Recipe (Yum-Yum Sauce!)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup kewpie mayonnaise*; 2 teaspoons tomato paste; 2 teaspoons butter, melted; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/4 teaspoon paprika; 1-2 tablespoons water; Pinch of cayenne pepper, optional; 1 teaspoon sugar, optional

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It's the superstar creamy sauce from all of your favorite Japanese hibachi restaurants. This Japanese White Sauce Recipe is the easiest way to bring the flavor we love to our own kitchen.

yum yum sauce in a jar and on a spoon garnished with sesame seeds

This sauce requires a short list of simple ingredients, so let's get this party started.

What you'll need to make to make this sauce recipe:

ingredients for recipe laid out on a table and labeled

Before we get to the step by step directions, a note about the ingredients:

Mayo: Japanese Kewpie Mayo gives a sweeter, richer flavor to this sauce than using regular mayonnaise. But I've included simple Instructions below for using regular mayo in this recipe!

Measurements and directions included in the printable recipe card below.

Step by step instructions:

1. Make sauce

Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well. Wrap tightly and transfer to refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving.

ingredients being stirred in a small bowl

Taste and adjust seasoning. Add another tablespoon of water if you want a thinner, pourable sauce.

Looking for more delicious sauce recipes?

FAQ's and Serving Suggestions:

What is kewpie mayonnaise?

Kewpie is a brand of Japanese mayo that is richer than American mayo. It also brings a sweeter note due to using sweeter vinegars than regular mayo in the US, which mostly relies on white distilled vinegar. If you can't find it in your local grocery store or Asian supermarket, make a similar mayonnaise substitute by adding 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar and ½ tablespoon of sugar per ½ cup of mayonnaise. Mix well and use for this recipe.

Is yum yum sauce the same as white sauce?

Yum Yum Sauce (also known as Japanese White Sauce, Sakura Sauce, or Japanese Steakhouse Shrimp Sauce) has been commonly found in Japanese steakhouses for years.

What should I serve with this hibachi sauce?

Bring the Japanese steak house experience home and make Shrimp Hibachi, Salmon Hibachi, Hibachi Vegetables, Benihana-style Fried Rice, Japanese Ginger Sauce and this creamy hibachi sauce for a full meal, fiery hibachi grills completely optional! This sauce is also delicious with spicy tuna crispy rice sushi, spicy crab salad sushi or even Korean veggie pancakes with shrimp.

Can I make this Japanese shrimp sauce spicy?

This popular sauce is usually served as a tangy, sweet sauce. But it can be made spicy with extra hot sauce, extra cayenne powder or red chili flakes.

Can I add any other spices to this creamy base?

Absolutely - this homemade version of the traditional Japanese sauce gives you the flexibility to add anything you like to the bowl! While my recipe calls for regular paprika, if you want to add a smoky flavor, reach for smoked paprika instead. Start with ¼ teaspoon, then taste and adjust seasoning. Onion powder is another popular option for seasoning in this flavorful sauce.

How to store leftover Japanese white sauce?

To store, transfer the dipping sauce from your mixing bowl to an airtight container, airtight jar or squeeze bottle and store in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.