It's the superstar creamy sauce from all of your favorite Japanese hibachi restaurants - yum yum sauce is the easiest way to bring the flavor we love to our own kitchen.
It's a short list of simple ingredients, so let's get this party started.
First, let's talk about ways to use this easy recipe for Japanese White Sauce:
- Shrimp Hibachi (or chicken hibachi for non-pescatarians)
- Hibachi Vegetables
- Baked Sushi
- Crispy rice sushi
- French fries
- Dip for vegetables
- Salad dressing
- Drizzle over Udon Noodles
- Benihana-style Fried Rice
- Salmon Hibachi
The sky's the limit with this amazing sauce.
What you'll need to make to make this homemade yum yum sauce recipe:
- ½ cup kewpie mayonnaise*
- 2 teaspoons tomato paste
- 2 teaspoons butter, melted
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1-2 tablespoons water
- pinch of cayenne, optional
- 1 teaspoon sugar, optional
*instructions included below for using regular mayonnaise, as well!
Measurements and directions included in the printable recipe card below.
Step by step instructions for making Japanese White Sauce:
Combine all ingredients in a small bowl. Mix well. Wrap tightly and transfer to refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add another tablespoon of water if you want a thinner, pourable sauce.
FAQ's and serving suggestions for this famous Japanese steakhouse sauce:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
This recipe post may contain affiliate links to products we know and love.
Check out some of our other delicious sauces:
Print
Easy Japanese White Sauce Recipe (Yum-Yum Sauce!)
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 4-5 1x
Ingredients
½ cup kewpie mayonnaise*
2 teaspoons tomato paste
2 teaspoons butter, melted
½ teaspoon garlic powder
¼ teaspoon paprika
1-2 tablespoons water
Pinch of cayenne pepper, optional
1 teaspoon sugar, optional
Instructions
To begin, melt butter and let it cool to room temperature. Once melted butter is cool, combine all ingredients in a medium bowl. Mix well. Wrap tightly and transfer to refrigerator for at least 15 minutes before serving. Taste and adjust seasoning. Add another tablespoon of water if you want a thinner, pourable sauce.
Notes
*If using regular mayo, add 1 tablespoon of rice wine vinegar and ½ tablespoon of sugar per ½ cup of regular mayonnaise.
- Prep Time: 5
- Category: Easy Recipes
- Method: No Cook
- Cuisine: Asian
Keywords: Yum Yum Sauce, Japanese White Sauce
[…] or hibachi steak. It’s lovely over veggies or a plate of hibachi rice or fried rice (with white sauce, of […]