Yum Yum Sauce

Name: Yum Yum Sauce Recipe (Hibachi-Style)
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 5 min
Yield: 4 servings
Cuisine: Japanese-American
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 1 tbsp ketchup; 5 tsp sugar; 2 tbsp melted butter; 1/2 tsp black pepper; 1/4 tsp garlic powder; 1/4 tsp paprika; 2-3 tbsp water; 1/4 tsp rice wine vinegar

Yum Yum Sauce is a creamy, savory condiment made from mayo, ketchup, melted butter, and warm spices. It's a 5-minute hibachi-style sauce that works as a dip for chicken and vegetables or a drizzle for fried rice.

🍴Copycat

🌍Japanese-American 🏷️Yum yum sauce 🏷️Hibachi sauce 🏷️Dipping sauce 🏷️Mayonnaise Creamy

🏷️

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Total

5 min

Servings

4

Difficulty

Easy

Est. Cost

$19–$31

Recipe Source

View original recipe

From TikTok

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Ingredients

1 cup mayonnaise
1 tbsp ketchup
5 tsp sugar
2 tbsp melted butter
1/2 tsp black pepper
1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/4 tsp paprika
2-3 tbsp water
1/4 tsp rice wine vinegar

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Instructions

1
In a medium bowl, combine mayonnaise, ketchup, sugar, melted butter, black pepper, garlic powder, paprika, water, and rice wine vinegar.
2
Stir with a spoon or whisk until all ingredients are fully combined and the sauce is smooth.
3
Serve immediately with your favorite hibachi-style meal, or refrigerate until ready to use.

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Tips & Notes

Pro tips

Use melted butter, not softened, for a smooth, fully incorporated sauce.
Add water gradually at the end—you control the consistency. Start with 2 tablespoons and thin further if needed.
Whisk continuously while adding melted butter to prevent the sauce from breaking or becoming greasy.
Taste and adjust: add more sugar for sweetness, ketchup for tang, or garlic powder for depth.

Substitutions

Mayonnaise → Japanese Kewpie mayo (slightly sweeter, creamier)
Ketchup → tomato paste mixed with 1 tsp sugar (tangier, less sweet)
Sugar → honey (adds mild sweetness and body)
Black pepper → white pepper (milder, less visible specks)

Storage & make-ahead

Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week; stir well and thin with water before serving if thickened.

Common Questions

What can I use Yum Yum Sauce for?

Serve as a dip for grilled or fried chicken, vegetables, shrimp, and tempura, or drizzle over fried rice, noodles, and grilled meats.

Can I make Yum Yum Sauce ahead of time?

Yes. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Stir well before serving; thin with water if needed.

Why is my Yum Yum Sauce too thick?

Add water 1 tablespoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.

Can I substitute the mayo in Yum Yum Sauce?

Japanese mayo (Kewpie) creates an authentic, slightly sweeter version. Sour cream or Greek yogurt can replace mayo for a tangier sauce, but the texture and flavor will differ.