Homemade Yum Yum Sauce Recipe (Japanese White Sauce)
This creamy Japanese white sauce, also known as Yum Yum Sauce, is a favorite at hibachi-style restaurants — and now you can make it at home in minutes! This homemade version is rich, tangy, slightly sweet, and completely free of preservatives and mystery ingredients. Whether you’re dipping roasted vegetables, drizzling it over fried rice, or adding a burst of flavor to veggie sushi, this sauce delivers umami-packed goodness every time.
I absolutely love keeping a jar of this Yum Yum Sauce in my fridge — it’s my go-to for adding instant flavor to just about everything. I drizzle it over roasted veggie bowls, dunk crispy tofu bites in it, and even swirl it into noodle salads when I want something creamy and satisfying. It’s one of those sauces that makes simple vegetarian meals feel extra special, and I never get tired of its tangy-sweet, garlicky goodness!
What Is Yum Yum Sauce?
Yum Yum Sauce is a mayo-based Japanese-style condiment popular in American hibachi restaurants. Despite its name, it’s not traditional in Japan — but it’s become a favorite for its irresistible creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor. Often called Japanese white sauce or hibachi sauce, it’s incredibly versatile and easy to prepare with everyday ingredients.
Japanese White Sauce Ingredients
You only need a few pantry staples to make this flavorful hibachi white sauce:
- Mayonnaise (regular or vegan) – the creamy base
- Ketchup – adds sweetness and tang
- Melted butter or olive oil – for richness
- Mirin – subtle sweetness and umami
- Rice vinegar – balances flavors with acidity
- Garlic & onion powder – savory depth
- Paprika – for color and warmth
- Syrup or honey – enhances sweetness
- Water – to adjust consistency
- Optional: Cayenne or hot sauce for heat, or smoked paprika for depth
For exact quantities and substitutions, see the full recipe below.
How to Make Yum Yum Sauce
- In a mixing bowl, whisk all ingredients until smooth.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight for best flavor).
- Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.
How to Use Yum Yum Sauce (Vegetarian-Friendly)
This vegan-friendly Japanese white sauce adds rich, creamy flavor to a variety of plant-based dishes. Try it with:
- Grilled vegetable skewers
- Veggie sushi rolls or tofu rolls
- Buddha bowls with grains and greens
- Air-fried or baked veggie fries
- Roasted cauliflower, carrots, or Brussels sprouts
- Vegetable wraps or lettuce cups
- Cold noodle salads
- Stuffed avocados or rice bowls
- It’s also excellent as a salad dressing (just thin with a little vinegar or water).
Tips for the Best Homemade Yum Yum Sauce
Use quality mayo: Vegan mayo works great for plant-based versions.
Let it chill: Refrigerating helps meld the flavors.
Customize the sweetness: Add more syrup or honey for that classic hibachi flavor.
Make it spicy: Stir in sriracha, cayenne, or chili garlic sauce to add heat.
Go creamy: Replace water with non-dairy milk for extra richness.
Yum Yum Sauce Variations
Customize your homemade hibachi sauce with these flavor twists:
Spicy Yum Yum Sauce: Add hot sauce or sriracha
Smoky White Sauce: Use smoked paprika
Garlic Lovers’ Version: Double the garlic powder or use fresh minced garlic
Citrus Kick: Add lemon or lime juice
Herbed Sauce: Mix in chopped parsley, cilantro, or dill
Sesame Flavor: Add a splash of toasted sesame oil
Coconut Twist: Swap mayo with coconut cream for a tropical flavor
Meal Prep Tips
- Make a big batch and store in small jars for quick meals
- Label & date containers to track freshness
- Freeze small portions in ice cube trays for long-term use
- Stir before serving to blend ingredients
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Yum Yum Sauce FAQs
Make it a meal
Serve with:
And add a delicious salad like:
- Easy vegan Greek salad
- Vegan Spanish bean salad
- Roasted fennel and tomatoes salad
- Easy quick couscous salad
- Couscous with roasted carrots and Dukkah
And serve with a tasty bread like:
Delicious sauces you might like
- Homemade Carolina Reaper Hot Sauce
- Copycat Arbys Red Ranch Sauce
- Easy Vietnamese Peanut sauce
- Easy Gluten Free Ponzu Sauce
- 10 Easy Hot Pot Dipping Sauces
- Japanese Hibachi Brown Sauce
- Best Quick Chinese Stir Fry Sauce
Best Japanese White sauce recipe (Yum yum sauce)
Ingredients
Japanese white sauce recipe ingredients:
- 1 cup quality mayonnaise – about 240g, regular or vegan
- 1 tablespoon ketchup – about 15g
- 1 tablespoon melted butter or olive oil – about 14g
- 1 tablespoon mirin – about 15g
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar – about 10g
- 1/2 teaspoon paprika – about 1.5g
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder – about 2.25g
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder – about 2.25g
- 1 tablespoon maple syrup or honey – about 12.5g
- 1-2 tablespoons water – about 15-30ml, or until desired consistency is reached
- Optional: a few splashes of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a touch of heat
- Optional: a small pinch of smoked paprika for a hint of smokiness
Instructions
How to make yum yum sauce
- In a small bowl, mix all the ingredients together until well blended. Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 2 hours, but for the best flavor, let it chill overnight.
- Transfer the sauce to an airtight jar for storage in the refrigerator, where it will stay fresh for up to a week.
- This recipe yields about 1 1/4 cups.
Notes
Delicious Yum yum sauce flavor variations
Here are some delicious Yum Yum Sauce flavor variations to try: 1. Spicy Yum Yum Sauce: – Add sriracha, chili paste, or cayenne pepper to give the sauce a kick. Adjust the amount to your preferred spice level. 2. Garlic Lovers’ Yum Yum Sauce: – Incorporate fresh minced garlic or increase the garlic powder for a more robust garlic flavor. 3. Smoky Yum Yum Sauce: – Mix in a small pinch of smoked paprika for a subtle smoky flavor that enhances the sauce’s complexity. 4. Citrus Yum Yum Sauce: – Squeeze in some fresh lemon or lime juice for a zesty twist that brightens the overall taste. 5. Honey Mustard Yum Yum Sauce: – Add a tablespoon of honey and a teaspoon of Dijon mustard for a sweet and tangy variation. 6. Herbed Yum Yum Sauce: – Stir in finely chopped fresh herbs like cilantro, parsley, or dill for a fresh and vibrant flavor. 7. Coconut Yum Yum Sauce: – Replace some of the mayonnaise with coconut cream for a tropical twist that adds creaminess and flavor. 8. Sesame Yum Yum Sauce: – Mix in a teaspoon of toasted sesame oil for a nutty aroma that complements the sauce perfectly. Meal prep Asian White sauce recipe Here’s how to meal prep Yum Yum Sauce for easy use throughout the week:Meal Prep Instructions for Yum Yum Sauce
1. Batch Preparation: – Double or triple the recipe to make a larger batch. This way, you have enough sauce for multiple meals. 2. Storage Containers: – Use airtight glass jars or containers to store the sauce. This helps maintain freshness and prevents odors from affecting the sauce. 3. Cooling: – After preparing the sauce, let it cool to room temperature before sealing it in containers. This helps avoid condensation inside the jars. 4. Refrigeration: – Store the jars in the refrigerator. The sauce can last up to a week, so label the containers with the date you made the sauce. 5. Portioning: – If you plan to use the sauce in smaller quantities, consider portioning it out into smaller containers. This allows for easy access without opening the entire batch. 6. Usage Tips: – Before using, give the sauce a good stir to mix any settled ingredients. – Use it as a dip, dressing, or drizzle over your favorite dishes throughout the week. 7. Freezing (Optional): – If you want to store it for longer, consider freezing small portions in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag. Thaw as needed for quick use. By following these steps, you can enjoy the deliciousness of Yum Yum Sauce throughout the week without the hassle of making it daily!About the Author
Recipe by Simone – a vegetarian chef, food blogger, and plant-based cooking expert with 13+ years of experience. Simone creates accessible vegan-friendly recipes inspired by international flavors.
