This is no ordinary Yum Yum Sauce. If you’ve had the popular Japanese steakhouse sauce that’s made with ketchup but want even more flavor, this is the version for you. It has the same texture and flavor balance with even fewer ingredients. Here’s how to make it!

A delicious sauce can take any recipe from good to great. This belief was at the heart of the whole cookbook-writing process for me. I wanted the recipes in Start with a Vegetable to be incredibly simple but to still be memorable and unique. And often sauces are the key! 

And for years, I’ve been making this sauce that mimics the flavors of that dipping sauce at Japanese steakhouses, but honestly, this one is better. 😉 Instead of ketchup, this version gets its sweet-tart balance from Sweet Thai Chili Sauce. You won’t believe how much flavor this adds! Bonus that the chili sauce has other flavors that you might look for in Yum Yum Sauce like garlic and just a hint of spice. 

What to serve with Yum Yum Sauce

Honestly, there’s almost no wrong answer. This sauce goes with so. many. things. Try it with any burgers (though I really love it with Black Bean Burgers), Veggie Burger Bowls, Salmon Bites, and Sweet Potato Fries.

What is Yum Yum Sauce?

It’s a Japanese hibachi restaurant favorite. It’s creamy, sweet, tangy, and sometimes has just a hint of spice. There are many variations on the sauce that result in a similar flavor, but the classic version is made with mayo, ketchup, garlic powder, paprika, vinegar, and a bit of sugar for sweetness. The flavor can be incredibly mild, reminiscent of Thousand Island Dressing, or more bold in spice or tanginess. It’s also sometimes called hibachi sauce or white sauce, but I love calling it Yum Yum Sauce or “Yummy Sauce”. 

To be clear, this sauce is an American creation, not a Japanese one. You’ll usually only find it at hibachi restaurants in places outside of Japan.

Real Talk: Terry Ho’s Version

Okay, if you go searching for store-bought Yum Yum Sauce, it will likely take you to Terry Ho’s version. This brand is self-proclaimed as the “best” version out there, but honestly, I beg to differ. I found this sauce to be pretty flat compared to what I’ve had at hibachi restaurants and definitely less flavorful than the version I make at home and shared here.

Ingredients in Yum Yum Sauce

• Mayonnaise – This is key in any Yum Yum Sauce. The base comes from creamy mayo.
• Sweet Thai Chili Sauce – In this easier version of the sauce, Sweet Thai Chili Sauce covers all of the flavor bases often covered by sugar, butter, ketchup, and garlic powder.
• Paprika – Largely for color and a bit of savory flavor. 
• Rice Vinegar – This is key for the sauce’s tangy flavor. 
• Sriracha or other hot sauce – Optional, but great if you want a bit more spice.

The Color of “White Sauce”

Even though this sauce is sometimes called white sauce, it’s never white at all. The color is light pink flecked with red from the paprika. 

Storing Yum Yum Sauce

This sauce can easily be made up to 4 days ahead. Just give it a good stir or whisk before serving.

More Easy Homemade Sauce Recipes

Thai Peanut Sauce

Homemade Enchilada Sauce

Blender Hollandaise Sauce

Pad Thai Sauce