Yum Yum Sauce is a creamy hibachi sauce for meat, seafood, veggies and rice. Make this healthier gluten-free condiment with unrefined sugar!
A Perfectly Named Sauce
My version of yum yum sauce is quick, refined-sugar-free, and SO delicious! And if you’re wondering if yum yum sauce is gluten-free, the answer is not always – but this version is!
The creamy, cool condiment is also known as Japanese white sauce or sakura sauce. It is fantastic to serve with SO MANY THINGS!
If you’ve ever been to a Japanese restaurant, you’ve likely used it as a hibachi sauce for chicken or steak. It’s also fantastic on stir fried veggies, and dishes like Cauliflower Risotto Shrimp Skillet and Pineapple Fried Rice.
Yum Yum Sauce Ingredients
Below is an overview of the ingredients and instructions to make yum yum sauce. Please be sure to scroll to the recipe card below for the complete details and nutrition information.
- Full fat paleo mayonnaise– There is a big difference between traditional and paleo mayo. You’ll want to look for one made with cold pressed oils like avocado, olive, and coconut oil rather than industrial cooking oil.
- Unsweetened ketchup– If you have trouble finding it at your local grocery store, you can substitute with 2 teaspoon of tomato paste.
- Melted clarified butter– For a lactose free option, use ghee instead. Both clarified butter and ghee are very simple to make, too. Check out these articles on how to make clarified butter, and how to make ghee.
- Maple syrup– The syrup is our unrefined sugar replacement for traditional cane sugar.
- Ground paprika– If you want your hibachi sauce to have a smoky flavor, feel free to use smoked paprika.
- Cayenne pepper– The more cayenne you use, the spicier your sauce will be.
Tips and Tricks
- Adjusting the consistency: If you want your sauce a bit thinner, simply stir in a bit of extra water.
- Refrigerate before serving: Technically, you can serve yum yum sauce right after it’s made, but I recommend refrigerating for a couple of hours first. Doing this allows the flavors to blend, and ultimately, it will taste better too. Plus, I think it tastes the best when it’s cold.
- Storage and Use: Be sure to refrigerate the sauce in a covered jar or container, and use it within a week.
I haven’t tried freezing it because honestly, the recipe only makes a cup of sauce. At my house, it only lasts a day or two anyway. 😉
If you want to try freezing it, I suggest using a zip top freezer bag. This way, you can squeeze out as much air as possible, which should help prevent it from separating as much.
How to make Yum Yum Sauce
Okay, making this condiment is pretty darned simple…
- Pull out a medium size mixing bowl.
- Add all ingredients to the bowl, and whisk to combine.
- Taste and season with salt, pepper, and if desired, extra cayenne pepper.
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Yum Yum Sauce (w/ Unrefined Sugar)
- Total Time: 5 minutes
- Yield: 1 Cup 1x
- Diet: Gluten Free
Description
Yum Yum sauce is a creamy hibachi sauce for meat, seafood, veggies and rice. Make this healthier gluten free condiment with unrefined sugar!
Ingredients
- 1 cup full fat paleo mayonnaise *see notes
- 1 Tablespoon unsweetened ketchup or 2 teaspoons tomato paste
- 1 Tablespoon melted clarified butter (for lactose free, use ghee)
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon maple syrup
- ½ teaspoon paprika *see notes
- ⅛ to ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 2–3 Tablespoons water *see notes
Instructions
- Combine ingredients in a medium size bowl. Whisk or beat together until creamy.
- Taste and season with salt/pepper to your liking.
- For best flavor, refrigerate in an airtight container for 8-24 hours before serving.
- When not using, refrigerate in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 7 days.
Notes
- Paleo mayonnaise is made with cold pressed plant oils, not industrial oils. Ex: olive oil, avocado oil, macadamia nut oil, or naturally refined coconut oil.
- For a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika.
- For thinner sauce, use 3 Tablespoons water.
- Prep Time: 5 Minutes
- Category: Sauces
- Method: N/A
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tbsp
- Calories: 53
- Sugar: 0.3 g
- Sodium: 100.4 mg
- Fat: 5.2 g
- Saturated Fat: 1 g
- Carbohydrates: 1.4 g
- Fiber: 0.1 g
- Protein: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 11.9 mg
Have you ever made the yum yum sauce with Greek yogurt?
I haven’t but worth a shot! Let me know if you do try it Suzy.
Yum yum, for sure! I made a batch to use as a dip for tempura veggies and it was perfect!
I can seriously eat this with a spoon, it is THAT good! Great recipe!