Never miss a recipe! Subscribe Here

  • About
  • Contact
  • Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
Cotter Crunch

Cotter Crunch

Delicious Healthy Gluten Free Recipes

  • All Recipes
    • By Diet
      • Dairy-Free
      • Egg-Free
      • Gluten-Free
      • Grain-Free
      • Low-Carb
      • Nightshade-Free
      • Nut-Free
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole30
    • By Type
      • Breakfasts
      • Casseroles
      • Condiments
      • Desserts
      • Drinks
      • Main Dishes
      • Sides & Salads
      • Snacks & Appetizers
      • Stews & Soups
    • By Method
      • Air Fryer
      • Blender
      • Instant Pot
      • No-Bake
      • Oven
      • Slow Cooker
      • Stovetop
    • Quick Meals
    • With Video
  • Meal Plans
  • Shop
  • Start Here
    • Gluten-Free Eating
    • More Diet Guides
      • Autoimmune Protocol
      • Anti-Inflammatory
      • Vegan
      • Vegetarian
      • Whole30
  • Cookbooks
  • Search
Home › Recipes › By Type › Condiments
★★★★★4 Comments

Yum Yum Sauce (w/ Unrefined Sugar)

Avatar photo

by Lindsay Cotter Published: Mar 1, 2021

Dairy-FreeGluten-FreeGrain-FreeNut-FreeVegetarian
Jump to Recipe

Yum Yum sauce is a creamy hibachi sauce for meat, seafood, veggies and rice. Make this healthier gluten free condiment with unrefined sugar!

overhead image: Japanese sakura sauce on spoon over bowl of the sauce

This is it! The very last recipe for refined sugar free month. Okay yes, technically it’s a new month, but we didn’t want to forget this one. It’s a saucy staple. YUM YUM! 😉 So get your party pants on because I am so excited to show you how to make yum yum sauce extra yummy without the sugar. 

Yes, I just went there. 

My version is quick, refined sugar free, and SO delicious! Oh, 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.

overhead view two serving spoons in skillet of homemade healthy fried rice

Like most of the healthier dipping sauces I make, I am pretty obsessed with this one. I’m not a gambler but I’m willing to bet that you’ll love it too.

Yum Yum Sauce Ingredients

yum yum sauce ingredients in prep bowls: paleo mayo, maple syrup, ghee, and spices
  • 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.

How to make Japanese white sauce

By the way, I have no idea why they call it white sauce, because it’s not white in color- it’s pink! Speaking of pink, I wonder how pink pickles dipped into this sauce would taste? Worth a try!

yum yum sauce ingredients in prep bowls: paleo mayo, maple syrup, butter, and spices in a bowl

Okay, making this condiment is pretty darned simple…

  1. Pull out a medium size mixing bowl.
  2. Add all ingredients to the bowl, and whisk to combine.
  3. Taste and season with salt, pepper, and if desired, extra cayenne pepper.

I told you it is easy to make!

refined sugar free healthy yum yum sauce on ladle in bowl
refined sugar free healthy yum yum sauce on ladle in bowl

Recipe notes

  • 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.
Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon
overhead image: Japanese sakura sauce on spoon over bowl of the sauce

Yum Yum Sauce (w/ Unrefined Sugar)


★★★★★

5 from 2 reviews

  • Author: Lindsay Cotter
  • Total Time: 5 minutes
  • Yield: 1 Cup 1x
  • Diet: Gluten Free
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

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

Units Scale
  • 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

  1. Combine ingredients in a medium size bowl. Whisk or beat together until creamy. 
  2. Taste and season with salt/pepper to your liking. 
  3. For best flavor, refrigerate in an airtight container for 8-24 hours before serving.
  4. When not using, refrigerate in an airtight container. It will keep for up to 7 days.

Notes

  1. 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. 
  2. For a smokier flavor, use smoked paprika.
  3. 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

Keywords: yum yum sauce, Japanese white sauce, sakura sauce, hibachi sauce

Did you make this recipe?

Tag @cottercrunch on Instagram and hashtag it #cottercrunch

Alright my friends, let me know if you give yum yum sauce a whirl!

And, if you joined us for refined sugar free month, then please, share your experience. Did you find it challenging? Helpful?

Cheers,

LC

198 shares
  • Share
  • Tweet

Categories: Condiments, Dairy-Free, Gluten-Free, Grain-Free, Nut-Free, Vegetarian

More recipes you’ll love!

two jars one labeled chickpea the other labeled chickpea brine
How to Make Aquafaba
a white bowl filled with mint chimichurri sauce with a golden spoon dipped in the center
Mint Chimichurri Sauce Recipe
overhead image of vegan mac and cheese sauce in a blue bowl
Easy Vegan Cheese Sauce Recipe
mayo in bowl with spices
How to Make Homemade Chipotle Mayo {Paleo}
Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

  • About
  • Studio
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Have a question? Use ctrl+f or ⌘+f on your computer or the “find on page” function on your phone browser to search existing comments!

Reader Interactions

Comments

    Rate & Comment Cancel reply

    Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

    Recipe rating ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆ ★☆

  1. Suzy

    07/10/2022 at 8:00 AM

    Have you ever made the yum yum sauce with Greek yogurt?

    Reply
    • Avatar photoLindsay Cotter

      07/11/2022 at 5:02 PM

      I haven’t but worth a shot! Let me know if you do try it Suzy.

      Reply
  2. wilhelmina

    03/03/2021 at 10:30 AM

    Yum yum, for sure! I made a batch to use as a dip for tempura veggies and it was perfect!

    ★★★★★

    Reply
  3. Doris Layhe

    03/02/2021 at 12:01 PM

    I can seriously eat this with a spoon, it is THAT good! Great recipe!

    ★★★★★

    Reply

Primary Sidebar

Lindsay Cotter of Cotter Crunch

About Lindsay

Hi, y’all, I’m Lindsay Cotter, a Nutrition Specialist with a focus on Gluten-Free eating. I love creating delicious nourishing food that anyone can enjoy.

  • About
  • Studio
  • Shop
  • Subscribe
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube

Reader Favorites

  • photo collage of dairy-free gluten-free anti-inflammatory meal plan recipes
    Anti-Inflammatory Meal Plan {Dairy Free, Gluten-Free Recipes & Tips}
  • cinnamon bites in turquoise bowl, top protein ball has bite taken out to show inside texture.
    Cinnamon Vanilla Protein Breakfast Bites + Video
  • a bowl of curried cauliflower rice soup
    Curried Cauliflower Soup with Kale
  • Collage of 4 saucepans and skillets filled with 4 different varieties of gluten free roux.
    How to Make Gluten Free Roux for Keto Sauces + Soups
  • stack of dried orange slices on white background
    Dried Orange Slices (Oven or Dehydrator)
  • a skillet full of four balsamic roasted cranberry chicken thighs surrounded by roasted cranberries
    Balsamic Roasted Cranberry Chicken

Recipes by Diet

  • Dairy-Free
  • Egg-Free
  • Gluten-Free
  • Grain-Free
  • Low-Carb
  • Nightshade-Free
  • Nut-Free
  • Vegan
  • Vegetarian
  • Whole30

Recipes by Method

  • Air Fryer
  • Blender
  • Instant Pot
  • No-Bake
  • Oven
  • Slow Cooker
  • Stovetop

Recipes by Type

  • Breakfasts
  • Casseroles
  • Condiments
  • Desserts
  • Drinks
  • Main Dishes
  • Sides & Salads
  • Snacks & Apps
  • Stews & Soups

Resources & More

  • Meal Plans
  • Nutrition Guides
  • How-To
  • Quick Meals
  • Videos
  • Round Ups
  • Cookbook
  • GF Start Here
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Facebook
  • Twitter
  • YouTube
Cotter Crunch
  • About
  • Studio
  • Shop
  • Contact

© 2023 · Cotter Crunch · Disclaimer & Terms · Privacy Policy

198 shares