Yum Yum Sauce: A Japanese Steakhouse Condiment
Yum Yum Sauce, also known as white sauce, Sakura sauce, seafood sauce, or pale pink sauce, is a popular condiment commonly found in Japanese steak houses. It is a mayo-based sauce that is light, sweet, and tangy, and is often served with hibachi-grilled meats, seafood, vegetables, rice, noodles, and more. The sauce is made from simple ingredients such as mayonnaise, sugar, butter, paprika, ketchup, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and onion powder, and can be easily prepared at home in just a few minutes. The main ingredients of Yum Yum Sauce include mayonnaise, rice vinegar, tomato paste, paprika, garlic powder, sugar, butter, salt, pepper, and water. It is a versatile condiment that can be used as a dipping sauce for various foods such as sushi, shrimp, grilled chicken, wontons, sweet potato fries, onion rings, stir-fry vegetables, and more. While it is a staple at Japanese hibachi restaurants, it is not commonly found in Japan and is more of a North American creation. Yum Yum Sauce is often described as a must-have accompaniment for a complete Japanese steakhouse meal, and its popularity has led to numerous homemade recipes and variations.
For those interested in making Yum Yum Sauce at home, here is a simple recipe:
Homemade Yum Yum Sauce Recipe
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Ingredients:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon tomato paste
- 1 tablespoon paprika
- 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon sugar
- 1/4 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon black pepper
- 1/4 cup melted butter
- 1-2 tablespoons water (to adjust consistency)
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Instructions:
- In a bowl, whisk together the mayonnaise, rice vinegar, tomato paste, paprika, garlic powder, sugar, salt, and black pepper.
- Gradually add the melted butter while whisking continuously.
- Adjust the consistency by adding water as needed.
- Refrigerate the sauce in an airtight container for up to 10 days.
This homemade Yum Yum Sauce recipe captures the sweet and slightly tangy flavor of the popular Japanese steakhouse sauce, allowing you to enjoy it with your favorite dishes at home.