Yum sauce is kind of a big deal at our house. My husband grew up eating at Hibachi-style restaurants, probably the most famous being Benihana, and the one we went to in our town most often is called Ohana. I love stir fry, but my husband Trey LOVES stir fry. It’s a meal we not only eat in restaurants fairly often, but also make at home a lot. And yum sauce is a must with these meals. It’s the perfect creamy complement to a stir fry meal. Or at least I think so. 🙂
I’ll be honest, I usually just buy a container of store-bought yum sauce when we are running low. But, recently I had that on my list and the grocery store I was at did not have it in stock. So that’s what inspired me to go ahead and develop a yum sauce recipe that would pass my husband’s high standards. My version (in the recipe printable below) is slightly more spicy than the kind you’ll find at a Hibachi grill, but only a little. And if you like, just scale back on the sriracha.
So what ingredients are in yum sauce? It’s mostly … (surprise) mayo. If you can use a Japanese mayo, even better (like Kewpie), but it’s not necessary. Other than that, there is also butter, ketchup, sriracha, sugar, and a number of spices. It’s kind of a weird combination but truly, well, yummy. Ha.
Random, but I had to share this! Months ago, my 10-year-old niece stayed over one night and “pranked” us by adding googly eyes to all the condiments. I have been shocked by how long they have stayed on in the refrigerator. I had no idea glue dots would work that well. I’m also a little afraid when I shake up a bottle that a googly eye is going to fall off in my food, but it also makes me smile every time I see them. Best prank ever.
She also wrapped our toilet in Saran wrap that night, which I didn’t love as much. Ha.
I have a feeling someone will ask how long yum sauce will last in the refrigerator. I am not a food scientist, so technically I am not sure, but if you’re concerned I’d label it with the same expiration as the mayo since it’s the main ingredient. We tend to use ours up long before it starts to look or smell questionable, but that’s always a good test too. Happy stir frying, friends! xo. Emma
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Ingredients
- 1 cup mayo
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 2 teaspoons ketchup
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar (or white vinegar)
- 1 ½ teaspoons sriracha
- 2 teaspoons granulated white sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ¼ teaspoon cayenne
- 1-2 tablespoons water
Instructions
- In a mixing bowl, combine all the ingredients except water. Stir to combine. Taste and if needed add more hot sauce or salt and pepper—whatever you think it needs. Then thin to your desired consistency with water.
- Store in a container with a lid in a refrigerator when not using.
We’re on our second batch of this yum sauce. Super delish. Was missing the Hibachi restaurant we used to visit, so this sauce totally hit the spot!
Ooh looks delicious! Can’t wait to try it.
Omg I love this stuff. Will definitely be trying this version!!
-Kate
https://daysofkate.com/
thanks for sharing, I’ve had versions of this before and never known what’s in it! So thank you, and I also appreciate the spicey version!
Delish! I added a bit more heat with more sriracha. Plan to serve this with fish tacos tonight. Thanks, Emma! 😀
I love making this at home! The recipe I use suggests to let it sit for two hours to allow time for the flavors to meld, and I find it really makes a difference in the taste.
I am obsessed with yum sauce. I just buy it because I didn’t realize it was made with ingredients I always have in my house. Now I’ll have to make it. Doesn’t look that hard at all.
Im not that into mayo so my go to for stir fry and basically all Asian food is Go-chu-jang sauce. Its Korean, hot and yummy! Highly recommend you to try it out!
O hellll yes. I too am a stir fry enthusiast! Never thought to make my own yum sauce…. or slap googly eyes on my condiments!
Hahahaha I love those googly eyes! Def best prank ever.
Yeah. She really got us. 🙂
It looks very tasty and healthy. Thanks for the recipe!
What do you use this sauce on? Is it a dipping sauce?
It’s usually served as a dipping sauce for savory foods. But I’ll be honest, we usually drizzle it over a bowl of stir fry when we eat it at home.
Thanks! It looks delicious. Can’t wait to try it.