3-Minute Japanese White Sauce (Yum Yum Sauce)

This girl is infatuated with Japanese white sauce

Preferably Hibachi style. You know – the ones where they cook right in from of you. I grew up going to these restaurants because they were also my mom’s favorite. Pretty sure that’s where my love for Japanese food comes in, and it isn’t just the food- it’s their delicious sauces too!

My top two favorite sauces are Lemon Beurre Blanc sauce and the white sauce. The white sauce is better known as yum yum sauce, and that’s what I’m bringing to you today!

It’s a very simple sauce to make and is not time-consuming at all!

INGREDIENTS USED TO MAKE JAPANESE WHITE SAUCE (YUM YUM SAUCE)

WHAT MAKES JAPANESE WHITE SAUCE (YUM YUM SAUCE) SO SAUCY

  • Mayo: The creamy base for the sauce.
  • Melted butter: Adds richness and depth.
  • Tomato paste: Provides a subtle sweetness and color.
  • Paprika: Adds a hint of smokiness.
  • Garlic powder: For a touch of savory goodness.
  • Cayenne pepper: Brings a little heat.
  • Water: Adjusts the consistency.

Tip: I like to keep the tubes of tomato paste in the fridge rather than the cans. The tubes stay fresh much longer!

HOW TO MAKE JAPANESE WHITE SAUCE (YUM YUM SAUCE) JAPANESE WHITE SAUCE (YUM YUM SAUCE)

QUICK HOMEMADE RECIPE

  • Gather Your Ingredients: Ensure you have all your ingredients measured out and ready to go. This will make the mixing process quick and easy.
  • Combine Ingredients: In a small mixing bowl, add the mayo, melted butter, tomato paste, paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper.
  • Mix Well: Using a whisk, mix all the ingredients together until they are thoroughly combined and the sauce is smooth. If the mixture is too thick, gradually add 2-4 tablespoons of water, whisking until you reach your desired consistency.
  • Chill for Best Flavor: Transfer the sauce to a container with a lid and place it in the refrigerator. Allow it to chill for at least 1 hour, or up to 24 hours, to let the flavors meld together. This step is optional but highly recommended for the best taste.
  • Serve and Enjoy: Your Yum Yum Sauce is ready to serve! Enjoy it with chicken, steak, seafood, vegetables, or as a dipping sauce for your favorite dishes.

WHAT MAKES JAPANESE WHITE SAUCE (YUM YUM SAUCE) SO SAUCY

  • Ingredients: mayo, melted butter, tomato paste, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne pepper, and water. Tip: I like to keep the tubes of tomato paste in the fridge rather than the cans. The tubes stay fresh much longer! 
  • Time: You got 3 minutes to spare? Awesome. That’s all it takes to make this sauce from start to finish. Booya.
  • Flavor: Yum Yum sauce has an incredible flavor. I favor it on my rice and seafood but it’s dang good on chicken and meat too. I actually found myself dipping some pork chops into this stuff. Lemme tell ya- AHHHHMAZING!

This Japanese white sauce (yum yum sauce) is even a hit with the kids. Well, Japanese food and condiments are a hit with everyone in our casa because, like my mom, I have taken my kids to cook-on-the-table (as we call them) restaurants A LOT.

Can’t beat those lunchtime prices and all that yummy and delicious food. Hint: Japanese Hibachi lunches usually run 10-15.00 as opposed to the dinner which is double, if not triple that, so we tend to go for lunch. Also, one of the Hibachi places here in Vero Beach has kids eat free on Sunday- so lunch prices and kids eat free? Sign. Me. Up.

So, if you got 3 minutes and need an awesome sauce condiment to go with your food, this Japanese white sauce recipe – Yum Yum Sauce – is where it’s at.

So. Delish.

Yum.

INSTRUCTIONS

QUICK HOMEMADE RECIPE

  • Author: Jen | So Damn Delish
  • Prep Time: 3 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cup

Homemade Japanese white sauce is referred to as yum yum sauce. Found at Japanese restaurants it’s great for chicken, steak, veggies, and seafood and takes only 3 minutes to whisk together!

INGREDIENTS

  • 1 cup mayo
  • 1 Tablespoon melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 2-4 Tablespoons water

INSTRUCTIONS

  • Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl. Let chill in the fridge for 1-24 hours for flavors to meld. Done! Party on. 

NOTES

  • I always start with 2 Tablespoons of water. I add more depending on how thin I want the sauce.

NUTRITION FACTS (PER SERVING) 

  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 95mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

If you're looking for Japanese white sauce in stores, you'll find that many Asian markets carry it, but making it at home is quick and satisfying. Checking the Japanese white sauce calories can help you keep track of your nutritional intake while enjoying this delectable sauce.

TIPS FOR THE PERFECT JAPANESE WHITE SAUSE

Crafting the perfect Yum Yum Sauce is all about balance and personal preference. Here are some tips to ensure your sauce turns out just right:

Consistency is Key

  • Start with Less Water: Begin by adding 2 tablespoons of water to your mixture. Gradually add more if needed to reach your desired thickness. The sauce should be creamy and smooth, not too runny.
  • Adjust Thickness: If your sauce turns out too thin, you can thicken it by adding a bit more mayo or reducing the amount of water.

Chill for Best Flavor

  • Flavor Melding: Let the sauce chill in the refrigerator for at least 1 hour. This allows the flavors to meld together, resulting in a more cohesive and delicious taste.
  • Overnight Magic: For the best results, let it sit overnight. This extended chilling time enhances the flavor profile.

Quality Ingredients

  • Use Fresh Spices: Fresh spices make a big difference. Ensure your paprika, garlic powder, and cayenne pepper are not stale for the best taste.
  • Mayo Matters: Use a good-quality mayonnaise as the base. It’s the main ingredient and significantly impacts the sauce’s flavor.

Storage Tips

  • Airtight Container: Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. This keeps the sauce fresh and prevents it from absorbing other fridge odors.
  • Shelf Life: The sauce will stay fresh for up to a week when properly stored. Always give it a quick stir before serving again.

Customization Options

  • Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a spicier sauce, add a bit more cayenne pepper. For a milder version, reduce the amount.
  • Flavor Tweaks: Play around with the garlic powder and paprika levels to suit your taste. You can even add a splash of soy sauce for a different twist.
  • Citrus Zing: A small squeeze of lemon juice can add a nice zing to the sauce, balancing the richness of the mayo and butter.

Looking for more simple, tasty recipes to spice up your meals? Check out So Damn Delish for a variety of easy-to-make dishes that are packed with flavor and perfect for any occasion. Let’s get cooking!

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3-Minute Japanese White Sauce (Yum Yum Sauce)

3-Minute Japanese White Sauce (Yum Yum Sauce)

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  • Author: SoDamnDelish
  • Prep Time: 3 minutes
  • Total Time: 3 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cup 1x
  • Category: Dressings & Sauces

Description

Found at Japanese restaurants, Japanese white sauce is great for chicken, steak, veggies, and seafood. Cook it in only 3 minutes (easy!) with So Damn Delish!


Ingredients

Scale
  • 1 cup mayo
  • 1 Tablespoon melted butter
  • 1 teaspoon tomato paste
  • 1/2 teaspoon paprika
  • 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder
  • 1/8 teaspoon cayenne pepper
  • 24 Tablespoons water

Instructions

  • Whisk together all ingredients in a small bowl. Let chill in the fridge for 1-24 hours for flavors to meld. Done! Party on. 

Notes

  • I always start with 2 Tablespoons of water. I add more depending on how thin I want the sauce.

Nutrition

  • Calories: 110
  • Sugar: 0g
  • Sodium: 95mg
  • Fat: 12g
  • Saturated Fat: 2g
  • Unsaturated Fat: 9g
  • Trans Fat: 0g
  • Carbohydrates: 1g
  • Fiber: 0g
  • Protein: 0g
  • Cholesterol: 10mg

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