Name: Yum Yum Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 10 min
Total time: 1 h 10 min
Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 3 tablespoons ketchup; 1 tablespoon sriracha sauce; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1 tablespoon rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon mirin; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder

Jump to Recipe· 3.9 from 2 reviews

I absolutely adore sharing this Yum Yum Sauce Recipe with friends because it has become one of my go-to sauces whenever I want to add a burst of creamy, tangy, and slightly spicy flavor to my dishes. It’s that perfect all-around condiment that lifts everything from grilled seafood to simple veggies. Every time I whip it up, I’m reminded why this sauce has such a cult following — it’s insanely easy to make, yet the flavor is anything but ordinary.

Why You’ll Love This Yum Yum Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need

A close-up view of a small white bowl filled with a light peach-colored creamy sauce that has a smooth and slightly thick texture. A silver spoon lifts some of the sauce above the bowl, showing the sauce slowly dripping back down with a bit of foam on the surface. The bowl sits on a wooden surface, and a soft green cloth with frayed edges is placed nearby against a white marbled background. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

What makes this Yum Yum Sauce Recipe truly special to me is its perfectly balanced flavor profile. The creamy base of mayonnaise teamed with a touch of tangy ketchup and the subtle heat from sriracha works harmoniously to create a sauce that’s rich but not overwhelming. Then there’s the paprika that adds a smoky depth and the delicate sweetness from mirin, which keeps the flavor bright. Every bite feels like a little celebration of taste.

Moreover, I love how straightforward this recipe is to prepare. The ingredients are simple staples you might already have in your pantry, and it takes just minutes to mix everything together—no cooking required! I find it perfect for so many occasions, whether I’m hosting a casual dinner, making sushi at home, or just jazzing up a weekday meal. Its versatility and bold personality really make it stand out on my table time and again.

Ingredients You’ll Need

The magic of this Yum Yum Sauce Recipe lies in its simple yet essential ingredients that blend together to create the perfect harmony of creaminess, spice, and tang. Each ingredient plays a distinct role in adding flavor, texture, and color, giving the sauce its signature pinkish hue and that irresistible taste.

Pro Tip ✨

Check out the full list of ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.

Mayonnaise: The creamy base that gives the sauce its rich texture.
Ketchup: Adds a subtle sweetness and a rosy color that brightens the sauce.
Sriracha sauce: Provides just the right amount of heat to make it exciting without overpowering.
Paprika: Brings a smoky, slightly sweet undertone that deepens the flavor.
Rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that balances the richness perfectly.
Mirin: This sweet Japanese rice wine introduces a delicate, fruity sweetness.
Garlic powder: Offers a mellow garlic flavor that blends seamlessly.
Onion powder: Rounds out the taste with a subtle onion savoriness.

Directions

Step 1: Begin by gathering all your ingredients and measuring them out precisely. This makes the process smooth and ensures the perfect balance of flavors.

Step 2: In a medium-sized bowl, combine the mayonnaise, ketchup, and sriracha sauce. Stir them together gently until the mixture becomes smooth and uniform in color.

Step 3: Next, sprinkle in the paprika, garlic powder, and onion powder. Mix well to evenly distribute these spices throughout the sauce, which is key to achieving that signature Yum Yum taste.

Step 4: Add the rice vinegar and mirin to the bowl and continue stirring until the sauce is creamy and homogenous. These liquid ingredients brighten the flavor beautifully.

Step 5: Cover the bowl tightly with plastic wrap, and refrigerate the sauce for at least 30 minutes. This resting time allows the flavors to meld and intensify, making the sauce even more delicious when served.

Servings and Timing

This recipe makes approximately 1 cup of Yum Yum Sauce, perfect for serving about 4 to 6 people depending on how generously you use it. The prep time is incredibly short — about 5 minutes to mix everything together. You’ll want to factor in at least 30 minutes of chilling time to let the flavors develop, but there’s no active cook time involved. Overall, from start to finish, plan for around 35 to 40 minutes before you can enjoy this fantastic sauce at its best.

How to Serve This Yum Yum Sauce Recipe

When it comes to serving this Yum Yum Sauce Recipe, I love to pair it with grilled shrimp or chicken, as the creamy tang complements the smoky flavors so well. It’s also an absolute star drizzled over freshly steamed rice or mixed into a veggie stir-fry for an easy flavor upgrade. If you’re making sushi or seafood appetizers, this sauce is your magic touch for dipping or drizzling.

For presentation, I like to spoon it into a small bowl and garnish with a sprinkle of paprika or some finely chopped green onions for a pop of color. It also looks fantastic in a squeeze bottle if you want to create pretty swirls on a plate. I usually serve it chilled, straight from the fridge, which helps it stay thick and luscious.

When choosing drinks, I find that a crisp, cold white wine like Sauvignon Blanc or a refreshing citrusy cocktail pairs perfectly, cutting through the richness without overwhelming the sauce’s delicate sweetness and spice. For non-alcoholic options, sparkling water with a twist of lime or iced green tea balances the flavors wonderfully. Whether it’s a casual weeknight dinner or a festive gathering, this sauce adds a fun and flavorful touch that everyone appreciates.

Variations

I enjoy experimenting with this Yum Yum Sauce Recipe depending on what ingredients I have on hand or the flavor profile I want to achieve. For example, swapping out sriracha for a milder chili sauce makes it more kid-friendly while keeping the heat adjustable to your taste. If you prefer a tangier sauce, I sometimes add a little fresh lemon juice in place of some of the rice vinegar.

For those looking for dietary tweaks, I’ve tried making a vegan version using vegan mayonnaise, and it works beautifully with all the same spices and liquids. To make it gluten-free, just double-check your mirin and sriracha labels as some brands may contain wheat. You could also turn this into a smoky chipotle-style sauce by replacing the paprika with chipotle powder, adding a deeper, smoky heat that’s fantastic on grilled meats.

Occasionally, I make a thicker dip by reducing the vinegar slightly or a thinner dressing by adding a splash of water or more rice vinegar. The versatility of this recipe is one reason I love it so much — you can customize it without losing that iconic Yum Yum sauce charm.

Storage and Reheating

Storing Leftovers

Leftover Yum Yum Sauce should be stored in an airtight container or a glass jar with a tight lid to keep it fresh and prevent any cross-contamination of flavors. I typically keep mine in the refrigerator, where it stays good for up to one week. Make sure to use a clean spoon every time you scoop to avoid introducing bacteria. If you notice any separation, just give it a good stir before serving.

Freezing

Freezing this Yum Yum Sauce Recipe is not something I usually recommend because the mayonnaise base tends to separate after thawing, which can affect the texture and overall taste. However, if you do want to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container leaving some headspace for expansion, and consume within one month. When thawed, you may need to whisk it vigorously and possibly add a bit of fresh mayonnaise to bring it back together.

Reheating

This sauce is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary and might alter its creamy texture. If you want to warm it slightly, I suggest letting it sit out at room temperature for 10 to 15 minutes rather than heating it in the microwave or on the stove. This gentle warming helps it regain a smoother consistency without breaking down the delicate flavors.

FAQs

What can I substitute if I don’t have mirin?

If you don’t have mirin on hand, a combination of rice vinegar and a little sugar works well as a substitute to mimic its sweetness and mild acidity. Alternatively, sweet white wine or a splash of apple juice can be used in a pinch to add that subtle fruity note.

How spicy is this Yum Yum Sauce Recipe?

The spice level is moderate thanks to the sriracha. It gives just a gentle kick without overpowering the creaminess of the mayonnaise. If you prefer less heat, you can reduce the amount of sriracha or omit it entirely for a milder, kid-friendly sauce.

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Absolutely! In fact, making the sauce a few hours or even a day before serving allows the flavors to meld and intensify, making it taste even better. Just keep it refrigerated and stir before serving.

Is this sauce keto-friendly?

Yes, this Yum Yum Sauce Recipe is generally keto-friendly because it is low in carbs and contains healthy fats from mayonnaise. Just be mindful of the ketchup and mirin quantities if you are strictly tracking your carb intake, as they contain small amounts of sugar.

What dishes pair best with Yum Yum sauce?

I love pairing this sauce with grilled or fried seafood like shrimp and fish, grilled chicken, sushi rolls, roasted vegetables, and even as a spread on sandwiches or burgers. It’s incredibly versatile and adds a flavorful punch to so many dishes.

Conclusion

I can’t recommend this Yum Yum Sauce Recipe enough if you’re looking to elevate your meals with a creamy, tangy, and subtly spicy sauce that’s easy to make and endlessly versatile. It’s one of those recipes that feels like a secret weapon in the kitchen, bringing joy to every bite. Give it a try—you might just find your new favorite sauce like I did!