Homemade Yum Yum Sauce (Hibachi-Style White Sauce)

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This Homemade Yum Yum Sauce is creamy, tangy, and just a little sweet, just like the sauce served at your favorite Japanese steakhouse. It’s perfect for drizzling over hibachi fried rice, dipping shrimp, or spreading on sandwiches and burgers. Best of all, it comes together in minutes with simple pantry ingredients.

Planning hibachi night at home? Pair this sauce with Hibachi Vegetables, Hibachi Fried Rice, Hibachi Chicken, or even Garlic Butter Shrimp for the full experience.

Before You Sauce, Read This!

💬 The Vibe: Creamy, savory, a little sweet, a little smoky—the ultimate finishing touch for your hibachi-style dinner.

🔑 What You Gotta Know: Use full-fat mayo for the best texture. Japanese mayo (like Kewpie) gets you closest to the real restaurant flavor.

🍤 Best Bite Alert: Dip your shrimp, swirl it through rice, or drizzle it on fries. It truly makes everything better.

Close up side view of yum yum sauce in jar on black tile surface.

Why You'll Love This Sauce

Tastes just like the steakhouse version
Creamy, tangy, and perfectly seasoned
Quick and easy to make at home
Great for dipping, drizzling, or spreading

What Is Yum Yum Sauce?

Yum Yum Sauce is a creamy, mayo-based condiment often served at Japanese-American hibachi restaurants. It’s also known as white sauce, Sakura sauce, or shrimp sauce. It’s usually pale orange in color and has a unique blend of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors. Perfect with grilled meats, fried rice, and veggies.

Ingredients You'll Need

Overhead view of ingredients needed to make sauce in separate bowls on black tile surface.

Mayonnaise - Full-fat mayo is best for a creamy, rich texture. Japanese mayo (like Kewpie) is a great substitute.
Ketchup - Adds sweetness, a little tang, and helps with the sauce’s color.
Sriracha - For a hint of heat. Adjust to taste.
Rice Vinegar - Brings acidity and balance. Substitute white vinegar if needed.
Sugar - Balances out the tang and spice.
Garlic Powder - Adds a mild savory note.
Ground Ginger - Adds warmth and a slightly earthy flavor.
Dry Mustard - Gives the sauce a little tangy sharpness.
Smoked Paprika - For smoky depth and added color.
Salt & Ground Black Pepper - Enhances and rounds out all the other flavors.

👉🏾 See the recipe card below for exact quantities and full instructions.

How To Make Yum Yum Sauce

1. Mix the base. In a small bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, water, ketchup, sriracha, and rice vinegar.

2. Add the spices. Stir in sugar, garlic powder, ground ginger, dry mustard, smoked paprika, salt, and black pepper.

Overhead view of sauce ingredients combined in large glass bowl with whisk on black tile surface.

3. Taste and tweak. Add more sriracha for heat, vinegar for tang, or sugar for sweetness.

4. Chill or serve. Store in an airtight jar or container in the fridge until ready to serve. The flavor improves after sitting for at least 30 minutes. Enjoy!

Overhead view of jar with sauce in it on black tile surface.

Variations & Substitutions

Mayo: Use Kewpie for a richer, eggier taste.
Vinegar: Swap in white wine vinegar or distilled vinegar.
Heat: Add more sriracha, cayenne pepper, or hot sauce.
Creaminess: Stir in a splash of olive oil or melted butter.
Color: Add more paprika or a bit of tomato paste.
Flavor Boost: A pinch of onion powder or a drop of Worcestershire sauce goes a long way.

Yum Yum Sauce FAQs

Is this the same as Japanese white sauce?

Yes! It’s also called white sauce, Sakura sauce, or shrimp sauce.

How long does it last?

Store in the refrigerator in an airtight container for up to 1 week. Stir before each use.

Can I make it ahead?

Absolutely! In fact, it tastes better after sitting for 30 minutes to let the flavors develop.

Can I freeze it?

Freezing is not recommended. The mayo can separate and become grainy.

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Storage Tips

Refrigerator: Store in a sealed container or jar for up to 7 days.
Before serving: Stir well to recombine.
Make-ahead: Best made ahead of time so flavors can meld together.

Close up side view of bowl of vegetables topped with sauce on black tile surface.

Want Some Recipes To Pair This Yummy Sauce With? Try These:

Have a question or a favorite way to use Yum-Yum Sauce? Drop it in the comments. I'd love to hear how you make it your own!

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