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Those Japanese steakhouses have nothing on this super easy homemade recipe for Yum Yum sauce!

Yum Yum sauce is a popular Japanese-style sauce that is light and tangy, and an absolute go-to for all kinds of things, even salad dressing!

This sweet copycat sauce should be in the fridge year-round! Just a few simple ingredients from the pantry and refrigerator are all it takes to have a stir-fry sauce, a hibachi sauce, and a grill sauce all in one!

Yum Yum Sauce in a bowl with a whisk

What is Yum Yum Sauce?

Also called Sakura Sauce or White or Pink Sauce, Yum Yum sauce is made from just a few simple ingredients found right at home:

  • mayo
  • ketchup
  • sugar

This delicious sauce has so many uses at home, it can be used for dip, dressing or even marinade!

If stir fry or tempura veggies are on the menu, Yum Yum sauce is an absolute must-have!

How to Make Yum Yum Sauce

The quickest sauce and dressing ever made, Yum Yum sauce comes together in just a few minutes!

  1. Mix all ingredients (per recipe below) in a bowl.
  2. For best results, refrigerate in an airtight container at least 24 hours to let flavors blend.

Change up the ratios or spices for a tangier or spicier version!

Yum Yum Sauce ingredients in a bowl

How to Store

Store Yum Yum sauce in a cruet or an empty salad dressing bottle. Before serving, give the bottle a shake to mix up all the creamy ingredients!

Use Yum Yum sauce within two weeks or freshen the flavors with a dash or two of rice vinegar and some salt and pepper!

What to Serve with Yum Yum Sauce

Did you love this Yum Yum Sauce? Be sure to leave a rating and a comment below!

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Yum Yum Sauce in a bowl with a whisk
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Yum Yum Sauce

This Yum Yum Sauce is light, tangy and super quick to make!
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 2 minutes
Total Time 7 minutes
Servings 20 tablespoons
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Ingredients  

  • 1 cup mayonnaise
  • 1 tablespoon melted butter
  • 2 teaspoons ketchup or tomato paste
  • ½ teaspoon garlic powder
  • ½ teaspoon paprika
  • 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons water

Instructions 

  • Combine all ingredients in a small bowl.
  • Refrigerate a minimum of 24 hours.

Notes

Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. 
Shake well before serving! 
5 from 23 votes

Nutrition Information

Calories: 83 | Carbohydrates: 1g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 9g | Saturated Fat: 2g | Cholesterol: 6mg | Sodium: 81mg | Potassium: 2mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 1g | Vitamin A: 52IU | Calcium: 1mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and brands of ingredients used.

Course Dip, Dressing, Sauce
Cuisine American, Japanese
All yum yum sauce ingredients in a bowl with writing
Yum yum sauce ingredients with text.
Yum yum sauce ingredients with writing
Yum yum sauce and ingredients with writing.

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About the author

Holly Nilsson is the creator of Spend With Pennies, where she creates easy, comforting recipes made for real life. With a passion for nostalgic flavors and simplified techniques, Holly helps busy home cooks create delicious meals that always work. She is also the author of “Everyday Comfort,” which promises to inspire even more hearty, home-cooked meals.
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5 from 23 votes (23 ratings without comment)

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Comments

  1. I am confused. In the body of the recipe you mentioned ‘Yum Yum sauce is made from just a few simple ingredients found right at home: mayo, ketchup, sugar and white vinegar’ but then the recipe ingredients uses more than a few ingredients and rice vinegar (not typically an ingredient found right at home). White vinegar or rice vinegar? Also, I didn’t see any mention of interchangeablity. Thank you for any clarification.

    1. Sorry for the confusion Peggy. I recommend using rice vinegar and if you need a swap I would try apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Enjoy!