Creamy, sweet, tangy, and salty Yum Yum Sauce is a delicious condiment that instantly bumps up the flavor of whatever you put it on! It’s one of the most popular hibachi sauces at Japanese teppanyaki restaurants, and it’s commonly eaten on fried rice and grilled meat.

If you’ve ever been to a Japanese hibachi restaurant, you’ve probably tried Yum Yum Sauce. It’s definitely a fan favorite hibachi sauce!

Japanese teppanyaki restaurants (what we typically refer to as hibachi restaurants here in the U.S.) are so much fun. Everyone sits around three sides of a rectangular table. On the fourth side of the table is an iron griddle where the chef makes your meal right in front of you.

But delicious food is only half the fun of teppanyaki!

The chef makes the cooking of the meal itself into a show. They will typically do tricks like toss ingredients, make a stack of onion rings and light it on fire to look like a volcano, and fancy handwork involving cracking eggs, chopping vegetables, and spraying oil and sauces.

Of course each chef has their own unique skills, so each show is one-of-a-kind. It’s a blast.

There are a few different types of hibachi sauce that bear noting. There’s a thin tangy ginger sauce, a thicker sweet and salty tonkatsu brown sauce, and another sauce that goes by a few different names: Yum Yum Sauce!

You can also find this called Japanese white sauce (which is a little confusing because it’s actually a pale pink/orange color), Japanese hibachi sauce, Japanese steakhouse sauce, shrimp sauce, sakura sauce, and yummy sauce.

Call it whatever you want, but I like the term Yum Yum Sauce because as silly as it sounds, it really is fitting.

japanese yum yum sauce recipe with graphic

In This Article

The Best Yum Yum Sauce Recipe

Most recipes you’ll find for this mayo-based sauce are a little different. You can play with the ingredient amounts to come up with something that suits your personal tastes.

I like to include garlic, ginger, and white pepper for a kick. And if you really want to level up, use fresh garlic and ginger!

Yum Yum Sauce Ingredients

Mayo (use Japanese mayo if possible)
Sambal oelek
Ketchup
Rice vinegar
Soy sauce
Honey (or sugar)
Toasted sesame oil
Garlic powder
Dried ginger
White pepper
Sweet paprika

How to Make White Hibachi Sauce

This sauce is very easy to make. Just stir together all ingredients and it’s done!

How to Store Yum Yum Sauce

Store this sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Variations on This Recipe

Instead of ketchup, use 2 tablespoons tomato paste.
For a richer flavor, add 1 tablespoon melted butter.
If you like a completely smooth sauce, omit the sambal oelek and add up to ¼ teaspoon cayenne pepper.
To reduce the salt, use low sodium soy sauce or omit the soy sauce.
For sweet flavor without floral notes, omit the honey and add sugar to taste, starting with 1 teaspoon.
To bump up the flavor even more, omit the garlic powder and dried ginger. Add 2 cloves crushed garlic and 1 teaspoon freshly grated ginger.

japanese hibachi style yum yum sauce graphic

Yum Yum Sauce FAQs

What is Yum Yum Sauce Made Of?

This is a mayo-based sauce with a few other ingredients to create a balanced flavor profile. Many recipes include a sweet ingredient (such as sugar or honey), rice vinegar for tanginess, cayenne pepper or hot sauce for spicy heat, and ketchup or tomato paste for color.

What Does Yum Yum Sauce Taste Like?

This rich and creamy mayo-based sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, tangy, and salty flavors with a touch of spicy heat. It really packs a punch of flavor! I like to add garlic, ginger, and white pepper for depth.

Is Yum Yum Sauce Actually Japanese?

No; according to NPR, Yum Yum Sauce is an American condiment.

What Do You Use Yum Yum Sauce For?

This popular Hibachi sauce will add a punch of flavor to whatever you pair it with! Here are a few ways to use it:

Drizzled on fried rice and noodles (I hope it's not completely faux pas, but I'm dying to try it on Thai Noodles)
Along with grilled chicken, steak, or shrimp
As a decorative drizzle or dip for dumplings, eggrolls, spring rolls, or sushi rolls
Dolloped on top of Egg Roll in a Bowl
As a dip for raw vegetables, such as bell pepper, broccoli, and cucumber
Or use it instead of ketchup as a dipping sauce for French fries or onion rings
Enjoy it any way you’d eat mayo, including as a condiment for sandwiches and burgers