When Western flavor meets Asian vibes, you know things are gonna get really good. Well, today, I am all about Yum Yum sauce– a fusion that’s creamy, tangy and not to mention, downright delicious!
So, what does yum yum sauce taste like? Sweet, tangy or spicy? To be honest, it’s the perfect balance of all three! The sweetness comes from the tomato ketchup, while rice vinegar provides the sauce with a sharp, tangy kick. And the spice? That’s from a dash of sriracha or chili garlic- whatever your mood strikes! It adds just the right amount of heat to the sauce without overpowering the flavors of other ingredients.
Oh, did I mention how versatile yum yum sauce is?
You know how ranch goes with salads, tartar sauce is for seafood or ketchup is meant for fries? Well, yum yum sauce goes with everything! Grilled chicken, crispy fries, sushi, fried foods, burgers- you can even use it as a dip. Once you try yum yum sauce out, it may just replace all of your favorites in one sweep!
What Is A Yum Yum Sauce?
Given the sauce has not one, but two ‘yum’ in its name, I would say it’s a pretty clear hint that it has got double the yumminess. But, hey, that’s just my guess- and it might just be right!
Yum yum sauce first appeared in the Japanese hibachi and teppanyaki grills, where it was used as a flavorful condiment for grilled meats, seafood and veggies. The original Japanese recipe for this sauce had a much simpler list of ingredients consisting of just mayonnaise, ketchup, rice vinegar, and sugar.
However, as the sauce gained more popularity over time, it began to evolve with a bit of Western fusion. Ingredients like sriracha, butter, paprika, and other seasonings were added to transform the Japanese version into the creamy, flavorful yum yum sauce we all enjoy today!
What To Serve With Yum Yum Sauce?
Let’s start with how versatile yum yum sauce can be! From dipping sauce to a delicious topping, this sauce goes with almost any food you can cook. Here are a few ways you can serve this sauce:
Topping For Burgers and Tacos
The yum yum sauce compliments the chicken patties, veggie patties, beef patties, and even crunchy taco shells. If I have the yum yum sauce ready on hand, I will definitely prefer it over ketchup to add that creamy touch to my burgers and tacos!
Dip For Fries
I love eating french fries while watching the game, and this yum yum sauce works great as a dipping sauce for that.
Drizzle Over Grilled Fishes
Grilled salmon, grilled shrimp, or even something as simple as a grilled fish fillet doubles up on the deliciousness with a generous drizzle of yum yum sauce on top!
Top Over Rice and Noodles
Serve this sauce with fried rice, which is a classic hibachi pairing, or steamed fried rice. You can also serve this sauce with stir fry noodles like lo mein or ramen noodles; just drizzle over the noodles before serving them.
Sauce For Roasted Veggies
Instead of your typical Garlic Aioli or Balsamic Glaze with roasted veggies, you can try this yum yum sauce, as it tastes particularly delicious with carrots, zucchini, cauliflower, and Brussels sprouts.
Dressing For Salads
Surprised to see yum yum sauce as a dressing? Well, what can I say, I tried it with mixed green salad and pasta salad. Both times, I ended up loving the result! I would recommend adding a bit more vinegar if you plan to use it as a salad dressing.
As A Burrito Sauce
Chicken wraps to vegetable burritos- everything tastes better with a bit of yum yum sauce!
Customize Yum Yum Sauce Recipe To Your Taste!
Not liking how your yum yum sauce turned out? Or are you feeling a bit adventurous to try a more unique combination? Either way, here are some ways you can add variation to your sauce:
Make It Spicy
If you are a spice lover at heart, this sauce may fall a little short of your expectations! To add a more kick to the sauce, simply add extra sriracha, chili garlic sauce, or a pinch of cayenne pepper.
Ooh, Smoke!
Want that charred smell to dominate the flavor of the sauce? Instead of regular paprika used in this recipe, go for smoked paprika that has a deep, burnt smell to match your grilled items.
Explore More Spices
If you are in the mood for exploration, consider adding flavorful spices like ground cumin, turmeric or a pinch of curry powder for extra depth.
Garnish With Fresh Herbs
When in doubt, go for fresh ingredients to flavor your dish! Once the yum yum sauce is prepared, add a small amount of finely chopped herbs like parsley, cilantro or chives for garnishing and enjoying a refreshing take on the creamy sauce.
Have Fun With Asian Flavors!
Some Asian-inspired flavors like soy sauce, wasabi, and sesame oil also work great with yum yum sauce.
How To Store Yum Yum Sauce And Serve Properly?
Want the sauce to last longer than a few days? Make a large batch and store it properly to enjoy for a long time!
For a large batch of yum yum sauce, it’s best to store it in smaller portions in different containers. If kept in an airtight container, the sauce stays good for up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator and 3 months in the freezer. Make sure you don’t store the sauce in a metal container, as the acidity from the vinegar may react with it.
Before you are ready to serve the sauce, give it a quick stir to restore its creamy consistency. If the sauce has become too thick sitting on the fridge, add a splash of water to get it back to its desired consistency.
Equipments
By now, you have seen all the ingredients that go into making this sauce, and you have probably realized why it’s so perfectly balanced. The butter brings a delicious flavor and richness to the sauce, which is lightened by the tangy rice vinegar. The heat from the sriracha or chili garlic hot sauce doesn’t overpower, thanks to the ketchup’s sweetness!
And let’s not forget the seasonings, which really bring this sauce to life. The garlic powder and paprika come together to enhance the core ingredients, adding depth and lots of flavor to this delicious yum yum sauce!
Recipe FAQs
What Can I Use Instead Of Mayonnaise?
If you don’t have mayonnaise or want to avoid it for dietary reasons, you can use Greek yogurt or sour cream for a healthier choice.
Is This Recipe Vegan-Friendly?
Not really! But you can easily turn this into a vegan-friendly recipe by using vegan butter and vegan mayo as alternatives.
How Long Does Yum Yum Sauce Stay Good In The Fridge?
I like to enjoy yum yum sauce while it’s still fresh at room temperature. However, you can store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
How To Fix A Runny Yum Yum Sauce?
If your yum yum sauce seems too thin, simply add a little more mayonnaise to the mix. Alternatively, you can try chilling the sauce in the refrigerator for a thicker consistency.
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