Introduction
If you’re a fan of Japanese food, you are probably familiar with the sweet, tangy, and creamy sauce known as yum yum sauce. This versatile sauce can be used as a dip for sushi and other meats, as well as a dressing for salads. Making yum yum sauce from scratch might seem overwhelming, but don’t worry – once you know how to make it, you’ll wonder why you didn’t start earlier! This article is a comprehensive guide to help you make different varieties of yum yum sauce, from the traditional recipe to vegan-friendly versions and everything in between.
The Traditional Recipe
The traditional yum yum sauce is made from a combination of mayonnaise, tomato paste, sugar, rice vinegar, butter, and a few seasonings. Here’s what you’ll need to make 1 cup of this sauce:
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons sugar
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-step instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, add all of the ingredients and stir until evenly combined.
- Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes (or overnight) before serving. This allows the flavors to meld and intensify.
- Once chilled, give the sauce a good stir before serving.
Tips:
- Use good quality mayonnaise to make the sauce. You can substitute the traditional mayonnaise with vegan or light mayonnaise for a healthier option.
- For an extra creamy texture, you can add 1-2 tablespoons of heavy cream to the sauce.
- If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the amount of sugar used.
- If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with white vinegar or apple cider vinegar.
Yum Yum Sauce with a Twist
If you’re looking to add some variety to your yum yum sauce, the possibilities are endless. Here are some suggestions to experiment with:
- Spicy: You can add some heat to your sauce by using hot sauce or chili flakes. Sriracha sauce or gochujang are great choices for a spicy kick.
- Mustard: Add a teaspoon or two of Dijon mustard or yellow mustard for a tangy twist.
- Wasabi: Wasabi paste can be added to the sauce for a unique and flavorful dip.
- Soy sauce: Mixing a tablespoon of soy sauce into the sauce can add depth of flavor.
Likewise, here are a few combinations you can try:
- Garlic Yum Yum Sauce: Add an extra teaspoon of garlic powder to the traditional recipe.
- Miso Yum Yum Sauce: Mix a tablespoon of miso paste into the sauce for an umami-rich flavor.
- Cilantro Lime Yum Yum Sauce: Add a tablespoon of chopped cilantro and a squeeze of lime juice to the traditional recipe for a fresh and zesty sauce.
To make a mustard or wasabi flavored yum yum sauce:
- For Mustard Yum Yum Sauce: Mix 1 tbsp. yellow mustard into the traditional yum yum sauce recipe.
- For Wasabi Yum Yum Sauce: Mix 1 tsp. wasabi paste and 1/2 tsp. soy sauce into the traditional yum yum sauce recipe.
Lighter and Healthier Yum Yum
Yum yum sauce is often high in calories and fat due to the mayonnaise and butter. But, you can make alternative versions of the sauce using healthier ingredients. To make a lighter and healthier yum yum sauce, use these ingredients:
- 1 cup Greek yogurt (non-fat)
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-step instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients until smooth and fully combined.
- Cover the bowl with a lid or plastic wrap and refrigerate for at least 20-30 minutes (or overnight) before serving.
- Garnish with chopped parsley and serve.
Tips:
- This version of the yum yum sauce is high in protein and low in fat.
- You can add lemon juice or zest to this recipe for extra tanginess.
- For a vegan option, substitute Greek yogurt with silken tofu.
Quick and Easy Yum Yum
If you’re running short on time, you can still enjoy yum yum sauce using just three ingredients! Here’s how to make a quick version of the sauce:
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
Step-by-step instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together all of the ingredients until well combined.
- Refrigerate for at least 20 minutes before serving.
- Enjoy as a dip or dressing!
Yum Yum for a Crowd
If you’re planning to host a party or have a larger gathering, you’ll need to make a larger batch of yum yum sauce. Here’s a recipe that will make five cups of sauce:
- 5 cups mayonnaise
- 8 tablespoons tomato paste
- 6 tablespoons sugar
- 6 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 4 tablespoons melted butter
- 4 teaspoons garlic powder
- 4 teaspoons paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-step instructions:
- In a large mixing bowl, add all of the ingredients and stir until well combined.
- Refrigerate the sauce until you’re ready to serve.
- To serve, give the sauce a good stir and transfer it to a serving bowl or individual dipping cups.
- This recipe should serve around 20-25 people.
Yum Yum for Vegetarians
If you’re a vegetarian or want to prepare a yum yum sauce for vegetarians, you’ll need to replace some of the animal-derived ingredients with plant-based alternatives. Here’s a recipe for a vegetarian-friendly yum yum sauce:
- 1 cup vegan mayonnaise
- 3 tablespoons tomato paste
- 2 tablespoons maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon melted vegan butter
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- Salt and pepper, to taste
Step-by-step instructions:
- Mix together all of the ingredients until fully combined.
- Refrigerate for at least 20-30 minutes before serving.
- Garnish with chopped chives and serve.
Tips:
- For a vegan option, use vegan mayonnaise instead of regular mayonnaise.
- To replace butter, use vegan margarine or coconut oil.
- If maple syrup is not available, use agave nectar or honey as a substitute.
Making Yum Yum from Scratch
If you want to take it one step further, you can make your yum yum sauce from scratch. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 4 egg yolks
- 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard
- 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar
- 1/2 teaspoon salt
- 1/4 teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 1/2 cups vegetable oil
Instructions:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together the egg yolks, mustard, rice wine vinegar, salt, and cayenne pepper until fully combined.
- While whisking continuously, add the vegetable oil in a slow stream until the mixture thickens and emulsifies.
- Once the yum yum sauce has reached the consistency you desire, refrigerate it before serving.
Tips:
- Be careful while adding the oil slowly to emulsify the mixture well.
- You can use different types of vinegar like apple cider vinegar, white balsamic vinegar or white wine vinegar.
- Add your choice of flavors and seasonings to customize the taste of the sauce.
Conclusion
Yum yum sauce is a versatile and delicious condiment that can enhance the flavor of many dishes. There are a variety of ways to make this sauce, based on personal preferences or dietary needs. Making yum yum sauce is not difficult; it just takes a little bit of experimentation to create a flavor that suits your taste buds. With our comprehensive guide, you’re now more than equipped to experiment with various yum yum sauces to add some zing to your meals.