If you’re searching for the ultimate dipping companion, look no further than Yum Yum Sauce. This creamy, tangy, and just ever-so-slightly smoky sauce is a staple at hibachi grills, but it’s easy (and fun!) to whip up at home. Whether you’re spooning it over grilled veggies, dunking crispy tofu, or slathering it on sandwiches, Yum Yum Sauce brings an irresistible burst of flavor to every bite. The vegan twist is totally foolproof and yields a velvety, salmon-pink sauce you’ll want to drizzle on absolutely everything.

Ingredients You’ll Need

Every ingredient in this Yum Yum Sauce recipe has a special job to do: some bring creamy richness, others a punch of umami or sweetness, and those optional add-ons let you make this sauce your own. Here’s a rundown of what you’ll need to transform your pantry staples into a seriously craveable condiment!

Vegan mayo: This is the backbone of your Yum Yum Sauce, creating that rich, creamy texture and mild flavor base.
Tomato paste: It delivers vibrant color and a concentrated tomato kick, deepening the sauce’s signature pink hue.
Garlic: Fresh cloves are essential for a punchy, aromatic warmth in every mouthful.
Onions, diced: When sautéed until golden, the onions add depth, sweetness, and a lovely savory note.
Vegan butter: This brings a subtle, decadent richness and helps those aromatics achieve their full potential.
Salt, pepper to taste: Don’t skip the seasoning—these make all the flavors pop!
Hot sauce (optional): For those who appreciate a spicy kick, a drizzle or two will liven things up.
Smoked paprika (optional): Adds a sultry, smoky undertone that’s simply irresistible.
Maple syrup (optional): A splash here balances things out with just the right amount of mellow sweetness.

How to Make Yum Yum Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the aromatics

Start by heating the vegan butter in a small casserole or saucepan over medium heat. Toss in the diced onions and minced garlic, letting them gently fry for about three minutes. You’ll know they’re ready when the kitchen fills with that cozy, savory scent and the onions turn soft and golden. This quick step unlocks all those sweet, mellow layers of flavor that make Yum Yum Sauce stand out from the crowd.

Step 2: Blend the base

Take the casserole off the stove and let the aromatics cool for a minute or so—nobody likes hot mayo in the blender! Now, add your vegan mayo, tomato paste, and (if you like) those extra dashes of maple syrup, smoked paprika, and hot sauce to a food processor or blender. Don’t forget to add in the warm onion and garlic mixture, too. These all work together to make a sauce that’s beautifully balanced in color and taste.

Step 3: Blend until creamy

Pop on the lid and blitz on high until your Yum Yum Sauce is completely smooth and creamy. You may need to scrape down the sides once or twice to make sure everything’s combined. Take a moment to taste and adjust with salt and pepper to your liking. That’s honestly it—so simple, but so rewarding!

How to Serve Yum Yum Sauce

Garnishes

A swirl of excitement on your plate is just the beginning. Try sprinkling chopped fresh chives, a dash of smoked paprika, or even a few toasted sesame seeds over the top of your Yum Yum Sauce for a burst of color and a hint of extra flavor. The finishing touch makes the whole thing look restaurant-worthy in seconds.

Side Dishes

The beauty of Yum Yum Sauce is that it’s as versatile as it is delicious. Pair it with crispy air-fried tofu, tempura veggies, roasted sweet potatoes, or classic fries. It also loves grilled asparagus, stir-fried mushrooms, and simple steamed rice bowls—think of it as an instant upgrade to your usual sides.

Creative Ways to Present

For a fun twist, serve Yum Yum Sauce in small ramekins for dipping sushi rolls or veggie sticks. Spread it on sandwiches and wraps in place of plain mayo, or swirl it into grain bowls as a bold, creamy drizzle. It’s fantastic as a salad dressing base too—just whisk in a splash of rice vinegar. Presentation matters, and a playful drizzle or dip gets everyone at the table excited.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Yum Yum Sauce is perfect for preparing ahead of time. Spoon any leftovers into an airtight container and stash it in the fridge, where it will stay fresh and tasty for up to a week. Just give it a good stir before serving again, as some separation is natural.

Freezing

Although freezing is generally not recommended for mayo-based sauces (they tend to separate once thawed), if you absolutely must save a batch, portion your Yum Yum Sauce into a freezer-safe container and freeze for up to a month. Thaw gently in the fridge and re-blend for the creamiest result.

Reheating

You don’t really need to reheat Yum Yum Sauce—it’s best enjoyed chilled or at room temperature. If you’re adding it to warm dishes, simply take it out of the fridge ten minutes before serving to take off the chill and let those flavors shine.

FAQs

Can I make Yum Yum Sauce without a blender?

Absolutely! Just be sure to mince your onions and garlic as finely as possible after sautéing, then whisk everything together by hand. You’ll get a bit more texture, but the flavor stays fantastic.

Is this sauce spicy?

The basic recipe is mild and kid-friendly, but if you’re a heat seeker, just add extra hot sauce to give your Yum Yum Sauce the perfect spicy edge.

How do I adjust the sweetness?

Taste as you go, starting with a teaspoon of maple syrup and adding more if you like things on the sweeter side. Skip it entirely for a tangier sauce—Yum Yum Sauce is all about customization!

Can I use regular mayo instead of vegan mayo?

Of course! If you’re not vegan or dairy-free, feel free to swap in your favorite traditional mayonnaise. The result will be just as creamy and delicious.

What else can I use Yum Yum Sauce for?

Beyond dipping and drizzling, try using Yum Yum Sauce as a sandwich spread, a burger topping, salad dressing, or even as a sauce for noodle or rice bowls. Your imagination is the only limit!

Final Thoughts

If you’ve never made your own Yum Yum Sauce before, you’re truly in for a treat. With just a few pantry staples and a blender, you can have this dreamy, versatile sauce ready in minutes. Go ahead—whip up a batch today, and watch how quickly it becomes a new favorite in your kitchen!

Yum Yum Sauce Recipe