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Last Updated on July 28, 2021 by Lisa Johnson

This Japanese Steakhouse Yum Yum Sauce is the perfect compliment to a perfectly grilled filet and tender salmon! A little sweet, a little spicy, and lots of creamy goodness for dunking everything on your plate! Thankfully it is incredibly easy to make at home.

A small bowl of Japanese Steakhouse Yum Yum Sauce next to hibachi steak and salmon and a side of Fried Rice on a large plate.

CHOO-CHOO!! That is my favorite part of the whole Japanese Hibachi Grill experience, crazy right? I just love it when the chef makes the smoke billow out of the onion slices while pushing them around the grill. And then there is the sauce, the amazingly delicious Yum Yum Sauce!!!

A small bowl of Japanese Steakhouse Yum Yum Sauce next to hibachi steak and salmon and a side of Fried Rice on a large plate with chop sticks on the side.

What is Yum Yum Sauce made of?

Mayonnaise, melted butter, paprika, garlic powder, cayenne, water, honey, rice wine vinegar, and mirin.

Mirin is a Japanese subtly sweet, slightly tangy rice wine used for cooking. Mirin is similar to sake, but has more sugar and a lower alcohol content.

If you cannot find mirin, substitute dry sherry or a sweet marsala wine. You could also use a dry white wine or rice vinegar mixed with about a 0.5 teaspoon of sugar for every tablespoon you use.

As you can see traditional yum yum sauce does not get it color from tomato paste, it comes from paprika.

Is Yum Yum Sauce actually Japanese?

No, yum yum sauce is not actually Japanese and you will not find it in any restaurant in Japan. It is an American invention that became crazy popular and is now served in Japanese Steakhouses all over America and Canada.

It is also known as shrimp sauce, white sauce, and hibachi sauce.

How to make Japanese Steakhouse Yum Yum Sauce

Place all of the ingredients in a large bowl.

Mayonnaise, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, honey, mirin, and water in a large bowl.

Stir to combine.

A big bowl of Japanese Steakhouse Yum Yum Sauce.

Pour into a plastic squeeze bottle and store in the refrigerator until ready to serve.

Yum Yum Sauce in a plastic squirt bottle.

Squirt your sauce into cute little ramekins just like the chefs do in the restaurants.

Yum Yum Sauce in a small bowl surrounded by sliced steak, salmon, and fried rice.

In case you are wondering, this delicious sauce recipe is leading up to the most amazing Dinner for Two!!

Recipe Notes & Tips

Using .25 teaspoon of cayenne adds quite a kick, but it is not overpowering even for a wimp like me. Adjust the amount for your personal preference.
You can find Squeeze Bottles here on Amazon, or at your local food supply store.
My dipping sauce bowls are porcelain, but these Melamine Bowls may be better for kids…or clumsy adults.

You can see the rest of my favorite kitchen tools and gadgets here in my Amazon Affiliate Page. I earn a small commission when you purchase through my links, at no cost to you, so I can keep bringing you more delicious recipes!

Serving Suggestions:

Japanese Hibachi Steak and Salmon just like in your favorite restaurant!
As a dipping sauce for shrimp and vegetables.
With grilled chicken, meat, and seafood.
This may sound a bit crazy, but Yum Yum Sauce is also delicious on Tacos!! I made tacos using my Mexican Beef recipe and drizzled this sauce over the top!
Another popular steakhouse sauce is Carrot Ginger Miso Dressing served on your dinner salad, but yum yum sauce also makes a delicious dressing.

If you love this recipe, please rate it five stars and help me share on facebook and to help other readers in our community!

Enjoy!!