Last updated: August 5, 2026 · Recipe by Fork Yeah Hibachi Chefs
What is Yum Yum Sauce?
Yum yum sauce (also called Japanese white sauce, shrimp sauce, or sakura sauce) is the creamy, tangy pink-orange sauce served at hibachi restaurants. It's the signature condiment that makes hibachi chicken, steak, shrimp, and fried rice irresistible.
This recipe comes directly from our professional hibachi chefs who've made thousands of gallons over 500+ events. It's the same sauce we serve at every Fork Yeah Hibachi party.
🍜 Hibachi Yum Yum Sauce
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise (Kewpie for best results)
- 2 tablespoons tomato paste or ketchup
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sugar
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- 2-4 tablespoons water (to thin)
Instructions
- Combine mayonnaise, tomato paste, rice vinegar, sugar, garlic powder, and paprika in a medium bowl.
- Whisk until completely smooth and the color is uniform pale pink/orange.
- Add water 1 tablespoon at a time, whisking after each addition, until you reach your desired consistency. (Thinner for drizzling, thicker for dipping.)
- Taste and adjust — add more sugar for sweetness, more vinegar for tang.
- For best flavor, refrigerate for 30 minutes to let the flavors meld together.
- Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
💡 Chef's Tips
Use Kewpie mayo — Japanese mayo has a richer, tangier flavor than American brands. Find it at Asian grocery stores or Amazon.
Tomato paste vs ketchup — Tomato paste gives a deeper color and less sweetness. Ketchup works fine but add less sugar.
Make it ahead — Yum yum sauce actually tastes better the next day after the flavors have melded.
What to Serve with Yum Yum Sauce
This sauce pairs perfectly with:
- Hibachi chicken, steak, or shrimp
- Hibachi fried rice
- Grilled vegetables (zucchini, onions, mushrooms)
- French fries or sweet potato fries
- Chicken fingers or nuggets
- Grilled salmon or fish
- As a burger or sandwich spread
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