You’ll love how this Japanese steakhouse classic brings rich, creamy flavor to grilled meats, seafood, vegetables, rice, and noodles. In just five minutes and with a handful of pantry staples, you’ll be drizzling a sauce that leaves anything from a bottle in the dust and adds a playful kick to every bite.
My At-Home Hibachi Game-Changer
I first whipped up this sauce on a lazy evening when I wanted that hibachi flare without running out to a restaurant. A quick mix of mayo, butter, and pantry spices later, I dunked a fry and realized I’d hit flavor gold. Now I keep a jar in the fridge and drizzle it on everything from burgers to roasted veggies. It’s so easy that when I’m craving hibachi night, I pair it with my Instant Pot Hibachi Chicken or spoon it over Shrimp Fried Rice for a fast, tasty meal.
Ingredient Notes
Complete list of ingredients and amounts can be found in the recipe card below.
- Mayonnaise: Use full-fat mayo (like Hellmann’s or Kewpie) for a silky, creamy texture.
- Butter: Unsalted butter helps control the sauce’s salt level. Melt it first so it blends smoothly.
- Tomato paste: Adds concentrated umami and color. Ketchup works in a pinch but tastes sweeter.
- Paprika & Cayenne: Sweet paprika brings depth and color. Cayenne adds warmth – start small and adjust to taste.
- Sugar: Balances tang and heat. Granulated sugar works best; tweak the amount for your preferred sweetness.
- Garlic powder: Delivers even garlic flavor without grit. Substitute ¼ teaspoon freshly minced garlic if you like a sharper bite.
Also, make sure to check out my awesome Benihana copycat ginger sauce for a complete hibachi dinner just like what you’d have at a Hibachi restaurant!
Did you make this? Be sure to leave a review below and tag me on Facebook, Instagram, or Pinterest!
Yum Yum Sauce
Recipe Video
Ingredients
- 1 cup (240 ml) mayonnaise
- 1 teaspoon granulated sugar
- ½ teaspoon garlic powder or garlic granules
- ½ teaspoon paprika
- ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper
- 1 tablespoon (14 g) unsalted butter melted
- 1 teaspoon tomato paste or ketchup
- 2-3 tablespoons water to thin the sauce out
Instructions
- In a medium bowl combine mayonnaise, melted butter, tomato paste, rice vinegar, sugar, paprika, cayenne and garlic powder.
- Whisk until smooth and uniform.
- If the sauce feels too thick, add cold water one teaspoon at a time until you reach your desired consistency.
- Cover and chill for at least 30 minutes to let flavors meld. Serve alongside steak, chicken, shrimp, rice or vegetables.
Notes:
- Bring butter and mayonnaise to room temperature before mixing for the silkiest sauce.
- Taste after chilling and adjust sugar or vinegar in small increments if you prefer sweeter or tangier.
- Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to one week.
Nutrition Information
This website provides approximate nutrition information for convenience and as a courtesy only. Nutrition data is gathered primarily from the USDA Food Composition Database, whenever available, or otherwise other online calculators.
© Little Sunny Kitchen
What Can You Eat With Yum Yum Sauce?
All hibachi style dishes, and pretty much everything else! Below are a few ideas:
- Hibachi steak
- Hibachi chicken
- Hibachi shrimp
- Shrimp and broccoli
- Chicken and broccoli
- Beef and broccoli
- Egg roll in a bowl
- Oven-baked fries
Also, be sure to check out my condiments category page for more homemade sauces, seasonings, and other recipes.
Brigid McClinton says
great recipe. and delicious.cant wait to make the fish recipes b
Little Sunny Kitchen says
Thanks Brigid! Enjoy!