Yum Yum Sauce: A Keto-Friendly Treat?

Yum yum sauce is a common condiment served in Japanese hibachi restaurants. It is a creamy, sweet, and tangy sauce with a hint of spice that is usually served as a dipping sauce for chicken, shrimp, or steak. The traditional recipe includes mayonnaise, ketchup or tomato paste, sriracha, vinegar, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, sweetener, and paprika. However, a keto-friendly version can be made by substituting sugar-free or reduced-sugar ketchup and using a powdered monk fruit sweetener or another keto-friendly sweetener. This keto version has a low carb count and is a healthier alternative to the traditional recipe.

Yum Yum Sauce ingredients and recipe

Yum Yum Sauce is a creamy, slightly spicy, and sweet dipping sauce that is usually served with chicken, shrimp, or steak. It is also known as white sauce, hibachi sauce, Sakura sauce, or Japanese steakhouse sauce. Here is a list of ingredients and a recipe to make your own Yum Yum Sauce:

Ingredients:

• Mayonnaise (preferably Japanese mayonnaise, aka Kewpie mayo)
• Ketchup (or tomato paste)
• Rice vinegar
• Butter
• Garlic powder
• Onion powder
• Sugar or sweetener (optional)
• Paprika
• Cayenne pepper or hot sauce (optional)

Recipe:

Combine all the ingredients in a bowl and mix well. For a thinner sauce, you can add water, a little at a time, until the desired consistency is reached. This sauce is best when chilled for at least 2 hours or overnight to allow the flavors to meld. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Feel free to adjust the amounts of each ingredient to suit your taste preferences. You can also experiment with adding a pinch of smoked paprika for a smoky flavor or increasing the amount of hot sauce or cayenne pepper for a spicier sauce.

Enjoy your homemade Yum Yum Sauce as a dipping sauce or drizzle it over your favorite foods!

Is Yum Yum Sauce low-carb?

Yum Yum Sauce is a condiment commonly served at hibachi restaurants. It is a creamy and sweet dipping sauce that is usually served with chicken, shrimp, or steak. The traditional recipe for Yum Yum Sauce contains sugar, making it unsuitable for a low-carb or keto diet. However, it is possible to make a low-carb version of Yum Yum Sauce by substituting the sugar with a no-calorie sweetener, such as erythritol, monkfruit, or allulose. This reduces the net carbs in the sauce to virtually zero.

To make keto Yum Yum Sauce, combine the following ingredients in a bowl and whisk until fully incorporated:

• Mayonnaise (soybean oil-based, avocado oil-based, or Japanese mayonnaise are all good options)
• Tomato paste or ketchup (use sugar-free or reduced-sugar ketchup to keep the carb count down)
• Butter (optional, but recommended for a more traditional Japanese hibachi sauce flavour)
• Sweetener (use a powdered variety, or omit for Whole30)
• Spices (paprika, cayenne pepper, onion powder, and garlic powder)
• Rice vinegar (optional, but recommended if using the sauce as a dressing)

Keto Yum Yum Sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. It is not recommended to freeze the sauce, as the mayonnaise may separate upon thawing.

This sauce is very versatile and can be used as a dipping sauce for grilled chicken and other meats, sushi, or appetizers. It can also be poured over fried rice, noodles, burgers, chicken nuggets, or salads (thinned out with a little water). Yum Yum Sauce is a great way to add flavour to your favourite Asian-inspired dishes while sticking to your low-carb or keto diet.

How to store Yum Yum Sauce

Yum yum sauce is a popular condiment served at hibachi restaurants. It is a creamy and sweet dipping sauce that is usually served with chicken, shrimp, or steak. The sauce is also known as Sakura sauce, white sauce, Japanese steakhouse sauce, or hibachi sauce.

Storing in the Fridge

Yum yum sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It is recommended to remove as much air as possible from the container to keep the sauce fresh. Make sure to use a container with a tight-fitting lid or a mason jar to prevent the sauce from drying out or absorbing odours from other foods.

Freezing

If you have made a large batch of yum yum sauce, you can also freeze it. Freeze the sauce in small containers or ice cube trays for up to 3 months. This way, you can take out a small portion at a time and thaw it in the refrigerator as needed. It is important to note that the sauce may separate over time, so be sure to give it a good stir before using.

Maximising Freshness

To maximise the freshness and flavour of your yum yum sauce, it is best to let it chill in the refrigerator for at least 2 hours before serving. This will allow the flavours to meld and develop. For even better results, prepare the sauce a day in advance or chill it overnight.

Food Safety

It is important to practice good food safety habits when storing and handling yum yum sauce. Always use clean utensils when handling the sauce and avoid double-dipping to prevent cross-contamination. Keep the sauce refrigerated and consume it within the recommended time frame to ensure food safety and maintain the best quality.

By following these simple tips, you can enjoy your delicious homemade yum yum sauce for longer and use it to enhance a variety of dishes!

Is store-bought Yum Yum Sauce the same?

Yum Yum sauce, also known as hibachi sauce, is a creamy, sweet, and tangy condiment commonly served at hibachi restaurants. It is typically made with mayonnaise, ketchup or tomato paste, butter, garlic powder, onion powder, sweetener, and paprika, resulting in a pink colour. While the specific ingredients and proportions may vary, the characteristic blend of sweet, salty, and spicy flavours remains consistent across different recipes.

Store-bought Yum Yum Sauce offers convenience and can be a good option if you don't want to make your own. However, it's important to note that the taste and quality can vary significantly between brands. Some popular brands of store-bought Yum Yum Sauce include Terry Ho's Yum Yum Sauce (considered the original), Kroger Yum Yum Sauce, and G Hughes Sugar-Free Yum Yum.

When comparing store-bought Yum Yum Sauce to its homemade counterpart, there are a few key differences to consider:

• Taste: Homemade Yum Yum Sauce allows you to customise the ingredients and adjust the flavours to your preference. You can experiment with different types of mayonnaise, sweeteners, and spices to create a unique flavour profile. On the other hand, store-bought sauces may have a more standardised taste that may not cater to individual preferences.
• Ingredients: By making your own Yum Yum Sauce, you have complete control over the ingredients used. This is especially beneficial if you have dietary restrictions, such as keto or paleo, as you can substitute ingredients to make it healthier or more suitable for your diet. With store-bought sauces, you are limited to the ingredients they include, which may include artificial sweeteners, preservatives, or other additives.
• Freshness: Homemade sauces tend to be fresher since they are made just before consumption. Store-bought sauces may contain preservatives to extend their shelf life, which can sometimes affect the taste and texture. However, it's worth noting that some store-bought sauces, like Terry Ho's Yum Yum Sauce, are known for their thick and creamy consistency.
• Availability: Store-bought Yum Yum Sauce is readily available at grocery stores or online, making it a convenient option if you don't have the time or ingredients to make it from scratch. Homemade sauces require you to gather the necessary ingredients and prepare them yourself.

In conclusion, while store-bought Yum Yum Sauce offers convenience and accessibility, homemade sauces provide customisation, control over ingredients, and the ability to tailor the flavours to your taste. Ultimately, the decision between store-bought and homemade Yum Yum Sauce depends on your personal preferences, time constraints, and specific dietary needs.

What to eat with Yum Yum Sauce

Yum Yum sauce is a condiment commonly served at hibachi restaurants. It is a creamy and sweet dipping sauce that is usually served with chicken, shrimp, or steak. Here are some ideas for what to eat with Yum Yum Sauce:

As a Dipping Sauce

Yum Yum Sauce can be used as a dipping sauce for grilled chicken and other meats, sushi, or appetizers. It can also be used as a dip for raw or lightly steamed vegetables, such as carrots, bell peppers, broccoli, and celery. The sauce's subtle sweetness and hint of umami enhance the taste of both raw and cooked veggies, making it a versatile and crowd-pleasing option for appetizers or healthy side dishes.

As a Topping for Rice and Noodles

Yum Yum Sauce is commonly served with Japanese fried rice and is a great way to enhance the flavour of hibachi-style fried rice. It can also be poured over noodles or used as a dipping sauce for shrimp and rice balls. The sauce's creamy texture and subtle sweetness make it a perfect complement to the flavours of sushi and Japanese rice dishes.

As a Salad Dressing

Yum Yum Sauce can be used as a unique and delicious salad dressing. Its creamy texture and rich, tangy flavour add a burst of umami to any salad. It can be drizzled over a simple green salad or used to dress a bowl of mixed vegetables. For a balanced and flavourful salad, consider adding crunchy elements like nuts or seeds, and fresh ingredients like cucumbers, tomatoes, and avocados.

With Fries

Yum Yum Sauce can be used as a dipping sauce for both regular and sweet potato fries. It can be seen as an upgraded version of fry sauce, as it includes additional flavouring ingredients such as paprika and garlic powder, adding extra flavour to your fries.

With Burgers

Yum Yum Sauce can be used as a condiment for burgers, adding a unique and tasty twist. It can also be used as a spread for sandwich bread or a dressing for potato or pasta salads.

Frequently asked questions