Creamy, tangy, sweet, and mildly spicy “Yum Yum” sauce—perfect complement to grilled shrimp, sushi, vegetables, or fried favorites.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

• Rich, versatile sauce you can drizzle over many dishes.

• Balanced with vinegar, sweetness, paprika, and a hint of heat.

• Quick to mix and improves with resting time.

• Adds bold flavor to simple seafood, vegetables, or rice bowls.

• Makes a gourmet touch with minimal effort.

Japanese Shrimp Sauce “Yum Yum” Sauce

Shrimp Yum Yum Sauce (also just called “Yum Yum Sauce”) is a beloved Japanese‑style condiment—creamy, slightly sweet, tangy, and just pounded with flavor so it pairs beautifully with seafood, grilled meats, or even roasted vegetables. Starting with a base of mayonnaise gives it its thick, silky foundation. Ketchup adds color, sweetness, and a tomato tang that works beautifully against the seafood. Sugar rounds out sharp edges and smooths flavors; garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, and a touch of cayenne pepper give it that signature warm, smoky depth without overwhelming heat.

Water helps thin to a drizzle‑friendly consistency—thick enough to cling, light enough to flow. A touch of Sriracha (or other hot sauce) gives optional kick, controlled so it’s flavor, not fire. Because flavors mingle over time, letting the sauce rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour ensures they marry well—the tangy notes mellow, the spices integrate, the sauce becomes lush and cohesive.

What makes this sauce stand out is how many textures and flavor profiles it straddles: creamy but drip‑able, sweet yet tangy, smoky but fresh. It enhances mild proteins like shrimp without competing, giving them brightness and richness. It’s especially ideal for grilled or pan‑seared shrimp, tempura, or even as a dip for vegetables. It’s a “finishing sauce” that feels luxurious but comes together in minutes.

Many people think Yum Yum Sauce belongs only to hibachi or Japanese steakhouse meals—but once you make it, you’ll find yourself drizzling it over bowls, burgers, wraps, and more. Because it’s versatile and easy to make ahead, it’s a powerful addition to your flavor toolkit.

Servings

Yields about 3 cups

Time

Ingredients

• 2 cups mayonnaise

• ½ cup ketchup

• 3 tablespoons granulated sugar

• 1 tablespoon garlic powder

• 1 tablespoon paprika

• 1 teaspoon onion powder

• 1 teaspoon salt

• ½ teaspoon cayenne pepper

• ½ cup water (adjust to preferred consistency)

• 1 teaspoon Sriracha (or favorite hot sauce)

Instructions

1. In a bowl, whisk together mayonnaise, ketchup, sugar, garlic powder, paprika, onion powder, salt, and cayenne.

2. Add water gradually until desired drizzle consistency is reached.

3. Stir in Sriracha (or other hot sauce) to taste.

4. Cover and refrigerate for at least 1 hour so flavors meld.

5. Serve as sauce for shrimp, seafood, vegetables, or fried items.

Tips

• Adjust water slowly—too much thins it too far.

• Let it rest—flavors improve with time.

• Use good quality mayonnaise for best flavor.

• If too sweet, add a splash of lemon juice or vinegar.

• Store in airtight jar in fridge; keeps well for several days.