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Homemade Japanese White Sauce Recipe

Japanese White Sauce is a versatile condiment that adds a rich, savory touch to a variety of dishes. Inspired by the elegant flavors of Japanese cuisine, this sauce is perfect for enhancing your favorite meals, from grilled vegetables to seafood.

Japanese White Sauce as dipping sauce.

Japanese White Sauce, often referred to as “Yum Yum Sauce” or “Shrimp Sauce,” is a popular condiment in Japanese-American hibachi restaurants.

It is a creamy, slightly tangy sauce made from mayonnaise, sugar, butter, paprika, and various seasonings, sometimes including tomato paste or ketchup for added flavor and color.

This versatile sauce is typically served with grilled meats, seafood, vegetables, and rice, adding a rich, savory complement to the dishes.

Ingredients needed for making Japanese White Sauce.

What ingredients are needed for Japanese White Sauce?

Sure, let’s delve into the unique qualities of each ingredient in the Japanese White Sauce recipe:

  • The base of the sauce, creamy mayonnaise provides a rich, smooth texture and a slightly tangy flavor that balances the other ingredients. It serves as an emulsifier, ensuring a well-blended and cohesive sauce.
  • Smooth Dairy-Free Butter: This ingredient adds a buttery richness without the use of dairy, making the sauce suitable for those with lactose intolerance or dietary preferences. It contributes to the creamy texture and enhances the overall mouthfeel of the sauce.
  • Garlic powder infuses the sauce with a robust, savory flavor. Its concentrated taste provides a deep umami note that complements the other ingredients, enhancing the overall complexity of the sauce.
  • Similar to garlic powder, onion powder adds a sweet, savory dimension to the sauce. It delivers the essence of onion without the added moisture of fresh onions, maintaining the desired consistency of the sauce.

Side by side view of a small pan showing the preparation of Japanese White Sauce.

  • Tomato paste contributes a concentrated, slightly sweet, and tangy flavor, along with a hint of acidity. It also gives the Japanese White Sauce a subtle reddish hue, adding to its visual appeal.
  • Paprika provides a mild, sweet pepper flavor with a hint of earthiness. It not only enhances the color of the sauce but also adds a gentle warmth and depth of flavor.
  • A small amount of sugar balances the acidity of the tomato paste and the tanginess of the mayonnaise. It rounds out the flavors, providing a slight sweetness that harmonizes the overall taste profile.
  • Cayenne pepper adds a subtle heat to the sauce, giving it a slight kick without overpowering the other flavors. This touch of spiciness adds an exciting dimension to the sauce, making it more dynamic and interesting.

Each of these ingredients plays a crucial role in creating the distinct taste and texture of Japanese White Sauce, making it a beloved accompaniment to many dishes.

Top view of the ready sauce.

How to make Japanese White Sauce

It would be best if you had a small pot. Melt the butter on low heat, then remove it from the heat.

Next, add the dairy-free mayonnaise to the butter, together with the tomato paste and seasonings.

Whisk everything together, then transfer the Japanese White Sauce into a serving bowl.

Serving of Japanese White Sauce with tempeh.

What to serve Japanese White Sauce with

Japanese White Sauce, also known as Yum Yum Sauce, is a versatile condiment that pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some popular options to serve it with:

  1. Grilled Meats: Drizzle it over grilled chicken, steak, or pork for a creamy and flavorful enhancement.
  2. Seafood: Use it as a dipping sauce for shrimp, scallops, or grilled fish to add a savory, tangy complement
  3. Vegetables: Serve it alongside roasted or steamed vegetables like broccoli, zucchini, and carrots for a rich, creamy dip.
  4. Fried Rice: Mix it into hibachi-style fried rice for an extra layer of flavor and creaminess.
  5. Noodles: Toss it with stir-fried noodles or use it as a topping for ramen for a delicious twist.
  6. Sushi and Sashimi: Use it as a dip or drizzle for sushi rolls and sashimi to add a unique, creamy element.
  7. Burgers and Sandwiches: Spread it on burgers, sandwiches, or wraps for a delicious, tangy condiment.
  8. French Fries and Sweet Potato Fries: Use it as a dipping sauce for fries, adding a rich and tangy flavor that pairs perfectly with the crispy texture.

This versatile sauce can elevate many dishes, making it a favorite in both Japanese-American cuisine and beyond.
Closeup of a serving bowl with Japanese White Sauce.

Other Dipping Sauces to Try

 

Collage of two photos of Japanese White Sauce with recipe title text.

I hope this Japanese White Sauce recipe brings a new level of flavor and excitement to your culinary adventures. Whether you’re drizzling it over grilled meats, dipping your veggies, or adding a creamy twist to your favorite dishes, this versatile condiment is sure to become a household favorite. Give it a try and let me know how it transforms your meals in the comments below and on Instagram and Facebook

Japanese White Sauce as dipping sauce.

Japanese White Sauce

Yield: 8
Prep Time: 2 minutes
Cook Time: 1 minute
Total Time: 1 minute

Japanese White Sauce is a versatile condiment that adds a rich, savory touch to a variety of dishes. Inspired by the elegant flavors of Japanese cuisine, this sauce is perfect for enhancing your favorite meals, from grilled vegetables to seafood.

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup egg-free mayo
  • 2 tbsp dairy-free butter
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1/2 tsp onion powder
  • 1/2 tsp tomato paste
  • 1/2 tsp paprika
  • 1 tsp sugar
  • 1/2 tsp cayenne pepper

Instructions

  1. It would be best if you had a small pot. Melt the butter on low heat, then remove it from the heat.Ingredients needed for making Japanese White Sauce.
  2. Next, add the dairy-free mayonnaise to the butter, together with the tomato paste and seasonings.Side by side view of a small pan showing the preparation of Japanese White Sauce.
  3. Whisk everything together, then transfer the Japanese White Sauce into a serving bowl.Top view of the ready sauce.
Nutrition Information:
Yield: 8 Serving Size: 1 tbsp
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 64Total Fat: 3gSaturated Fat: 1gTrans Fat: 0gUnsaturated Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0mgSodium: 23mgCarbohydrates: 1gFiber: 0gSugar: 1gProtein: 2g

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