Gluten Free Yum Yum Sauce

To lovers of Japanese-style hibachi meals, this creamy, tangy Yum Yum sauce may sound familiar. This homemade version is equipped with all the bold flavours of the original hibachi dipping sauce without the hassle of gluten. It’s perfect for those wanting to enjoy the original cuisine with a lighter, cleaner condiment; it’s also essential for those with gluten allergies or food sensitivities. 

You can drizzle it over fries or spice up your rice bowl. This mayo-based sauce is perfect for anything needing the extra twist of tang. Let’s check out the recipe to make it DIY at home. 

Is Traditional Yum Yum Sauce Gluten-Free?

No, traditionally made Yum Yum sauce is not always gluten-free. Asian-style cuisine condiments are normally made with gluten and dairy. It depends on the ingredients of the sauce to determine if it’s gluten-free or not. 

To make the sauce accessible to people with gluten sensitivity, here are some natural gluten-free ingredients to use in the yum yum dipping sauce: 

• Mayonnaise
• Tomato paste or ketchup
• Butter
• Sugar
• Spices like paprika and garlic powder
• Vinegar  

What is Gluten Free Yum Yum Sauce Made of?

You can use a few simple items from the pantry shelf to make this iconic but classic hibachi-style yum yum dipping sauce. Its ingredients are made to balance the creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet flavour perfectly so that it pairs nicely with various delicacies. Be extra careful to pick all gluten-free ingredients to make a gluten-free version of this sauce at home. Here, the ingredients are listed below: 

• Mayonnaise 

You’ll need 1 cup of mayonnaise for this recipe. Ask for gluten-free mayonnaise at your local grocery store. 

Tips: Use the gluten-free and full-fat versions for the best flavour.  

• Tomato Paste 

Add 1 tablespoon of tomato paste. 

Tips: You can also choose to use ketchup for a sweeter taste. 

• Butter 

You’ll need 1 tablespoon of melted, unsalted butter for this dipping sauce. 

• Rice Vinegar/ White Vinegar 

You can use either rice vinegar or white vinegar according to your preferences. You’ll need about 1 tablespoon of vinegar. 

• Sugar 

To adjust the taste of all the ingredients in the sauce, add 1 tablespoon of sugar. It’s better to use regular white sugar because brown sugar will give the sweet taste of molasses in the mayo-dipping sauce. 

• Garlic Powder 

Add ½ teaspoon of garlic powder. 

• Paprika 

Add ½ teaspoon of paprika.

• Water 

To thin the sauce according to preference, add 1-2 tablespoons of water. 

• Cayenne Pepper/ Hot Sauce (optional)

Add just a pinch of cayenne pepper or a few drops of hot sauce if you prefer a bolder and spicier taste. 

How to Make Gluten-Free Yum Yum Sauce at Home?

It’s very quick and almost effortless to make the yum yum dipping sauce at home. No fancy tools are needed, and even rookie cooks out there can whip it up in minutes. Just mix, stir, chill, and enjoy!
Here’s the step-by-step process for making the sauce: 

Step 1: Combine the Ingredients 

Combine mayonnaise, tomato paste, melted butter, vinegar, and sugar in a bowl and mix well. 

Note: 

• Add more or less sugar according to your taste or the ketchup’s sweetness. 
• Use good-quality, gluten-free mayo. Mayonnaise is the star ingredient of this recipe; using a rich, creamy mayo will make a big difference. It’s better to avoid the low-fat version if you want authentic Japanese Hibachi flavours. 

Step 2: Add Spices 

Add garlic powder, paprika, and cayenne pepper (if using) to the bowl with the mixture. 

Tips: You can add more cayenne pepper or sriracha hot sauce to make it spicier. 

Step 3: Stir

Stir the mixture until it reaches a smooth and creamy texture. 

Step 4: Add Water 

Add water to reach the desired consistency.

Step 5: Cool, Refrigerate, and Store 

Cover and refrigerate for about 1 hour before serving; this helps the flavours meld. 

Tips:

• Make sure to let it rest; the sauce tastes much better after sitting for an hour. 
• Keep in an airtight container in the fridge to make it last for about 5-7 days. 

What to Serve with Gluten-Free Yum Yum Sauce?

This creamy dipping sauce is not just hibachi, it’s a perfect condiment and flavour booster, which pairs nicely with a range of various delicacies. Whether you’re looking for a glaze for your grilled meat, spicing up your rice bowl, or just looking for a plain dipping sauce to go with it, yum yum sauce has got your back. 

Here are the dishes commonly paired with Japanese yum yum sauce: 

Japanese & Asian-Inspired Dishes

• Hibachi-style grilled chicken, shrimp, or steak
• Fried rice or stir-fried noodles
• Gyoza (Japanese dumplings)
• Tempura vegetables or shrimp

Seafood

• Grilled or pan-seared shrimp
• Crab cakes
• Fish tacos

Grilled Meats

• Chicken skewers or kabobs
• Beef steak bites
• Pork chops or tenderloin

Veggies & Snacks

• Roasted or steamed vegetables (especially broccoli, cauliflower, and zucchini)
• Sweet potato fries or regular fries
• Baked tofu
• Veggie wraps or bowls

Rice & Grain Bowls

• Sushi bowls
• Teriyaki chicken rice bowls
• Quinoa veggie bowls

Is the Traditional Yum Yum Sauce Allergy-Free?

The traditional yum yum dipping sauce is not free of allergens such as gluten or dairy, but if they are made with the right ingredients, substituting the traditional ones, they can be allergy-free. 

For this case:

• To make the yum yum dipping sauce gluten-free, use a gluten-free version of full-fat mayonnaise and avoid using other gluten-containing components in the sauce. 
• To make it dairy-free, you can opt to use dairy-free mayonnaise or a vegan version of mayonnaise to avoid dairy. Lactose-intolerant individuals need to be careful of the ingredients. 

If you’re not making the sauce at home and buying it at the grocery store, it’s always recommended to check the label for the specific ingredients. 

Allergies can be tricky, and sometimes the products that look gluten-free or dairy-free might have a few ingredients in them that aren’t. If you’re making the sauce at home, substitute the traditional ingredients with the allergen-free versions of them.

Conclusion 

This homemade hibachi-style sauce is a simple yet flavourful addition to your kitchen that can instantly elevate your everyday meals. With just a few common ingredients, you can get a sauce that is perfect for dipping, drizzling or spreading. The best part is, you can make this gluten-free version and adjust it according to your taste. Once you try it, you’ll want to keep a batch in your fridge to serve at all times!