Name: Yum Yum Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Total time: 35 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 1 cup mayonnaise; 3 tablespoons ketchup; 2 tablespoons water; 1 tablespoon sugar; 1 teaspoon paprika; 1/2 teaspoon garlic powder; 1/2 teaspoon onion powder; 1/4 teaspoon ginger powder; 1/4 teaspoon salt

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I love making this creamy, slightly sweet, and savory Yum Yum Sauce whenever I want to add extra flavor to a simple meal. It’s smooth, comforting, and comes together in just minutes using ingredients I usually already have on hand. I often use it as a dip, a drizzle, or even a spread, and it always makes food feel more special.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

I like this recipe because it’s quick, reliable, and completely no-cook. I can mix everything in one bowl without any special equipment. I also enjoy how well-balanced the flavors are, with a gentle sweetness and mild spice that works with many dishes. It’s one of those sauces I can prepare once and enjoy throughout the week.

Ingredients

(Tip: You’ll find the full list of Ingredients and measurements in the recipe card below.)

1 cup mayonnaise
3 tablespoons ketchup
2 tablespoons water
1 tablespoon sugar
1 teaspoon paprika
½ teaspoon garlic powder
½ teaspoon onion powder
¼ teaspoon ginger powder
¼ teaspoon salt

Directions

I start by adding the mayonnaise and ketchup to a medium bowl and stirring until completely smooth. I then pour in the water and mix until the sauce reaches a creamy but pourable consistency. Next, I add the sugar, paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, ginger powder, and salt. I stir everything together until the seasoning is evenly distributed. I usually cover the bowl and let the sauce chill in the refrigerator for about 30 minutes so the flavors blend nicely.

Servings And Timing

I usually get about 8 servings from this recipe, with each serving being approximately 2 tablespoons. The preparation takes me about 5 minutes, and I like to allow at least 30 minutes of chilling time before serving.

Variations

I sometimes add a pinch of cayenne pepper or a splash of hot sauce when I want extra heat. If I want a tangier flavor, I mix in a teaspoon of rice vinegar. For a smoky twist, I replace the paprika with smoked paprika. When I want a slightly lighter texture, I substitute a small portion of the mayonnaise with plain Greek yogurt.

Storage/Reheating

I store this Yum Yum Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stays fresh for up to one week. Since this is a chilled sauce, I don’t reheat it. I simply stir it well before using.

FAQs

Can I prepare this sauce in advance?

I often make it ahead of time because the flavor improves after chilling.

Is this sauce sweet or savory?

I find it balanced, with mild sweetness and gentle savory notes.

What consistency should the sauce have?

I aim for a smooth, creamy texture that easily coats food without being runny.

Can I adjust the seasoning?

I always taste the sauce and adjust the salt or sugar to suit my preference.

What dishes pair well with this sauce?

I like using it with vegetables, rice dishes, seafood, and as a dipping sauce for snacks.

Conclusion

I keep this Yum Yum Sauce recipe on hand because it’s simple, versatile, and consistently delicious. It’s the kind of sauce that turns everyday meals into something I genuinely look forward to eating.