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What is Shrimp Sauce Made Of? The Ultimate Guide to Making Delicious Yum Yum Sauce at Home

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Hey there, sauce lovers! Ever been to a Japanese steakhouse and couldn’t get enough of that amazing pink sauce they serve? You know, that creamy, tangy goodness everyone calls “shrimp sauce” or “yum yum sauce”? Well, I’m gonna spill all the secrets about what goes into making this magical condiment!

The Basic Ingredients You’ll Need

Despite its name, shrimp sauce actually doesn’t contain any shrimp! Here’s what you’ll need to make this delicious sauce:

Main Components:

  • Mayonnaise (2 cups) – The creamy base
  • Ketchup (1/2 cup) – Gives color and tanginess
  • Sugar (3 tablespoons) – For sweetness
  • Water (1/2 cup) – To thin it out

Seasoning Mix:

  • Garlic powder (1 tablespoon)
  • Paprika (1 tablespoon)
  • Onion powder (1 teaspoon)
  • Salt (1 teaspoon)
  • Cayenne pepper (1/2 teaspoon)
  • Sriracha or hot sauce (1 teaspoon)

How to Make Shrimp Sauce

  1. Combine Ingredients:

    • Dump all ingredients into a mixing bowl
    • Whisk everything together until smooth
    • Make sure there are no lumps!
  2. Let It Rest

    • Cover the bowl
    • Refrigerate for at least 1 hour
    • Better yet, let it sit for 24 hours for maximum flavor

Pro Tips for Perfect Shrimp Sauce

Here’s what I’ve learned from making this sauce countless times:

  • Mayo Matters: Use good quality mayonnaise like Hellmann’s, Duke’s, or Japanese Kewpie mayo
  • Consistency is Key: If too thick, add water gradually until you reach desired thickness
  • Taste Test: Start with less spice and adjust to your preference
  • Storage: Keeps in fridge for up to 10 days in an airtight container

Common Questions About Shrimp Sauce

Is it Actually Spicy?

Nope! Despite containing cayenne and hot sauce, traditional shrimp sauce isn’t spicy These ingredients add flavor rather than heat.

Can I Make it Healthier?

Sure! Try these substitutions:

  • Light mayonnaise instead of regular
  • Sugar substitute instead of regular sugar
  • Reduced-sodium seasonings

What Can I Serve It With?

Oh boy, what CAN’T you serve it with? Try it on:

  • Hibachi-style vegetables
  • Fried rice
  • Grilled shrimp (obviously!)
  • French fries
  • Onion rings
  • Burger topping
  • Veggie dip

Storage Tips

Store your homemade shrimp sauce properly:

  1. Keep refrigerated
  2. Use an airtight container
  3. Don’t leave out for more than 2 hours
  4. Never freeze (mayo will separate)

Why Make It at Home?

Making shrimp sauce at home is:

  • Cheaper than buying at restaurants
  • Fresher than store-bought versions
  • Customizable to your taste
  • Super easy to make
  • Great for meal prep

Final Thoughts

Y’all, this sauce is seriously a game-changer! I used to spend so much money buying extra sauce at Japanese restaurants, but now I can make it whenever I want at home. Trust me, once you try making your own shrimp sauce, you’ll never go back to store-bought!

Plus, it’s way fun to experiment with the recipe and make it your own. Maybe add a little more garlic if that’s your thing, or throw in some extra hot sauce if you’re feeling spicy!

Remember: The key to amazing shrimp sauce is letting those flavors marry in the fridge for at least an hour before serving. Patience makes perfect!


Pro Tip Make a big batch and portion it into smaller containers – your future self will thank you when that late-night hibachi craving hits!

what is shrimp sauce made of

Where Did This Recipe Come From?

You might be wondering, “how did you get that recipe for shrimp sauce yum yum sauce anyway”.

A friend who is a line cook shared his recipe with me and I shared my macaroni and cheese recipe with him.

Can I have Shrimp Sauce Yum Yum Sauce While I Am Pregnant?

This depends entirely upon what you are allowed to have in your diet, however, this does NOT have shrimp in it. So, look at the ingredients and see if this is something that you can have.

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