Keto Yum Yum Sauce Recipe – Creamy, Low-Carb Japanese Steakhouse Style Sauce
If you have ever eaten at a Japanese steakhouse, you have probably tasted the famous creamy dipping sauce known as yum yum sauce. Traditionally, this sauce contains sugar and ketchup, which makes it less suitable for a ketogenic lifestyle. The good news is that this Keto Yum Yum Sauce Recipe delivers the same rich, tangy, and slightly sweet flavor while keeping the carbs extremely low.
This keto-friendly version uses simple ingredients like mayonnaise, spices, and a low-carb sweetener to recreate the classic taste without breaking ketosis. It is incredibly easy to make and perfect as a dipping sauce for grilled meats, shrimp, vegetables, or even keto-friendly rice alternatives.
Ingredients
Below are the exact measurements for a perfectly balanced Keto Yum Yum Sauce Recipe.
| Ingredient | Measurement |
|---|---|
| Mayonnaise (full-fat) | 1 cup |
| Tomato paste | 1 tablespoon |
| Unsweetened almond milk | 2 tablespoons |
| Butter (melted) | 1 tablespoon |
| Garlic powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Paprika | ½ teaspoon |
| Onion powder | ½ teaspoon |
| Apple cider vinegar | 1 teaspoon |
| Keto sweetener (erythritol or monk fruit) | 1 teaspoon |
| Salt | ¼ teaspoon |
| Black pepper | ¼ teaspoon |
Optional ingredient:
- A pinch of cayenne pepper for mild heat
Step by Step Cooking Guide
Step 1 – Prepare the Base
In a medium mixing bowl, add the mayonnaise and tomato paste. Whisk until the mixture becomes smooth and evenly combined.
Step 2 – Add the Liquid Ingredients
Pour in the almond milk, melted butter, and apple cider vinegar. Continue whisking until the sauce becomes creamy and slightly thinner.
Step 3 – Add Seasonings
Add garlic powder, onion powder, paprika, salt, and black pepper. Mix well so the flavors distribute evenly.
Step 4 – Sweeten the Sauce
Add the keto sweetener and whisk again until fully dissolved. This step helps recreate the traditional sweet taste without adding sugar.
Step 5 – Chill the Sauce
Cover the bowl and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes. This allows the flavors to blend together and improves the texture.
Step 6 – Serve
Stir the sauce before serving and adjust seasoning if needed.
Cooking Time & Serving Size
| Category | Time |
|---|---|
| Prep Time | 5 minutes |
| Cook Time | 0 minutes |
| Chill Time | 30 minutes |
| Total Time | 35 minutes |
Serving Size:
Makes about 8 servings (approximately 2 tablespoons per serving)
Tips & Variations
Use high-quality mayonnaise
A good full-fat mayonnaise makes the sauce richer and creamier.
Adjust thickness
Add 1–2 teaspoons of almond milk if you want a thinner sauce.
Make it spicy
Add sriracha, cayenne pepper, or chili flakes for a spicy kick.
Extra smoky flavor
Use smoked paprika instead of regular paprika.
Restaurant-style flavor
Let the sauce rest overnight in the refrigerator for the best taste.
Nutrition Information (Per Serving)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 kcal |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
| Carbohydrates | 1.2 g |
| Net Carbs | 1 g |
| Fat | 12 g |
| Fiber | 0.1 g |
| Sugar | 0.4 g |
Values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredients used.
Healthy Alternatives
Low-Fat Option
Use light mayonnaise instead of full-fat mayonnaise to reduce calories.
Sugar-Free Version
Use a keto sweetener such as erythritol, monk fruit, or stevia to keep the sauce completely sugar-free.
Dairy-Free Option
Replace butter with avocado oil or olive oil.
Gluten-Free Option
This recipe is naturally gluten-free as long as all ingredients used are certified gluten-free.
Extra Keto-Friendly
Use avocado oil mayonnaise to increase healthy fats.
Serving Suggestions
This Keto Yum Yum Sauce Recipe is incredibly versatile and adds delicious flavor to many dishes. It pairs perfectly with grilled shrimp, chicken, steak bites, roasted vegetables, and cauliflower fried rice. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for keto fries, zucchini sticks, or lettuce wraps.
The creamy texture and balanced flavor make it a great homemade alternative to store-bought sauces. Once you try this easy recipe, you may never go back to the traditional version again.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Yum Yum Sauce made of?
Traditional yum yum sauce is made from mayonnaise, ketchup, sugar, and spices. This keto version replaces sugar with a low-carb sweetener and uses tomato paste instead of ketchup.
Is Yum Yum Sauce keto-friendly?
Regular yum yum sauce is not keto-friendly because it contains sugar. However, this Keto Yum Yum Sauce Recipe is low in carbs and perfect for ketogenic diets.
How long does homemade yum yum sauce last?
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5–7 days.
Can I make this sauce without mayonnaise?
Yes, you can substitute mayonnaise with Greek yogurt or sour cream, though the flavor and texture will change slightly.
Can I freeze Yum Yum Sauce?
Freezing is not recommended because mayonnaise-based sauces can separate after thawing.
