Yum Yum sauce is a popular condiment that is often served in Japanese restaurants. It is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce that is used as a dip for sushi, seafood, and meat dishes. However, if you are following a keto diet, you may be wondering if yum yum sauce is keto-friendly.
The answer is that it depends on the recipe. Traditional yum yum sauce is made with mayonnaise, sugar, and rice vinegar, which are all high in carbs and not suitable for a keto diet.
However, there are many variations of yum yum sauce that use keto-friendly ingredients such as avocado oil mayonnaise, coconut aminos, and erythritol instead of sugar.
In this article, we will explore whether yum yum sauce can be part of a keto diet and provide some delicious keto-friendly recipes for you to try.
What is Yum Yum Sauce?
Yum Yum Sauce is a popular condiment that is often served in Japanese hibachi restaurants as a dipping sauce for shrimp and rice balls or drizzled on fried rice or grilled meats. The sauce is sometimes referred to as Sakura sauce or white sauce at these venues. It is a creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce that is loved by many.
Ingredients
The ingredients in Yum Yum Sauce can vary depending on the recipe, but it typically includes mayonnaise, tomato paste, sugar, rice vinegar, garlic powder, onion powder, and paprika. Some recipes also include soy sauce, hot sauce, or sesame oil for added flavor.
Nutrition Facts
The nutrition facts of Yum Yum Sauce can vary depending on the recipe and serving size. Here is an approximate nutrition breakdown for 1 tablespoon of Yum Yum Sauce:
- Calories: 45
- Protein: 0.1g
- Fat: 4.5g
- Carbs: 1.4g
- Sugar: 1.2g
- Sodium: 87mg
It is important to note that Yum Yum Sauce is not considered to be keto-friendly due to its high carb and sugar content. However, there are low-carb and keto-friendly versions of the sauce that can be made at home using alternative sweeteners and low-carb ingredients.
Is Yum Yum Sauce Keto Friendly?
Yum Yum sauce is a popular condiment that is commonly served in Japanese restaurants. It is a creamy, sweet, and tangy sauce that is typically used as a dipping sauce for sushi, seafood, and vegetables. However, if you are following a keto or low-carb diet, you may be wondering if Yum Yum sauce is keto-friendly.
Unfortunately, most store-bought Yum Yum sauces are not keto-friendly as they contain high amounts of sugar and carbs. A typical serving of Yum Yum sauce can contain up to 20 grams of carbs, which is more than the daily carb limit for most people on a keto diet.
However, you can make a keto-friendly version of Yum Yum sauce at home by using low-carb ingredients. For example, you can use sugar-free ketchup, mayonnaise made with avocado oil, and coconut aminos instead of soy sauce. This will significantly reduce the carb count of the sauce and make it more suitable for a keto or low-carb diet.
If you are following a strict keto diet, it is important to keep track of your net carb intake. Net carbs are the total carbs minus the fiber and sugar alcohols. Some Yum Yum sauce recipes may contain small amounts of sugar or honey, which can add up quickly and push you over your daily carb limit.
In addition to being keto-friendly, homemade Yum Yum sauce can also be gluten-free, paleo, and dairy-free if you use the right ingredients. You can also adjust the spiciness and sweetness of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less of the ingredients.
Making Yum Yum Sauce at Home
Ingredients and Preparation
If you’re looking for a keto-friendly version of Yum Yum sauce, making it at home is your best bet. Here’s what you’ll need:
- 1 cup of mayonnaise (you can use avocado oil mayo for a healthier option)
- 2 tablespoons of ketchup (make sure it’s sugar-free)
- 1 tablespoon of rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon of sweetener (use a keto-friendly sweetener like erythritol or stevia)
- 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of onion powder
- 1/4 teaspoon of smoked paprika
- 1/4 teaspoon of white pepper
- 1/8 teaspoon of cayenne pepper
- Water (add 1 teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency)
To make the sauce, simply mix all of the ingredients together in a bowl until they’re well incorporated. Add water 1 teaspoon at a time until you reach the desired consistency. This sauce is not meant to be thick, so don’t worry if it seems a bit runny.
Variations
Yum Yum sauce is a versatile condiment that can be used as a dipping sauce, salad dressing, or even a sandwich spread. Here are some variations you can try:
- Pink Sauce: Add a tablespoon of sriracha to the recipe for a sweet and spicy version of Yum Yum sauce.
- Fry Sauce: Mix equal parts Yum Yum sauce and sugar free ketchup for a tangy dipping sauce that’s perfect for fries.
- Hibachi Sauce: Add a tablespoon of soy sauce and a teaspoon of sesame oil to the recipe for a Japanese steakhouse-style sauce.
- Sakura Sauce: Mix Yum Yum sauce with shrimp sauce for a sweet and tangy dipping sauce that’s perfect for sushi.
- Sweet and Spicy: Add a tablespoon of honey or maple syrup to the recipe for a sweeter version of Yum Yum sauce.
Experiment with different variations to find your favorite. Yum Yum sauce is a delicious and versatile condiment that’s perfect for any occasion.
Using Yum Yum Sauce
If you’re following a keto diet, you may be wondering if you can still enjoy Keto Yum Yum Sauce. The good news is that you can! While traditional Yum Yum Sauce may not be keto-friendly due to its high carb and sugar content, there are plenty of low-carb and keto-friendly versions that you can make at home or find in stores.
Pairings
Yum Yum Sauce is a versatile condiment that can be paired with a variety of foods. Here are some ideas:
- Grilled meats: Yum Yum Sauce is a popular condiment at hibachi restaurants and is often served with grilled chicken, steak, and shrimp. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for grilled beef, pork, or lamb.
- Seafood: Yum Yum Sauce pairs well with seafood, such as grilled shrimp, scallops, and fish. It’s also a great dipping sauce for crab cakes and shrimp cocktail.
- Veggies: Yum Yum Sauce can add flavor to grilled or roasted vegetables, such as zucchini, broccoli, and cauliflower. You can also use it as a dressing for salads or as a dip for raw veggies.
- Egg Roll in a Bowl: If you’re a fan of egg roll in a bowl, Yum Yum Sauce can be a tasty addition to the dish.
Serving Suggestions
Here are some serving suggestions for Yum Yum Sauce:
- As a dipping sauce: Yum Yum Sauce is a great dipping sauce for grilled meats, seafood, veggies, and egg roll in a bowl.
- As a dressing: You can use Yum Yum Sauce as a dressing for salads, such as a cabbage or coleslaw salad.
- As a marinade: Yum Yum Sauce can be used as a marinade for grilled meats or seafood.
When using Yum Yum Sauce, keep in mind that a little goes a long way. It’s also important to check the nutrition information of any store-bought Yum Yum Sauce to ensure that it fits within your keto diet. If you’re making your own Yum Yum Sauce, you can adjust the ingredients to make it more or less spicy, depending on your taste preferences.
Tips and Tricks
Storage
Yum Yum sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Make sure to label the container with the date it was made to keep track of when it needs to be used by.
Preparation
Making Yum Yum sauce is easy and requires only a few simple ingredients. The recipe typically calls for mayonnaise, ketchup, sriracha, butter, rice vinegar, sweetener, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika. Some variations may include additional ingredients such as soy sauce or Worcestershire sauce.
When making Yum Yum sauce, it is important to mix the ingredients well to ensure that they are fully incorporated. Start by adding the mayo, ketchup, sriracha, butter, rice vinegar, sweetener, onion powder, garlic powder, and paprika to a mixing bowl. Mix until all ingredients are well incorporated. Then add water 1 teaspoon at a time until it has reached the desired consistency. This is not meant to be a thick sauce.
When it comes to oils, it is best to use a neutral oil such as canola or soybean oil. Olive oil can be used, but it may alter the flavor of the sauce. Melted butter or avocado oil can also be used for a richer flavor.
Final Thoughts
Yum yum sauce is not keto-friendly due to its high carb and sugar content. However, those following a keto diet can still enjoy this delicious condiment by making a low-carb version at home. There are many keto-friendly sauces and dips that can be used as a substitute for yum yum sauce, such as salsa, guacamole, or tzatziki.
If you are a fan of Japanese hibachi restaurants, you are probably familiar with yum yum sauce. This thick, creamy, and flavorful dipping sauce goes well with everything, from shrimp to grilled meats. However, most store-bought versions of yum yum sauce contain high amounts of sugar, which makes it unsuitable for those following a low-carb or keto diet.
Fortunately, it is easy to make a homemade version of yum yum sauce that is low in carbs and sugar. By using mayonnaise, sour cream, and a few other simple ingredients, you can create a delicious and keto-friendly dipping sauce that is perfect for your favorite dishes.
In summary, yum yum sauce is not keto-friendly, but it is possible to make a low-carb version at home. With a few simple substitutions and tweaks, you can enjoy this delicious condiment without compromising your health goals.
Whether you are serving it with shrimp, rice balls, or grilled meats, yum yum sauce is a tasty and versatile dipping sauce that is easy to make and customize to your liking.