Japanese cuisine is never truly complete without these two condiments. The Yum Yum sauce and spicy mayo are the pinnacle of Asian sauce taste, with both being somewhat similar to each other. However, there are some things you’ve yet to discover that can sway your mind when choosing one to use.
Here, we’ll take a closer look at the ingredients, flavors, and uses of these two popular Japanese condiments and put them head to head against each other. Yum yum sauce vs spicy mayo. Who’ll win? Find out!
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What Is Spicy Mayo?
Spicy mayo is a very popular condiment used in Japanese and Korean cuisines made by mixing mayonnaise with hot sauce or chili paste. Depending on how spicy you want it to be, different types of hot sauce or chili paste can be used, such as sriracha, gochujang, and harissa.
What is Spicy Mayo Good For?
Spicy mayo is best used as a dipping sauce for sushi rolls, a spread for sandwiches or burgers, a topping for grilled meats or vegetables, or a salad dressing with Asian-inspired flavors. It can even be used as a topping for tacos or pizza, a dip for fries or veggies, a sauce for fried chicken or seafood, or a delicious spread for wraps or burritos.
What Is Yum Yum Sauce?
Yum yum sauce is a creamy, tangy sauce made from a combination of mayonnaise, tomato paste, sugar, vinegar, garlic powder, and other seasonings. Although its origins are a bit murky, it’s believed to have been created in the United States around the 1960s or 1970s and likely inspired by Japanese mayonnaise, which is typically sweeter and tangier than American mayonnaise.
What Is Yum Yum Good For?
This sauce is just perfect for dipping foods like sushi, sashimi, tempura, grilled shrimp, and vegetables. Aside from dipping, it can also be used as a dressing for salads, bowls, and sandwiches, making it a great way to add flavor to your favorite dishes.
Some popular dishes that use yum yum sauce include hibachi chicken, steak, and shrimp, as well as sushi rolls like California rolls, spicy tuna rolls, and shrimp tempura rolls. It’s also a great topping for burgers, sandwiches, and wraps and can be used as a substitute for traditional condiments like ketchup or mustard, adding a unique and flavorful twist to your favorite sandwiches.
Is Spicy Mayo The Same As Yum Yum Sauce?
No, spicy mayo and yum yum sauce are not the same thing. They have different flavors and textures, with varying purposes in cooking. The ingredients alone differ as spicy mayo is made by mixing mayonnaise with hot sauce or sriracha, like when making sriracha mayo. On the other hand, yum yum sauce is made with mayonnaise, tomato paste, rice vinegar, sugar, and other seasonings.
Similarities and Differences Between Yum Yum Sauce and Spicy Mayo
Similarities
Texture – Both sauces have a creamy texture that’s smooth and velvety. This can be accredited to the use of mayonnaise as a base ingredient.
Color – They are both white (can be off-white) in color. Another attribute of their mayonnaise base ingredient.
Differences
Flavor: Their flavors share a likeness in tanginess, but that’s about it. Yum yum sauce is creamy and slightly sweet, while spicy mayo is spicy and tangy.
Heat: As you’ve probably guessed, spicy mayo is quite spicy, while yum yum sauce, not so much. The level of heat in spicy mayo can also vary depending on how much Sriracha sauce is used.
Usage: Yum yum sauce is typically a dipping sauce for sushi, vegetables, or fried foods. Spicy mayo is more commonly used as a condiment for sushi rolls, sandwiches, or burgers.
Ingredients: Though both contain mayonnaise as a base ingredient, yum yum sauce uses tomato paste, sugar, and vinegar, while spicy mayo uses Sriracha sauce and sometimes garlic or soy sauce instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How Do I Use Yum Yum Sauce?
To use this sauce, simply pour it over your favorite dish or use it as a dipping sauce for sushi, tempura, or grilled meats. It tastes delicious in seafood dishes, fried rice, and vegetables.
How Long Does Yum Yum Sauce Last?
It can last up to two weeks when stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, yum yum sauce. However, its shelf life may vary depending on the ingredients used to make it. If the sauce contains dairy or seafood products, it’ll spoil faster. To ensure the sauce is still fresh, always check for any signs of spoilage, such as a sour smell or mold growth, before using it.
Is Spicy Mayo Good For You?
Spicy mayo is not considered a healthy food choice as it’s high in calories, fat, and sodium. While it can add flavor to your food, consuming too much can contribute to weight gain and other health issues.