Japanese Shrimp Sauce – This creamy, slightly sweet, and umami-packed sauce alongside your meal made with staple condiment that elevates grilled seafood, vegetables, and meats.
What is Japanese Shrimp Sauce?
Japanese shrimp sauce is a versatile condiment that has become a favorite in Japanese-American restaurants. Despite the name, it doesn’t contain any shrimp. Instead, the sauce is named for its perfect pairing with shrimp and seafood dishes. This thick, creamy sauce is known for its balance of sweetness, tang, and a hint of umami.
At its core, it’s a combination of mayonnaise, butter, tomato paste or ketchup, and rice vinegar, with additional seasonings such as garlic powder, paprika, and a touch of sugar. The ingredients vary slightly from one restaurant to another, but the flavor remains consistently delicious.
Variations of Japanese Shrimp Sauce
While the classic version is undeniably popular, there are several ways you can tweak the sauce to match your preferences or experiment with new flavors.
Healthier Version: Substitute regular mayonnaise with low-fat or avocado-based mayo and reduce the sugar content for a lighter option.
Spicy Shrimp Sauce: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of cayenne pepper to bring some heat.
Lemon-Ginger Shrimp Sauce: A dash of lemon juice and some freshly grated ginger can add a zesty, refreshing twist.
Coconut Shrimp Sauce: Mix in a tablespoon of coconut milk for a tropical flair that pairs especially well with grilled shrimp.
Tips and Tricks for the Perfect Japanese Shrimp Sauce
- Use Japanese mayonnaise: For the most authentic flavor, opt for Kewpie mayonnaise. It’s made with egg yolks and rice vinegar, giving the sauce a richer taste.
- Let it sit: Allow the sauce to rest in the refrigerator for at least an hour before serving. This gives the ingredients time to fully blend.
- Adjust the thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a little water to reach your preferred consistency. Start with a tablespoon at a time.
- Balance the sweetness: Depending on your preference, you can adjust the amount of sugar or even substitute it with honey or agave syrup for a natural sweetness.
How to Serve Japanese Shrimp Sauce
Japanese shrimp sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs well with a variety of dishes. Here are some delicious ways to serve it:
- With Shrimp: As the name suggests, this sauce is a match made in heaven for shrimp—grilled, fried, or sautéed.
- Drizzled on Rice: Pour it over your fried rice or plain white rice for a creamy, flavorful boost.
- On Grilled Meats and Vegetables: Whether it’s steak, chicken, or grilled vegetables, Japanese shrimp sauce enhances the natural flavors.
- As a Dip for Tempura: This sauce can be an excellent alternative to traditional tempura dipping sauces.
- With Sushi Rolls: Use it as a dipping sauce for sushi or drizzle it on top of rolls for added creaminess and flavor.
Pro Tip: You can also use this sauce as a spread for sandwiches, wraps, or even burgers. It adds a deliciously creamy, tangy kick!
How to Store Japanese Shrimp Sauce
One of the best things about this sauce is how easy it is to store and reuse. Here’s how to keep it fresh:
- Refrigeration: Store the shrimp sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will last for up to 7–10 days.
- Freezing: While it’s best enjoyed fresh, you can freeze the sauce for up to a month. Make sure to use a freezer-safe container, and thaw it in the refrigerator overnight before using.
Recipe FAQs
Is Japanese shrimp sauce the same as yum yum sauce?
Yes! The terms yum yum sauce and Japanese shrimp sauce are often used interchangeably, especially in American hibachi restaurants. Both refer to the creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauce.
Can I use regular mayonnaise instead of Japanese mayonnaise?
Absolutely. While Kewpie mayonnaise (a Japanese brand) offers a richer, slightly tangier flavor due to its use of egg yolks and rice vinegar, regular mayonnaise works well too.
What dishes can I use Japanese shrimp sauce with?
Aside from seafood, it’s perfect with grilled meats, vegetables, fried rice, and even sushi rolls. It’s also a fantastic dip for fried foods like tempura.
Can I make it in advance?
Yes! In fact, making it a day ahead allows the flavors to meld, resulting in a more robust taste.
Is Japanese shrimp sauce gluten-free?
Most versions of this sauce are gluten-free, as the ingredients typically don’t contain gluten. However, if you add soy sauce, make sure it’s a gluten-free version, as many soy sauces contain wheat.
Japanese Shrimp Sauce
Japanese Shrimp Sauce - This creamy, slightly sweet, and umami-packed sauce alongside your meal made with staple condiment that elevates grilled seafood, vegetables, and meats.
Ingredients
- 1 cup mayonnaise
- 2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- ¼ teaspoon paprika
- 1 tablespoon ketchup
- 1 tablespoon melted butter
- ¾ teaspoon garlic powder
- ¾ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon mirin
- 1 tablespoon granulated sugar
- 1-2 tablespoons water (or to desired consistency)
- Optional: A pinch of smoked paprika for smokiness
- Optional: A few splashes of hot sauce or cayenne for heat
Instructions
- In a small bowl, thoroughly mix all the ingredients.
- Cover and refrigerate for at least 2 hours (overnight is even better for enhanced flavor).
- Store in an airtight container in the fridge, and it will keep for up to a week.
Nutrition Information
Yield
20Serving Size
1Amount Per Serving Calories 86Total Fat 9gSaturated Fat 2gTrans Fat 0gUnsaturated Fat 7gCholesterol 6mgSodium 82mgCarbohydrates 2gFiber 0gSugar 1gProtein 0g
Easy Shrimp Recipes.com, occasionally offers nutritional information for recipes contained on this site. This information is provided as a courtesy and is an estimate only. This information comes from online calculators. Although allchickenrecipes.com attempts to provide accurate nutritional information, these figures are only estimates.
Final Thoughts
Japanese shrimp sauce is more than just a restaurant condiment—it’s a versatile and easy-to-make sauce that can transform a wide variety of dishes at home. Whether you’re drizzling it over grilled shrimp, using it as a dip for tempura, or spreading it on a burger, this creamy, tangy sauce will surely become a staple in your kitchen.
Don’t be afraid to experiment with flavors by adding a bit of spice or a zesty kick with lemon. And the best part? It’s incredibly easy to store and reuse for multiple meals!
Now that you know how to make this sauce from scratch, you can bring the flavors of your favorite Japanese steakhouse right to your own dinner table. Enjoy!
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