Healthy Yum Yum Sauce: A Guilt-Free Twist on a Classic
Ever craved that delicious hibachi restaurant sauce but worried about the calories? I’ve got you covered with this healthier version that doesn’t skimp on flavor!
Prep time:
10 minutes
Total time:
10 minutes (plus 4 hours chilling)
Servings:
15-20 (2 tablespoons each)
Difficulty:
Easy
Dietary tags:
Vegetarian, Low-calorie, Low-fat, Keto-friendly (with modifications)
Equipment Needed:
• Mixing bowl
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Food processor (optional, for ultra-smooth consistency)
Ingredients:
• 1 cup (227g) nonfat Greek yogurt
• 2 tablespoons (26g) mayonnaise (optional)
• 1/3 cup (80g) sriracha or 1-2 tablespoons tomato paste
• 1-2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1-3 tablespoons honey or natural sweetener
• 1 teaspoon melted butter (optional)
• 1/2 to 1 teaspoon garlic powder
• 1/4 to 1 teaspoon paprika
• Salt and white pepper to taste
• 1 tablespoon Dijon mustard (optional)
• 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil (optional)
Method:
1. Grab your mixing bowl and toss in the Greek yogurt, mayonnaise (if using), sriracha (or tomato paste), and rice vinegar.
2. Add your chosen sweetener, garlic powder, paprika, salt, and white pepper. Give it all a good whisk.
3. If you’re feeling fancy, throw in the Dijon mustard and sesame oil. Mix until everything’s playing nicely together.
4. Give it a taste. Too thick? Add a splash of water (1-2 teaspoons) and whisk again.
5. Cover the bowl and pop it in the fridge for at least 4 hours. Trust me, this waiting game is worth it for flavor fusion.
6. Before serving, give it another taste. Adjust seasoning if needed – you’re the boss here!
Crucial Tips:
• Don’t skip the chilling step – it’s key for flavor development.
• If going vegan, swap Greek yogurt for a plant-based alternative.
• For a keto version, use full-fat yogurt and a sugar-free sweetener.
Storage and Scaling:
This sauce will keep in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. Fancy making more (or less)? Just adjust all ingredients proportionally.
Common Pitfalls:
• Adding too much water can make your sauce sad and runny.
• Not tasting as you go – everyone’s palate is different!
Variations:
Want it spicier? Crank up the sriracha!
Craving umami? A dash of soy sauce works wonders.
Going sugar-free? Experiment with stevia or monk fruit sweetener.
I’ve made this sauce countless times, tweaking it for different dietary needs and taste preferences. It’s become my go-to for everything from grilled veggies to sushi rolls.
The beauty of this healthy yum yum sauce lies in its versatility. I’ve even used it as a salad dressing in a pinch! The key is finding your perfect balance of tangy, sweet, and spicy.
Remember, cooking is all about experimentation. Don’t be afraid to play around with the ratios until you find your personal yum yum nirvana. Happy whisking!
Pair your Yum Yum Sauce with other healthy recipes like cauliflower rice stir fry or enjoy it drizzled over a Buddha bowl. It’s also a fantastic match for grilled proteins, like in this grilled chicken breast recipe.
