Kewpie Mayo vs. Yum Yum Sauce: Differences & Uses

Are you a condiment connoisseur? Do you get excited about seeing a Kewpie mayo or Yum Yum sauce bottle? If so, you’re in luck! I really admire the people who are experts in taste. But if you’re not one of such people, then you’re also in luck — today, I’m here to answer the question: What is the difference between Kewpie mayo and Yum Yum sauce?

Kewpie mayo and Yum Yum sauce differ in ingredients and preparation. The former is made with egg yolks and rice vinegar, while the latter contains a mix of mayo, ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and spices. Regarding taste, Kewpie mayo can be slightly tangier than Yum Yum sauce.

But the differences don’t stop there! In this article, I’ll detail the differences between the two sauces to help you determine which one is best for your needs — from variations on each to their uses. So let’s dive in!

Differences in Ingredients and Preparation

When it comes to the ingredients and preparation, Kewpie mayo and Yum Yum sauce differ significantly. Kewpie mayo is made from egg yolks, vinegar or lemon juice, salt, and a Japanese condiment called “Kabayaki sauce.” It’s usually served in a smooth consistency but can also come in a Chipotle version. 

On the other hand, Yum Yum sauce is typically made from butter, garlic powder or garlic salt, paprika, mayo, ketchup, and other spices. It usually has a thicker, creamier texture than Kewpie mayo.

So you can see that while both Kewpie mayo and Yum Yum sauce are savory sauces made with similar ingredients, they differ significantly in their preparation and texture.

Differences in Taste

When deciding between the two, you should also consider the differences in taste. Kewpie mayo is a creamy, mild condiment with a smooth texture and a slightly sweet, umami flavor. 

It’s made with rice vinegar, egg yolks, and an abundance of MSG, which gives it a savory punch. In comparison, Yum Yum sauce is much sweeter thanks to the generous addition of sugar and has a slightly spicier kick from ingredients like garlic powder and paprika.

Though both are popular Japanese condiments, Kewpie mayo can be used to add depth to dishes like burgers and sandwiches, while Yum Yum sauce is most often used as a dip for sushi. 

Differences in Uses

When it comes to uses, Kewpie Mayo and Yum Yum Sauce are mostly similar. Both are versatile condiments used in many dishes, from salads to sandwiches to sushi.

Kewpie Mayo is the more common of the two, and it’s often used as a sandwich spread or as a salad dressing. It’s also used to enhance other dishes such as stir-fries, spaghetti, and potato salad. Kewpie Mayo is your go-to if you’re looking for a condiment that will give your dish a creamy and slightly sweet taste.

Yum Yum Sauce is also popular and can be used in many of the same ways as Kewpie Mayo but has a different use — dipping! I love using it for dipping fried foods like tempura veggies, karaage chicken, or shrimp. 

The slight sweetness of the sauce really brings out the flavor of fried foods, and it’s my favorite sauce to accompany them with. And if you want to experiment further with this sauce, you can even create recipes for cookies or cupcakes with Yum Yum Sauce!

Variations

The last major difference involves variations. Both sauces come in many variations — there are different Kewpie Mayo versions, like garlic-flavored, spicy, and creamy mayo. 

Each variation is made with different ingredients and provides a unique flavor profile. The spicy version is made with chili pepper and garlic. At the same time, the creamy version can include added creaminess from ingredients like heavy cream or sour cream.

Yum Yum Sauce also comes in different variations. The traditional version is made with butter, ketchup, mayo, water, sugar, garlic powder, and paprika, but several variations have become popular over the years. 

There’s a bacon version that uses bacon fat instead of butter; spicy versions that use chili pepper sauce; honey versions that use honey syrup instead of sugar; and homemade versions that use tomato paste instead of ketchup for a richer flavor.

Kewpie Mayo vs. Yum Yum Sauce: Which Is Better?

The answer to this question definitely depends on your particular preferences. 

Kewpie Mayo is a Japanese condiment and is the classic version of mayo, whereas Yum Yum Sauce is a sweet and creamy sauce. Each has its own distinct uses that make it ideal for different dishes, from burgers and fries to grilled meats and salads. So, if you’re looking for a unique twist on your next meal, give Kewpie mayo and Yum Yum Sauce a try — the possibilities are endless!

Kewpie Mayo is a much milder flavor and is lighter in consistency, making it an ideal base for salads and lighter dishes. It also works well in sandwiches, as a dip, or added to give creaminess to grilled fish or vegetables.

Yum Yum Sauce is creamier and spicier in flavor as well. It has a more pungent garlic taste, making it perfect for dipping dishes like tempura or adding to stir-fries or fried rice. It also goes great with burgers and sandwiches if you’re looking for something more robust in flavor than Kewpie Mayo.

At the end of the day, it’s all about finding the right balance between the two sauces, depending on what kind of dish you’re going to serve up! My preference always depends on which one I think will suit my dish the most. So, the foolproof test is to try both and make sure!