Name: Vegan Yum Yum Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: American
Ingredients: 2 tablespoons tomato paste; 1 cup vegan mayo; 4 cloves garlic; ⅓ cup onions, diced; 1 tablespoon vegan butter; Salt, to taste; Black pepper, to taste; 4 teaspoons hot sauce; 1 teaspoon smoked paprika; 2 teaspoons maple syrup

Jump to Recipe· 4.2 from 20 reviews

If you adore creamy, tangy, and slightly sweet sauces that can elevate any meal, you absolutely must try this Vegan Yum Yum Sauce Recipe. It’s truly a game changer in the world of plant-based condiments, combining fresh garlic and onions with rich tomato paste and vegan mayo to create a sauce so addictive you’ll want it on everything. Best of all, it’s naturally vegan, gluten free, and can be whipped up in under 10 minutes, making it perfect for busy weeknights or impressing friends at your next gathering.

Ingredients You’ll Need

A woman's hand is pouring a thick, smooth, bright orange sauce from a clear glass jar onto a bed of pale yellow cooked noodles in a black pan. The noodles are curly and fill the pan evenly, creating a soft textured base. The orange sauce is rich and creamy, creating a strong color contrast with the light noodles. The pan sits on a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

These ingredients are delightfully simple but each one plays a crucial role in creating the perfect balance of flavor, creaminess, and a touch of sweetness in the Vegan Yum Yum Sauce Recipe. Freshness and quality here truly shine through.

2 tablespoons tomato paste: Adds depth, tang, and a gorgeous color to the sauce.
1 cup vegan mayo: This is the creamy base that makes the sauce so luscious and indulgent.
4 cloves garlic: Fresh garlic imparts a vibrant, pungent flavor that no powder can match.
⅓ cup onions, diced: Sautéed onions lend sweetness and body to the sauce.
1 tablespoon vegan butter: Used for frying the garlic and onions to golden perfection.
Salt and pepper to taste: Essential seasonings to bring out every flavor note.
Optional – 4 teaspoons hot sauce: Adds a subtle spicy kick that livens up the sauce.
Optional – 1 teaspoon smoked paprika: Introduces a warm, smoky undertone to the mix.
Optional – 2 teaspoons maple syrup: Balances acidity with a gentle sweetness.

How to Make Vegan Yum Yum Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

Start by heating the vegan butter in a casserole or saucepan over medium heat. Add the diced onions and garlic, frying them gently for about 3 minutes until they become beautifully golden and fragrant. This step builds the rich base flavor that will make your sauce irresistible.

Step 2: Blend the Sauce

Once your aromatics are perfectly cooked, remove the pan from the heat. Transfer the onion and garlic mixture to a blender or food processor. Add the vegan mayo, tomato paste, and any of the optional ingredients you choose to include like hot sauce, smoked paprika, and maple syrup. Blend everything until the sauce becomes smooth, creamy, and perfectly combined.

Step 3: Season and Adjust

Give your blended sauce a taste test and season with salt and pepper as needed. This gives you the flexibility to tailor the sauce exactly to your liking, whether you prefer it a little more tangy or a touch sweeter.

How to Serve Vegan Yum Yum Sauce Recipe

The image shows a black round pan filled with bright orange creamy noodles. The noodles are thick and coated well with the sauce, creating a smooth and rich layer. On top, scattered fresh green coriander leaves add a fresh contrast in color. The pan is placed on a white marbled surface and in the background, there is a blurred orange jar. The photo is taken from above, focusing on the vibrant noodle dish photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Garnishes

The beauty of this Vegan Yum Yum Sauce Recipe is that it’s a standout on its own but also welcomes a variety of garnishes. Sprinkle chopped fresh herbs like parsley or chives for a pop of color and freshness. A dash of smoked paprika on top can add a visually appealing finish and extra smoky notes that’ll wow your guests.

Side Dishes

This sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs brilliantly with countless side dishes. Try it drizzled over crispy fries, roasted vegetables, or steamed rice. It’s also perfect as a dipping sauce for tofu nuggets, vegetable tempura, or even as a creamy salad dressing alternative. The options are nearly endless!

Creative Ways to Present

Consider using your Vegan Yum Yum Sauce Recipe as a swirl on appetizer platters or as a luscious burger spread. It shines beautifully when layered in wraps or drizzled atop grain bowls. For a fun party idea, serve it in small ramekins alongside a vibrant vegetable crudité to let everyone scoop up this creamy delight.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

You can store any leftover Vegan Yum Yum Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The flavors tend to meld and deepen over time, so leftovers might be even tastier the next day. Just give it a good stir before serving.

Freezing

While the sauce freezes well, the texture might change slightly after thawing due to the vegan mayo base. If you choose to freeze it, use a freezer-safe container and thaw overnight in the fridge. Stir thoroughly before use to restore creaminess as much as possible.

Reheating

This sauce is best served cold or at room temperature, so reheating is not necessary. Warm it gently if you prefer, but keep it low and slow to avoid breaking the emulsion. Otherwise, simply pulling it from the fridge a little before serving works perfectly.

FAQs

Is this Vegan Yum Yum Sauce Recipe suitable for gluten-free diets?

Yes! This recipe is naturally gluten free, making it an excellent choice for those with gluten sensitivities or celiac disease. Just be sure to check that your vegan mayo and any optional ingredients are labeled gluten free.

Can I use garlic and onion powder instead of fresh?

Fresh garlic and onions provide the best flavor and texture, which is why they are recommended. However, in a pinch, you could use powders, though the sauce may lose some of its depth and brightness.

How spicy is the sauce if I add hot sauce?

The optional hot sauce adds a gentle warmth without overpowering the other flavors. You can adjust the quantity or omit it altogether depending on your heat preference.

What can I substitute for vegan mayo?

If you don’t have vegan mayo on hand, try blending silken tofu or cashew cream as alternatives, though the texture and taste will vary slightly from the original creamy base.

Does this sauce keep well in the fridge?

Absolutely! Stored properly in an airtight container, it stays fresh and flavorful for up to a week. It’s perfect for meal prep or making ahead for busy days.

Final Thoughts

This Vegan Yum Yum Sauce Recipe is truly one of those magical condiments that makes you wonder how you ever lived without it. Packed with fresh flavors and creamy goodness, it effortlessly enhances everything from snacks to full meals. Give it a try, and trust me, it will quickly become your new favorite go-to sauce that you’ll want to keep coming back to again and again.

Vegan Yum Yum Sauce Recipe

Ingredients You’ll Need