Sugar free yum yum sauce is a lower calorie version of the popular sweet and savory sauce often found at hibachi restaurants. For those looking to cut back on sugar without sacrificing flavor, sugar free yum yum is an appealing option. But the question remains: how does the taste compare to the original, sugar-laden sauce?
The Flavor Profile of Regular Yum Yum Sauce
To understand how sugar free yum yum differs in taste, it helps to first examine what gives regular yum yum sauce its signature flavor. The sauce is a combination of mayonnaise, ketchup, soy sauce, rice vinegar, garlic powder, paprika, sesame oil, and sugar. It strikes a balance between sweet, salty, tangy, and savory.
The sweetness comes primarily from sugar, which makes up about 20% of the sauce. The ketchup and rice vinegar provide a tangy acidity to balance out the rich mayonnaise. Soy sauce brings saltiness and umami savoriness. Garlic powder and sesame oil add layers of aromatic flavor. And paprika contributes a subtle heat.
When these ingredients come together, they create a complex, moreish sauce unlike any other condiment. The sweetness tempers the acidity from the vinegar, while the saltiness and umami perfectly complement the creamy mayonnaise. It’s a harmonious blending of flavors that makes yum yum sauce so craveable.
How Sugar Free Yum Yum Differs in Taste
Removing the sugar understandably alters the flavor profile of yum yum sauce. Without those teaspoons of granulated sweetener, the tanginess becomes more pronounced. The sauce is not as well-rounded or mellow. However, there are some tricks to help compensate for the lack of sugar.
Many sugar free yum yum recipes will use alternative sweeteners like stevia, Splenda, or erythritol. These low-calorie sugar substitutes provide sweetness without the added calories. While the flavor is not exactly the same as real sugar, it helps balance the acidity. You may need to experiment with different sweeteners and amounts to get as close as possible to the original sweet taste.
Increasing ingredients like sesame oil and paprika can also add depth of flavor. Garlic powder and onion powder enhance the savory umami taste. A touch of cornstarch helps thicken the texture, which can improve mouthfeel. And a teaspoon or two of water dilutes the acidity just enough. While it takes some tweaking, these tricks help compensate for the missing sugar.
Taste Test Comparisons
To get a true sense of how sugar free yum yum differs, examining blind taste test results is illuminating:
- Many describe the sugar free version as slightly too vinegary or acidic tasting. Without the sugar’s mellowing effect, the tanginess is more apparent.
- The sauce lacks the same depth of sweetness. Even alternative sweeteners can’t exactly replicate the flavor of real sugar.
- On the plus side, some find the flavor profile cleaner and less cloying. The sugar-free version allows other notes like garlic and sesame to shine.
- The texture is often thinner without the viscosity that sugar lends. Cornstarch helps add body.
- Overall, the taste is decent but noticeably different. While not exactly the same, the sugar free sauce satisfies cravings for a yum yum flavor.
So in summary, sugar free yum yum sauce will have a less balanced, sweet flavor compared to the original. But a few simple tweaks can help optimize the taste, making it an enjoyable lower calorie option.
Ways to Use Sugar Free Yum Yum Sauce
Don’t let the slightly different flavor profile discourage you from using sugar free yum yum sauce. Here are some of the top ways to enjoy it:
As a Sauce for Fish and Seafood
Brush or drizzle the sauce over salmon, shrimp, tuna, and other types of fish and seafood before broiling or grilling. The savory umami taste complements the natural flavors of these proteins.
As a Dip for Fresh Vegetables
Use it as a lower calorie dip for raw vegetables. The tangy, savory sauce pairs well with crunchy veggies like carrots, cucumber, jicama, bell peppers, and celery.
As a Topping for Chicken
Drizzle it over chicken wings, chicken thighs, or even a chicken salad. It adds lots of flavor for very minimal calories.
As a Sauce for Bowls
Add it to grain bowls, salad bowls, noodle bowls, and more. It’s a quick and healthy way to liven up a bowl.
As a Marinade or Jerky Glaze
Let meat soak in the sauce for added juiciness and taste. It also works great as a glaze for jerky to keep it moist while infusing flavor.
As a Sandwich or Burger Sauce
Spread it on sandwiches and burgers in lieu of condiments like ketchup or mayo.
As a Sauce for Veggie Tacos or Bowls
Drizzle over bean and veggie-based Mexican dishes. It adds craveable flavor.
The uses are nearly endless! Don’t limit yourself – get creative with recipes and let the sauce shine.
Is Sugar Free Yum Yum Sauce Healthier?
Eliminating added sugar definitely creates a lower calorie, more diet-friendly sauce. But is it necessarily healthier? Here are some factors to consider:
Fewer Calories
Regular yum yum sauce contains around 60 calories per tablespoon, mostly from sugar. The sugar free version only has about 15-20 calories per tablespoon. The calorie reduction is significant.
Less Added Sugar
You’ll avoid the 5-8 grams of added sugar found in regular yum yum sauce. This is important for controlling blood sugar, losing weight, and sticking to a keto diet.
Lower Carbohydrates
Sugar free yum yum has only 1-3 grams of net carbs compared to 5+ grams in the original. Lower carbs make it more diabetic and keto-friendly.
Uses Artificial Sweeteners
Most sugar free versions rely on artificial sweeteners, which some avoid for health reasons. Stevia-sweetened recipes are an option.
Highly Processed
The heavy use of refined vegetable oils, preservatives, and stabilizers makes it a highly processed food, whether regular or sugar free.
Minimal Nutrition
Since it’s mostly mayonnaise and minimal whole ingredients, the nutritional value is negligible. Make sure your overall diet is full of veggies.
So while sugar free yum yum sauce is lower in sugar and calories, it cannot be considered a true health food. But it can be part of a balanced diet in moderation.
Tips for Making Your Own Sugar Free Yum Yum Sauce
For complete control over the ingredients, make your own homemade version. Here are some tips:
- Use a stevia-sweetened ketchup or make your own with stevia instead of added sugar.
- Substitute plain Greek yogurt for a portion of the mayo to cut fat and calories.
- Experiment with sweeteners like erythritol, monk fruit, and allulose to find your ideal sweetness.
- Add a touch of pineapple juice for extra tanginess and fruit flavor.
- Use avocado oil mayo for a healthier unsaturated fat profile.
- Play with spices like smoked paprika, ginger powder, cardamom, or chipotle.
- Add a bit of nutritional yeast for savory, cheese-like flavor and B-vitamins.
- Thicken with guar gum or xanthan gum instead of cornstarch if desired.
With the right substitutions and seasonings, you can customize the sauce to your dietary needs and tastes.
Common Questions
Is store-bought sugar free yum yum sauce keto-friendly?
Most brands will be low enough in carbs to fit into a keto diet, with around 3 grams of net carbs per serving. But always check labels for sneaky added sugars.
How long does homemade sugar free yum yum sauce last?
It will keep in the fridge for up to 1 week. The flavor may diminish slightly over time. Freeze extras for longer storage.
What’s the best oil to use?
For the healthiest option, use an oil high in monounsaturated fats like avocado, olive, or grapeseed oil. Avoid highly refined vegetable oils.
Can I use a sugar substitute I don’t tolerate well?
Yes, the beauty of homemade is customizing to your own needs. Use whichever substitute best agrees with your body.
Will the sauce taste exactly like the regular high-sugar version?
Unfortunately the taste will not be exactly identical. But with the right tricks, you can get very close to the classic flavor.
Conclusion
Sugar free yum yum sauce does have a slightly different taste profile than the original sweet sauce, with a more pronounced tanginess and less mellow flavor. However, adding savory seasoning, healthy fats, and sugar substitute can help compensate and provide a satisfying lower sugar alternative. While not completely identical, the sugar free version makes it possible to enjoy the craveable yum yum flavor for fewer calories and carbs.
