How many calories are in hibachi white sauce? The Ultimate Guide

November 6, 2025 •

3 min read

A single tablespoon of classic hibachi white sauce, also known as yum yum sauce, can contain anywhere from 70 to over 100 calories, depending on the recipe and portion. This high-calorie density is important to know for anyone tracking their intake and wondering exactly how many calories are in hibachi white sauce.

Quick Summary

The calorie count of hibachi white sauce varies widely, primarily because of its mayonnaise-based recipe. A typical 2-tablespoon restaurant serving ranges from 110 to 170 calories, with some recipes reaching even higher numbers. Healthier versions can be made with Greek yogurt for a significantly lower calorie alternative.

Key Points

High Calorie Count: Classic hibachi white sauce is high in calories, with 70-100+ calories per tablespoon, mainly from its mayonnaise base.
Varies by Recipe: The exact calorie count depends on the recipe, with restaurant versions often higher than homemade alternatives.
Fat and Sodium: Besides calories, the sauce is also high in fat and can be very high in sodium, depending on the brand and recipe.
Healthier Alternatives Exist: You can significantly lower calories by using a nonfat Greek yogurt base instead of mayonnaise.
Practice Portion Control: The best strategy for a healthier meal is to ask for the sauce on the side and measure your serving size to manage intake.
Mindful Consumption: Enjoying hibachi white sauce in moderation is possible when balancing it with healthier meal components like lean proteins and vegetables.

Understanding the Calories in Hibachi White Sauce

Hibachi white sauce, affectionately known as yum yum sauce, is a beloved creamy condiment served at Japanese steakhouses across the United States. Its irresistible sweet, savory, and tangy flavor profile comes from a simple but calorie-dense combination of ingredients. While it's a delicious addition to grilled meats, seafood, and rice, its nutritional impact is often overlooked. The primary ingredient, mayonnaise, is the biggest contributor to its high-calorie content, which is why calorie counts can vary significantly across different restaurants and homemade recipes.

The Standard Nutritional Breakdown

The most prominent feature of hibachi white sauce is its fat content. A standard recipe combines mayonnaise with ingredients like sugar, vinegar, paprika, and butter. According to various nutritional data, a typical 2-tablespoon serving can contain approximately:

Calories: 110-170 kcal
Total Fat: 11-18 grams
Sodium: 160-670 milligrams
Carbohydrates: 1-5 grams
Sugar: 1-4 grams

It's worth noting that some restaurant versions can be even more calorie-dense, and the use of high-fructose corn syrup in some pre-made varieties can increase sugar content. Portion control is therefore crucial when enjoying this flavorful condiment.

Making Healthier Choices: Restaurant vs. Homemade

One of the best ways to control your calorie intake is by being mindful of the source. Restaurant versions are often prepared to be rich and flavorful, which means using full-fat mayonnaise and a generous amount of sugar and butter. Homemade versions allow for much greater flexibility in ingredient selection and portion size. By opting for a homemade recipe, you can swap out high-calorie ingredients for lighter alternatives and drastically reduce the overall caloric load.

Comparison Table: Classic vs. Healthy White Sauce


Nutrient (per 2 tbsp)	Classic Yum Yum Sauce	Healthy Yogurt-Based Sauce
Calories	~170 kcal	~38 kcal
Total Fat	~17g	~3g
Carbohydrates	~3g	~2g
Protein	~0g	~1g
Primary Base	Mayonnaise	Nonfat Greek Yogurt

This table illustrates the significant difference a simple ingredient swap can make. By replacing most of the mayonnaise with nonfat Greek yogurt, you can achieve a very similar creamy consistency with a fraction of the calories and fat.

Tips for a Healthier Hibachi Experience

Enjoying hibachi doesn't mean you have to sacrifice your dietary goals. Here are some actionable tips to keep your meal on track:

Order Sauce on the Side: Always ask for hibachi white sauce on the side. This gives you complete control over how much you use, helping you manage both calories and sodium.
Measure Your Portions: Use a teaspoon instead of pouring directly from the cup. It's easy to go overboard, so measuring your serving can make a big difference.
Focus on the Protein and Veggies: Lean proteins like chicken or shrimp, along with the generous portion of grilled vegetables, are the healthiest parts of the meal. Drizzle a small amount of sauce over these items to savor the flavor without overdoing it.
Choose Steamed Rice: Opt for steamed rice instead of fried rice, which is cooked with butter and oil and adds significant calories.
Try a Lightened-Up Recipe: Making your own light hibachi white sauce is an excellent way to enjoy the flavor with fewer calories. A recipe using a Greek yogurt base, like the one mentioned in the comparison table, can be found on many health-focused food blogs.

Conclusion: Mindful Indulgence is Key

The number of calories in hibachi white sauce is not something to be ignored, especially for those watching their intake. Its mayo-heavy base means that even a small amount can contribute substantially to your meal's overall fat and calorie count. However, this doesn't mean you need to give it up entirely. By practicing portion control, asking for sauce on the side, and exploring healthier, homemade alternatives, you can still enjoy the delicious taste of hibachi white sauce as part of a balanced diet. Being mindful of what and how much you consume is the key to incorporating treats like this without derailing your health goals.

Frequently Asked Questions

Hibachi white sauce is typically made from a base of mayonnaise, with other ingredients including ketchup, sugar, vinegar, water, paprika, and garlic powder, which create its signature creamy, savory, and slightly sweet flavor.

Yes, the terms 'hibachi white sauce' and 'yum yum sauce' are used interchangeably. It is the same creamy condiment served at hibachi and Japanese steakhouses.

Yes, a much lower-calorie version can be made by substituting a significant portion of the mayonnaise with nonfat Greek yogurt. This swap drastically reduces the fat and calorie content while maintaining a creamy texture.

The high calorie count is primarily due to its main ingredient: mayonnaise. Mayonnaise is made from oil and egg yolks, which are very high in fat and, consequently, high in calories.

To reduce calories, ask for all sauces, including hibachi white sauce, on the side. Choose lean proteins like chicken or shrimp, opt for steamed rice instead of fried rice, and load up on the grilled vegetables.

Yes, many hibachi restaurants also offer a ginger sauce, which is a thinner, soy sauce-based option. This typically has a much lower calorie and fat content than the mayonnaise-based white sauce.

For those concerned with calories, it is best to use a small amount, typically no more than one or two tablespoons. This allows you to enjoy the flavor without adding excessive calories and fat to your meal.