Healthy Yum Yum Sauce + Glow Rice Bowl
A healthier homemade version of the classic Japanese steakhouse favorite — creamy yum yum sauce drizzled over a nourishing rice bowl layered with kimchi, nori, sesame, and fresh crunchy toppings.
You know that sauce at Japanese steakhouses that somehow makes you want to dip absolutely everything into it?
This is that sauce.
Creamy. Tangy. Smoky. Slightly sweet. Completely addictive.
And honestly…it’s almost offensive how easy it is to make at home.
The best part is we made this version with clean simple ingredients instead of all the preservatives and mystery oils hiding in most bottled versions.
And yes — it tastes every bit as good.
We ended up turning it into a fun little glow bowl situation with rice, kimchi, nori, sesame seeds, and fresh crunchy toppings…and now we make some version of this constantly.
It’s one of those meals that feels comforting while still packed with nourishing ingredients.
Why We Love It
Kimchi
Packed with probiotics that help support gut health and digestion.
Nori + Seaweed
Mineral-rich ingredients that help support overall wellness and nourishment.
Healthy Fats
Avocado mayo creates a creamy rich texture while helping keep the sauce more balanced.
Rice Cooked in Coconut Milk
Adds richness and comfort while making the bowl extra satisfying.
Flexible Bowl Base
Easy to customize with shrimp, chicken, steak, tofu, or extra vegetables depending on what sounds good.
Ingredients
Yum Yum Sauce
- 1/2 cup mayonnaise
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons ketchup
- 1 tablespoon butter
- 1 1/2 teaspoons rice vinegar
- 3/4 teaspoon garlic powder
- 3/4 teaspoon onion powder
- 3/4 teaspoon smoked paprika
Optional:
- sriracha
- extra smoked paprika
- maple syrup for sweetness
Glow Bowl
- cooked rice
- coconut milk
- nori strips
- kimchi
- green onions
- radish slices
- sesame seeds
Optional protein:
- shrimp
- chicken
- steak
- tofu
Directions
Add all yum yum sauce ingredients to a bowl.
Whisk until smooth and creamy.
Taste and adjust seasoning if desired.
To build the bowl, cook your rice with a splash of coconut milk for extra richness.
Stir in nori strips and kimchi.
Top with green onions, radishes, sesame seeds, and a generous drizzle of yum yum sauce.
Serve warm.
Glow Note
I love recipes like this because they prove comfort food and nourishing food absolutely can exist together.
Big flavor. Fun textures. Cozy bowls.
Honestly one of my favorite ways to eat.
Love + Eat Well,
Natalie
