The Magic of the Yum Yum Sauce
Let’s start with the sauce. It is the heart of this bowl. You just mix a few simple things together. I like to use a little ketchup for a sweet touch. Doesn’t that smell amazing?
This creamy sauce makes everything taste better. It ties the whole meal together. I think that is its magic. A good sauce can turn simple food into a celebration.
A Little Story About Marinating
My grandson once asked why we marinate meat. I told him it’s like giving the steak a nice, long bath. The flavors soak right in. He thought that was funny.
That peach juice in the marinade is my secret. It makes the steak so tender. You just let it sit for a while. Good food is worth a little patience.
Making Your Bowl Beautiful
Now for the fun part. Put your hot rice in a bowl. Then add the steak and those colorful veggies. I love the bright red peppers and green broccoli.
Do you like to make your food look pretty? I always do. It makes the meal more joyful. *Fun fact: We eat with our eyes first!* Top it all with fresh avocado and herbs.
Why This Meal Matters
This recipe is more than just dinner. It’s about bringing different flavors to one table. Everything works together so well. I still smile when I make it.
It also teaches us a good lesson. Preparing food with care is a way to show love. For your family or just for yourself. That matters a lot.
Your Turn in the Kitchen
What is your favorite part of this recipe? Is it the sizzling steak or the fresh herbs? Tell me which veggie you would add to your own bowl.
This is a great meal to make ahead. You can have a yummy lunch ready to go. Do you have a favorite meal to prep for the week? I would love to hear your ideas.
Ingredients:
| Ingredient | Amount | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Top sirloin steak | 2 lbs | |
| Sesame oil | 2 Tablespoons | |
| Low-sodium soy sauce | 1/2 cup | |
| Peach juice | 1/2 cup | |
| Garlic, minced | 4 cloves | |
| Fresh minced ginger | 1 teaspoon | |
| Broccoli, small crown | 1 | Cut into florets |
| Water | 1/2 cup | For steaming |
| Olive oil | 1 Tablespoon | |
| Bell peppers | 2 | Any colors, chopped into chunks |
| Red onion | 1 | Chopped into chunks |
| Avocado | 1 | Sliced |
| Fresh basil leaves | 1/2 cup | Chopped |
| Fresh cilantro | 1/2 cup | Chopped |
| Hot cooked rice | 6 cups | Brown or cauliflower rice (*about 2 cups dry white rice) |
| Sriracha hot sauce | optional | |
| Mayonnaise | 1 cup | For Yum Yum Sauce |
| Ketchup | 1 Tablespoon | For Yum Yum Sauce |
| Rice vinegar | 1 Tablespoon | For Yum Yum Sauce |
| Paprika | 3/4 teaspoon | For Yum Yum Sauce |
| Garlic powder | 1/8 teaspoon | For Yum Yum Sauce |
| Salt and pepper | For Yum Yum Sauce |
Let’s Make Yum Yum Bowls
Hello, my dear! Come sit with me in the kitchen. Today we are making my Yum Yum Bowls. They are my grandson’s favorite. He asks for them every Sunday. The secret is a special sauce and juicy steak. It sounds fancy, but it is so simple. I promise you can do this. Let’s get our hands busy and make a wonderful meal.
Step 1: Make the Magic Yum Yum Sauce
First, we make the magic Yum Yum Sauce. Just mix everything in a bowl. Whisk it until it’s smooth and pretty. I use a little ketchup for a sweet, pink color. Doesn’t that smell amazing? You can make this sauce days ahead. (A hard-learned tip: Let the sauce sit for an hour. The flavors become best friends!)
Step 2: Prepare the Steak
Now, let’s talk to our steak. Cut it into little bite-size pieces. This makes it easy to eat. Put the pieces in a bowl with the marinade. The peach juice makes it so tender. Let it take a nap in the fridge. I like to let it rest for a few hours. It makes all the difference.
Step 3: Cook the Steak
Time to cook the steak! Get your pan very, very hot. We want a nice sear. Do not move the pieces right away. Let them get a little crust. I still laugh at how I used to stir it too much. The steak needs its space to get tasty. You will know it’s ready when it smells wonderful.
Step 4: Cook the Veggies
Next, we cook our colorful veggies. Steam the broccoli first with a little water. It gets bright green and perfect. Then we push it aside and add the peppers and onion. The sizzle is my favorite sound. Sauté them until they are just tender. You want a little crunch left. What’s your favorite colorful veggie? Share below!
Step 5: Build the Bowls
Finally, we build our beautiful bowls. Start with a fluffy bed of hot rice. Then artfully arrange your steak and veggies. Top it with cool avocado slices and a big drizzle of that pink sauce. Don’t forget the fresh herbs! It looks like a rainbow in a bowl. Everyone will be so impressed.
Cook Time: 30 minutes
Total Time: 1 hour (plus marinating)
Yield: 6 servings
Category: Dinner
Three Fun Twists to Try
This recipe is like a good friend. You can always change it up. Feel free to play with your food. I do it all the time. Here are some of my favorite ways to mix things up. They are all so delicious in their own way.
- Chicken Swap: Use chicken instead of steak. It’s just as yummy and a little lighter.
- Totally Veggie: Skip the meat. Add crispy tofu or a can of chickpeas for protein.
- Sweet & Spicy: Add a big spoon of mango chunks and an extra dash of sriracha.
Which one would you try first? Comment below!
Serving Your Masterpiece
Now, how should we serve our creation? I love a big, wide bowl. That way, you can see all the beautiful colors. For a side, a simple cucumber salad is perfect. It’s cool and crunchy next to the warm rice. You could also offer little lettuce cups for wrapping.
What should we drink? A cold glass of iced green tea is my go-to. It’s so refreshing. For a special night, a light lager beer would be nice. It cuts through the rich sauce. Which would you choose tonight?
Keeping Your Yum Yum Bowls Tasty for Days
Let’s talk about storing these yummy bowls. Keep everything separate in the fridge. I use little glass containers for each part. This keeps the rice from getting soggy.
Wait to add the avocado and fresh herbs until you eat. I learned this the hard way. My first time, I put it all together ahead. The avocado turned brown and the basil wilted.
This is a fantastic meal prep lunch. Make a big batch on Sunday. You will have delicious lunches all week long. This saves you time and money.
It matters because a good plan makes weeknights easier. You can have a healthy meal ready in minutes. No need for takeout when you have this waiting. Have you ever tried storing it this way? Share below!
Simple Fixes for Common Kitchen Hiccups
Is your steak tough, not tender? Always cut it against the grain. Look for the lines on the meat. Cut across them, not with them.
This makes each piece easy to chew. I remember when I didn’t know this. My family said the steak was like chewing leather. Now I always cut it right.
Do not crowd your pan when cooking the steak. If you add too much at once, it will steam. You want a nice, brown sear on the outside.
This matters because a good sear locks in flavor. It makes your food taste so much better. Cooking with confidence starts with these small steps. Which of these problems have you run into before?
Your Yum Yum Bowl Questions, Answered
Q: Can I make this gluten-free? A: Yes! Just use tamari instead of soy sauce. It tastes the same but has no wheat.
Q: What can I make ahead? A: The sauce lasts a week in the fridge. You can also marinate the steak for hours.
Q: I don’t have peach juice. A: No problem. Pineapple or apple juice will work just fine. *Fun fact: The juice helps tenderize the meat!
Q: Can I make a smaller portion? A: Of course. Just cut all the ingredients in half. It is very easy to do.
Q: Are the herbs necessary? A: They add a fresh, bright taste. But the bowl will still be good without them. Which tip will you try first?
A Little Note From My Kitchen to Yours
I hope you love making these Yum Yum Bowls. They are a favorite in my house. My grandkids ask for them all the time.
It would make me so happy to see your creation. Share a picture of your beautiful dinner. Let me know how your family liked it.
Have you tried this recipe? Tag us on Pinterest! I love seeing your kitchen adventures. It feels like we are cooking together.
Happy cooking!
—Grace Ellington.
Yum Yum Bowls Recipe Tastes Better From Scratch
Description
A flavorful and satisfying meal featuring marinated steak, fresh vegetables, and a creamy homemade Yum Yum sauce, all served over a bed of hot rice.
Ingredients
Steak:
Bowls:
Yum Yum Sauce:
Instructions
- Yum Yum Sauce: Mix all ingredients together and whisk until well combined. Set aside. The sauce can be made several days ahead.
- Marinate Steak: Cut steak against the grain into bite size chunks and add to a bowl. Add sesame oil, soy sauce, peach juice, garlic and ginger and mix to combine. Cover and marinate for at least 30 minutes, or for several hours in the fridge.
- Cook Steak: Heat a large cast iron skillet over high heat. Once hot, remove steak pieces from the marinade and add to skillet (may need to do this in batches, depending on pan size). Let it sear without touching for a minute or so, then flip, searing briefly on all sides. Remove to a plate to rest.
- Cook Veggies: Reduce heat to medium high. Add ½ cup water to the pan, along with broccoli florets. Cover pan with a lid and allow to steam for 2 minutes. Remove lid. Give broccoli a stir and then push to the side of the pan and add 1 tablespoon olive oil. Add bell pepper and onion and sauté until tender.
- Assemble Bowls: Add a scoop of hot rice to bowls then top with a few pieces of steak, and a heaping spoonful of veggies. Add some avocado slices, and drizzle with yum yum sauce and sriracha if desired then garnish with basil and cilantro.
Notes
- Storage and Freezing Instructions: To Make Ahead: The sauce can be made and kept in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. The steak can be sliced and marinated for several hours in the fridge. To Store: Keep all the components in the fridge, heat and assemble when ready to serve. This also makes a great meal prep lunch! The bowls can be assembled and kept in the refrigerator. Wait to add the avocado, fresh herbs, and the yum yum sauce until ready to eat.