Craving the bold flavors of a traditional Korean BBQ sauce? This homemade Korean BBQ sauce recipe captures the sweet, savory, and slightly spicy notes that make Korean cuisine so irresistible. Ideal for marinating, dipping, or brushing onto grilled meat, this versatile sauce will bring the authentic taste of Korean BBQ to your kitchen. Whether you’re hosting a BBQ night or elevating your weeknight dinner, this sauce will be a delicious hit!
Korean BBQ Sauce Recipe
Cuisine: KoreanDifficulty: Easy1
servings5
minutes10
minutes50
kcalThis rich and flavorful Korean BBQ sauce recipe brings the authentic taste of Korea’s favorite grilled dishes into your home. Sweet, tangy, and with a hint of spice!
Ingredients
1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons mirin (optional for extra sweetness)
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 garlic cloves, minced
1 teaspoon grated ginger
1/2 teaspoon gochugaru (Korean red pepper flakes) or chili flakes (optional, for spice)
1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (for thickening)
Optional garnish: sesame seeds, chopped green onions
Directions
- Combine Ingredients:
In a saucepan, mix soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, mirin (if using), sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and gochugaru. - Simmer the Sauce:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir occasionally, allowing the mixture to come to a gentle simmer for about 5 minutes. - Thicken the Sauce:
Add the cornstarch slurry and continue cooking for another 2-3 minutes, stirring until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. - Finish and Serve:
Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions, if desired, and use immediately or store in the fridge for up to a week.
Notes
- Gochugaru adds a distinct Korean spice. Adjust to your taste or replace with chili flakes.
- Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Tips for the perfect Korean BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Make It Smoky: Add a dash of liquid smoke to give the sauce an extra depth, perfect for grill enthusiasts.
- Adjust Sweetness: Add more honey or brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter sauce.
- Versatility: Use this sauce for marinating beef or chicken, or as a glaze for grilled veggies.
Recipe Variant
Spicy Korean BBQ Sauce: For those who love heat, add 1-2 tablespoons of gochujang (Korean red chili paste) along with gochugaru. This adds a deep, spicy kick!
FAQ
Yes! Store it in the fridge in an airtight container for up to one week.
Absolutely! This sauce works wonderfully as a marinade for beef or chicken.
If you don’t have gochugaru, chili flakes or a touch of sriracha can add a similar spiciness.
Try our Orange Chicken Recipe for another sweet-and-savory favorite. Perfect for those who love Asian-inspired flavors and want a delicious homemade sauce.
This Korean BBQ sauce recipe offers the perfect blend of sweet, savory, and spicy elements, capturing the heart of Korean flavors. Enjoy it with grilled meats, veggies, or even as a dipping sauce for a quick snack. This sauce will elevate your meals and have everyone coming back for more!
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