Authentic Korean BBQ Sauce

Name: Authentic Korean BBQ Sauce
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 16 servings
Cuisine: Korean
Ingredients: 1/2 cup soy sauce (low sodium preferred); 1/2 cup brown sugar (packed); 1/4 cup honey; 1/4 cup rice vinegar; 2 tablespoons sesame oil; 1 tablespoon ginger (finely minced); 2 cloves garlic (finely minced); 1 tablespoon gochujang (Korean chili paste); 2 teaspoons cornstarch (mixed with 2 tablespoons water); 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional, for garnish)

30 min 16 servings Easy

All Recipes

Transform your grilling with this rich, savoury Korean BBQ sauce, perfect for marinating and glazing meats.

Prep

10 min

Cook

20 min

Total

30 min

Servings

Difficulty

Easy

Korean BBQ sauce is a delightful blend of sweet, savoury, and spicy flavours that can elevate any grilled meat. This version uses traditional ingredients for an authentic taste, making it a perfect addition to your culinary repertoire. Whether you're a fan of Korean cuisine or just looking to spice up your grilling game, this sauce is versatile and easy to prepare. The balance of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame gives it a unique depth of flavour that pairs well with beef, pork, or chicken.

Instructions

Combine Ingredients

In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and gochujang.

Pro tip: Ensure the sugar dissolves completely for a smooth sauce.

Simmer the Sauce

Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, for about 5 minutes.

Thicken the Sauce

Add the cornstarch slurry to the saucepan, stirring constantly until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.

Pro tip: Simmer longer if you prefer a thicker consistency.

Adjust the Flavour

Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or salt level if necessary, adding more honey or soy sauce to taste.

Cool the Sauce

Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Store or Serve

Transfer the sauce to a jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to a week, or use immediately as a marinade or glaze.

💡

Tips & Tricks

Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavour.
Adjust sweetness with more or less honey, depending on your preference.
For a thicker sauce, simmer longer to reduce.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Korean BBQ sauce made of?

Korean BBQ sauce typically includes soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, garlic, and gochujang.

How long does Korean BBQ sauce last?

Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, Korean BBQ sauce can last up to a week.

Can I make Korean BBQ sauce without gochujang?

Yes, but gochujang adds a unique flavour and spice, so consider substituting with a mix of miso paste and chili flakes.

How do I thicken Korean BBQ sauce?

Thicken the sauce by adding a cornstarch slurry and simmering until it reaches the desired consistency.

Is Korean BBQ sauce spicy?

Korean BBQ sauce has a mild spice from gochujang, but you can adjust the heat by adding more or less.

Serving Suggestions

Serve this Korean BBQ sauce with grilled meats for a classic Korean barbecue experience. Pair it with steamed rice and pickled vegetables to complete the meal. This sauce can be made ahead and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat and use as needed, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights or impromptu gatherings.

Nutrition per serving

Calories

Protein

Fat

See the whole store

Pots & Pans · Stainless Steel Pans

Ciwete 12 Inch (30cm) Tri-Ply Stainless Steel Frying Pan with Lid, Copper Color Handle, Oven and Dishwasher Safe, Fast and Even Heating

$41.39

BBQ & Outdoor Cooking · Smokers

iCOVER Offset Smoker Cover 60 inch Charcoal Pellet Grill Cover Heavy Duty Waterproof 600D BBQ Smoker Cover for Brinkmann for Char-Broil for Weber for Nexgrill for New Braunfels for Oklahoma Joe's

$59.99

Pit Boss Grills

All-Purpose GSP Rub

$9.99

Affiliate links. Prices come from Amazon and are refreshed at least every 24 hours.