Asian BBQ Sauce Recipe is a sweet, savoury and slightly spicy sauce made with soy, hoisin, ginger, garlic, and other Asian inspired ingredients.
I made this because I wanted a homemade version after seeing it used in a cooking show featuring grilled Asian style ribs.
The deep flavor and glossy texture made it irresistible. I’m here to share exactly how I made it, showing every step so you can recreate it in your own kitchen.
About This Asian BBQ Sauce Recipe
The speciality of this Asian BBQ Sauce Recipe lies in its perfect balance of sweet, savoury, and smoky flavours, making it incredibly versatile.
Unlike traditional BBQ sauces, this recipe blends soy sauce, hoisin, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil with Dijon mustard and liquid smoke, creating a unique fusion of East and West.
It’s ideal for glazing grilled meats, drizzling over rice bowls, or using as a dip. The depth of flavor and quick preparation make it a go to sauce for bold, Asian-inspired dishes.
How To Prepare Asian BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Cuisine: Asian Fusion
Difficulty: Easy
Yield: Approx. 2 cups
Equipment Needed
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Garlic press or microplane (for garlic & ginger)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or heat-safe spatula
- Fine mesh strainer (optional, if you prefer a smooth sauce)
Ingredients
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar (or coconut sugar)
- 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ½ cup green onions, finely minced
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)
- 1 tablespoon sriracha (or chili garlic sauce)
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
How To Make Asian BBQ Sauce Recipe?
1. Mix The Base
Start by grabbing a medium-sized saucepan (don’t turn on the heat yet). Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, honey, ketchup, sesame oil, Dijon mustard, sweet chili sauce, and a dash of liquid smoke. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and blended.
2. Add The Good Stuff
Toss in the grated ginger, minced garlic, and chopped green onions. Give it a good stir so it’s all mixed in.
3. Bring It To A Simmer
Now place the pan over medium heat. Stir it every so often and let it slowly come to a gentle simmer.
4. Thicken It Up
While that’s going, mix the water and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Once the sauce is simmering, slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture while whisking constantly. Let it cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until it thickens up nicely.
5. Taste And Adjust
Give it a quick taste. Too sweet? Too tangy? Add a little more vinegar, sugar, or even a hit of sriracha to balance it how you like.
6. Finish It Off
When the sauce has thickened to your liking, take it off the heat. Stir in some toasted sesame seeds for that final touch. Let it cool for a few minutes before using it or pouring it into a container to store.
Nutrition Facts Per Serving
| Nutrition | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 120 |
| Carbohydrates | 18g |
| Sugar | 14g |
| Fat | 4g |
| Protein | 2g |
| Sodium | 650mg |
| Fiber | 0.5g |
Why You Should Try This Asian BBQ Sauce Recipe Today?
This Asian BBQ Sauce Recipe brings a deep, savoy, and slightly sweet flavor that transforms any dish. It combines classic ingredients like soy sauce, hoisin, garlic, ginger, and a touch of heat for a bold finish.
The sauce coats grilled meats beautifully, adds depth to stir fries, and elevates roasted vegetables. Its balance of sweet, salty, and smoky notes makes it stand out.
Try it once, and it quickly becomes a favourite to keep on hand for fast, flavor packed meals.
Best Variations
➣ Swap honey for pineapple juice to add tropical sweetness and a slight tang.
➣ Add a spoonful of gochujang for a deeper, fermented heat and complexity.
➣ Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make the sauce gluten free without sacrificing flavor.
➣ Stir in finely chopped fresh chili or red pepper flakes for an extra spicy kick.
➣ Blend in roasted peanuts or peanut butter for a nutty, creamy texture that pairs well with grilled meats.
Tips And Tricks For Perfect Asian BBQ Sauce Recipe
➢ Use freshly grated ginger and minced garlic to enhance the sauce’s aroma and depth of flavour.
➢ Simmer the sauce gently to allow the ingredients to meld without burning the sugars.
➢ Stir the cornstarch slurry thoroughly before adding to avoid clumps and achieve a smooth, glossy finish.
➢ Adjust the sweetness, heat, or tanginess at the end of cooking to suit your taste preferences.
➢ Let the sauce cool completely before storing to maintain texture and prevent condensation in the container.
Usage Suggestions Asian BBQ Sauce Recipe
Asian BBQ Sauce Recipe is incredibly versatile and can elevate many dishes. Use it as a glaze for grilled chicken, pork, or tofu, or as a marinade to infuse deep flavour.
It’s perfect as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, or chicken skewers. Stir it into noodles or fried rice for a bold twist.
You can also brush it over baked ribs or meatballs for a sweet and savoury finish. This sauce adds irresistible flavour to any meal!
How To Store The Finished Asian BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Store the finished Asian BBQ Sauce Recipe in an airtight container or glass jar to maintain freshness. Keep it refrigerated to preserve its flavour for up to two weeks.
For extended storage, freeze the sauce in small portions using freezer-safe containers or bags. Thaw the sauce slowly in the refrigerator before use and stir well to restore its texture.
Proper storage preserves the rich taste and smooth consistency of the sauce for future meals.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can This Sauce Be Made Vegan?
Yes, substitute honey with maple syrup or agave and ensure no animal-based ingredients are used.
How Spicy Is This Sauce?
The heat level depends on the amount of sriracha or chili sauce added; it can be adjusted to taste.
Can I Use This Sauce As A Marinade?
Yes, it works great as a marinade for meats, tofu, or vegetables.
Can I Make The Sauce Ahead Of Time?
Yes, preparing it in advance allows flavours to deepen, improving the taste.
Is Cornstarch Necessary?
Cornstarch helps thicken the sauce, but it can be omitted for a thinner consistency.
Conclusion
I’m so glad you found this Asian BBQ Sauce Recipe easy, delicious, and a true success! I hope it inspires you to try it in your own kitchen.
It’s simple to make, packed with flavour, and sure to impress. Now it’s your turn give it a try and see just how tasty it is.
I can’t wait to hear how much you enjoyed it after making it. Happy cooking and enjoy every flavourful bite!
Here Are Some Quick BBQ Sauce Recipes You Might Enjoy
Italian BBQ Sauce || Rich And Flavourful
Chicken & Ribs BBQ Sauce | Sweet & Smoky
2 Ingredient BBQ Sauce | Quick And Easy
Caribbean Jerk BBQ Sauce | Spicy Flavours
Asian BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Garlic press or microplane (for garlic & ginger)
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Wooden spoon or heat safe spatula
- Fine mesh strainer (optional, if you prefer a smooth sauce)
Ingredients
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup rice vinegar
- ¼ cup hoisin sauce
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar or coconut sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- 2 tablespoons ketchup
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger finely grated
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- ½ teaspoon liquid smoke
- ½ cup Dijon mustard
- ½ cup green onions finely minced
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds for garnish
- 1 tablespoon sriracha or chili garlic sauce
- 2 tablespoons sweet chili sauce
Instructions
Mix The Base
- Start by grabbing a medium-sized saucepan (don’t turn on the heat yet). Pour in the soy sauce, rice vinegar, hoisin sauce, brown sugar, honey, ketchup, sesame oil, Dijon mustard, sweet chili sauce, and a dash of liquid smoke. Whisk everything together until it’s smooth and blended.
Add The Good Stuff
- Toss in the grated ginger, minced garlic, and chopped green onions. Give it a good stir so it’s all mixed in.
Bring It To A Simmer
- Now place the pan over medium heat. Stir it every so often and let it slowly come to a gentle simmer.
Thicken It Up
- While that’s going, mix the water and cornstarch in a small bowl until smooth. Once the sauce is simmering, slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture while whisking constantly. Let it cook for another 3 to 5 minutes, or until it thickens up nicely.
Taste And Adjust
- Give it a quick taste. Too sweet? Too tangy? Add a little more vinegar, sugar, or even a hit of sriracha to balance it how you like.
Finish It Off
- When the sauce has thickened to your liking, take it off the heat. Stir in some toasted sesame seeds for that final touch. Let it cool for a few minutes before using it or pouring it into a container to store.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 120 kcal | Carbohydrates: 18g | Sugar: 14g | Fat: 4g | Protein: 2g | Sodium: 650mg | Fiber: 0.5g“Hi, I’m Samia, a passionate recipe creator with 5 years of experience in crafting delicious, unique dishes. My love for cooking has led me to explore a variety of cuisines, combining flavors to create memorable meals for every occasion. Whether it’s a simple weeknight dinner or an elaborate feast, I believe in making every dish special. Join me on my culinary journey as I share easy-to-follow recipes and tips that will inspire your cooking and bring joy to your kitchen!”