Gochujang BBQ Sauce Recipe blends sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours creating a delicious Korean inspired sauce.
This sauce offers a rich balance that enhances grilled meats and veggies. Inspired by Korean cuisine and the bold flavors of gochujang, making this sauce at home felt exciting and rewarding.
Now, a step by step guide will demonstrate how to prepare this flavourful BBQ sauce from scratch, ensuring great taste every time.
Gochujang BBQ Sauce Recipe
This Gochujang BBQ Sauce Recipe stands out for its bold blend of sweet, spicy, and tangy flavours, creating a unique and vibrant taste.
The main speciality is the use of gochujang, a Korean chili paste, which adds a deep umami richness and moderate heat that sets it apart from traditional BBQ sauces.
Combined with ingredients like sesame oil, mirin, and rice wine vinegar, the Gochujang BBQ Sauce Recipe offers a complex, balanced profile that enhances grilled dishes beautifully.
This Gochujang BBQ Sauce Recipe brings a fresh twist to classic BBQ flavours.

How To Prepare Gochujang BBQ Sauce Recipe?
Recipe Overview
Preparation Time: 10 minutes
Cooking Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Course: Sauce / Condiment
Difficulty: Easy
Cuisine: Korean Fusion / BBQ
Yield: Approximately 2 cup
Kitchen Utensils
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater (for fresh ginger)
- Mixing bowl
- Heatproof spoon
Ingredients
- ½ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 15 g sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ cup water
- 25 g rice wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons cornflour (cornstarch)
- ¼ cup mirin
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1-inch piece fresh ginger, peeled and grated
How To Make Gochujang BBQ Sauce Recipe?
1. Mix The Sauce Ingredients:
In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, gochujang, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, honey, black pepper, and mirin until everything’s well blended.
2. Make The Thickening Mix:
In another small bowl, stir the cornflour into ¼ cup of water until the mixture is smooth and lump free.
3. Heat The Sesame Oil And Ginger:
Put the sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the grated ginger and cook for about a minute, just until you can smell the ginger but it hasn’t browned.
4. Combine And Simmer:
Pour the sauce mixture into the saucepan with the ginger. Stir it all together and let it come to a gentle simmer.
5. Add Vinegar And Thicken The Sauce:
Pour in the rice wine vinegar. Then slowly whisk in the cornflour slurry while stirring constantly to keep it smooth. Let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens up just the way you like.
6. Taste And Tweak:
Give it a taste and adjust as needed add a bit more honey if you want it sweeter, vinegar if you want more tang, or extra gochujang if you like it spicier.
7. Cool And Store:
Take the sauce off the heat and let it cool down. Then pour it into a clean jar or container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about a week.
Nutrition Facts Of Gochujang BBQ Sauce Recipe
| Nutrition | Amounts |
|---|---|
| Calories | 50 kcal |
| Fat | 2 g |
| Carbohydrates | 8 g |
| Sugars | 6 g |
| Protein | 0.5 g |
| Sodium | 300 mg |
Amazing Serving Ideas
1. Drizzle over grilled chicken or pork for a spicy, flavourful glaze.
2. Toss roasted vegetables in the sauce for a bold, tangy finish.
3. Use as a dipping sauce for crispy fried snacks or appetisers.
4. Spread on burgers or sandwiches to add a spicy kick.
5. Mix into noodles or rice bowls for an extra layer of flavor.
Secrets To Perfect Gochujang BBQ Sauce Recipe
➣ Adjust the heat level by varying the amount of gochujang to suit your taste.
➣ Use honey for natural sweetness and a glossy finish.
➣ Toast sesame oil lightly to enhance its nutty aroma before adding.
➣ Stir the sauce constantly while simmering to prevent burning or sticking.
➣ Let the sauce cool completely to allow flavours to fully develop before serving.
How To Make More Delicious Gochujang BBQ Sauce Recipe?
To create an even more delicious Gochujang BBQ Sauce Recipe, focus on balancing the flavours carefully. Adjust the sweetness by adding extra honey or brown sugar for a richer taste.
Enhance the depth by toasting sesame oil slightly before adding other ingredients. Freshly grated ginger brings brightness, while a bit more smoked paprika adds smokiness.
Simmer the sauce gently to let the flavours meld and thicken. Taste frequently and tweak vinegar or soy sauce to achieve the ideal harmony of tang, heat, and sweetness.
Proper Storage
Store Gochujang BBQ Sauce Recipe in a clean, airtight container to maintain freshness. Keep it refrigerated to preserve flavor and extend shelf life.
Properly stored sauce lasts up to one week in the fridge. Avoid cross-contamination by using a clean spoon each time the sauce is served.
For longer storage, freezing is an option, but texture might change slightly. Always check for any signs of spoilage before use to ensure quality and safety.
Frequently Asked Questions
What Does Gochujang Taste Like In BBQ Sauce?
Gochujang adds a spicy, slightly sweet, and savoury depth to the BBQ sauce.
Can This Sauce Be Made Vegan?
Yes, use vegan-friendly ingredients like maple syrup instead of honey and check the soy sauce for animal products.
How Spicy Is This Sauce?
The spice level is moderate, but can be adjusted by adding more or less gochujang.
Can I Use This Sauce For Grilling?
Absolutely, it works great as a marinade or glaze for grilling meats and vegetables.
Conclusion
This easy Gochujang BBQ Sauce Recipe turned out delicious and was a real success. I hope it inspires you to try making it yourself because it’s simple and full of amazing flavor.
You will enjoy how Gochujang BBQ Sauce Recipe transforms your meals. After you prepare it soon, please share how tasty it was I’m excited to hear about your experience!
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Gochujang BBQ Sauce Recipe
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater (for fresh ginger)
- Mixing bowl
- Heatproof spoon
Ingredients
- ½ cup ketchup
- 3 tablespoons gochujang Korean chili paste
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 15 g sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon soy sauce
- 1 teaspoon smoked paprika
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
- ½ teaspoon onion powder
- 1 tablespoon honey
- ¼ cup water
- 25 g rice wine vinegar
- 2 teaspoons cornflour cornstarch
- ¼ cup mirin
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1- inch piece fresh ginger peeled and grated
Instructions
Mix The Sauce Ingredients:
- In a small bowl, whisk together the ketchup, gochujang, apple cider vinegar, brown sugar, soy sauce, smoked paprika, garlic powder, onion powder, honey, black pepper, and mirin until everything’s well blended.
Make The Thickening Mix:
- In another small bowl, stir the cornflour into ¼ cup of water until the mixture is smooth and lump free.
Heat The Sesame Oil And Ginger:
- Put the sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Add the grated ginger and cook for about a minute, just until you can smell the ginger but it hasn’t browned.
Combine And Simmer:
- Pour the sauce mixture into the saucepan with the ginger. Stir it all together and let it come to a gentle simmer.
Add Vinegar And Thicken The Sauce:
- Pour in the rice wine vinegar. Then slowly whisk in the cornflour slurry while stirring constantly to keep it smooth. Let it simmer for 5 to 7 minutes until the sauce thickens up just the way you like.
Taste And Tweak:
- Give it a taste and adjust as needed add a bit more honey if you want it sweeter, vinegar if you want more tang, or extra gochujang if you like it spicier.
Cool And Store:
- Take the sauce off the heat and let it cool down. Then pour it into a clean jar or container and pop it in the fridge. It’ll keep for about a week.
Notes
Nutrition Facts
Calories: 50 kcal | Fat: 2 g | Carbohydrates: 8 g | Sugars: 6 g | Protein: 0.5 g | Sodium: 300 mg
“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!”