Korean BBQ Sauce Recipe
Korean BBQ Sauce Recipe is a bold, savory, and slightly sweet sauce made with soy sauce, gochujang, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. It's ideal for marinating, grilling, or dipping. Easy to prepare in minutes, this homemade version brings authentic Korean flavor to any dish. Store it in the fridge and use it to elevate meats, tofu, or vegetables.
Equipment
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups and spoons
- Grater (for fresh ginger)
- Knife and cutting board
- Mixing bowl (optional)
- Airtight jar or container (for storage)
Ingredients
- ½ cup soy sauce regular or low-sodium
- ¼ cup rice vinegar or rice wine vinegar
- ¼ cup water
- 3 tablespoons gochujang Korean chili paste
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or honey, for a natural sweetener
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon mirin optional, adds glossy texture and mild sweetness
- 2 tablespoons garlic minced (about 2–3 large cloves)
- 2 tablespoons Asian Pear or Apple/Onion
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- 1 tablespoon additional brown sugar or honey to taste
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch for thickening
- ¼ teaspoon ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for extra heat
- 2 teaspoons sriracha sauce
- 1 scallion finely chopped (for garnish or mixed in)
Instructions
Start With The Liquids:
- Pour soy sauce, rice vinegar, water, gochujang (Korean chili paste), sesame oil, mirin, and a dash of sriracha into a small saucepan. Set it over medium heat and give it a good whisk to combine everything.
Add The Flavor Builders:
- Toss in minced garlic and freshly grated ginger. Stir in brown sugar (or honey if you prefer), and a pinch of black pepper. Keep stirring while the mixture starts to bubble gently.
Time To Thicken It Up:
- In a separate small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of water with a spoonful of cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour this into the saucepan while stirring. Keep stirring until the sauce thickens it should only take 2 to 3 minutes.
Finish It Off:
- Add a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds, a pinch of red pepper flakes if you like extra heat, and some chopped green onions. Give it a taste adjust the sweetness or spiciness if needed.
Cool And Store:
- Take the sauce off the heat and let it cool down. You can use it right away, or pour it into a clean jar and keep it in the fridge. It’ll stay good for about a week.