Korean BBQ sauce is a versatile and delicious addition to any meal, packed with umami flavor. It enhances the taste of your favorite dishes and is perfect as a marinade for meat or seafood. It also works well as a dipping sauce for veggies or drizzled over baked tofu for a vegan option.
Ingredients
- Gochujang: The key ingredient, known for its unique flavor and texture, sets the foundation for this recipe.
- Honey: Add sweetness according to personal preference, with alternatives like cane sugar or agave syrup.
- Ginger: Provides a sweet and peppery flavor, adding a pleasant aroma to the sauce.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Enhances the dish with a toasted and nutty taste.
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: Adds more toasted and nutty flavor, along with a satisfying texture.
- Garlic: Enhances the overall flavor profile with its unique taste and aroma.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Opt for lower sodium options to maintain flavor without excessive saltiness.
- Green Onions: Freshly sliced green onions bring a vibrant touch to the dish.
- Red Pepper Flakes: Optional for extra heat, taste and adjust accordingly to personal preference.
What you will need for Korean BBQ sauce:
- Mixing Bowl
- Large spoon
- Chefs knife
- Cutting board
Recipe Tips and FAQs:
What is Korean BBQ sauce?
Along with gochujang, this sauce features honey for a touch of sweetness, fresh ginger for a peppery kick, toasted sesame oil and seeds for a nutty flavor, garlic for depth, and low sodium soy sauce for a savory, umami note. Optional red pepper flakes add extra heat for those who like it spicy.
What is gochujang?
Gochujang, a cornerstone of Korean cuisine, boasts a complex flavor profile that combines spiciness, umami, sweetness, and saltiness. Its ingredients include red chili peppers, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt (1). Authentic gochujang is made with carefully sourced ingredients and is fermented outside in the sun in an earthenware pot for several months or years (2).
What goes well with Korean BBQ sauce?
This adaptable recipe is suitable for a range of cooking methods, including grilling, baking, or sautéing meats. My preferred protein options for this dish are chicken wings, shrimp, or salmon. This recipe is straightforward to prepare and yields consistently superb results. Its delectable flavor profile is guaranteed to remain a favorite, no matter how frequently it is enjoyed. Additionally, this sauce can be used as a topping for baked tofu. Complement this dish with a side of vegetables such as salad or bok choy, and a serving of rice.
How to store Korean BBQ sauce:
This recipe stores well in an airtight container for up to 2-3 weeks in fridge or freeze for up to 3 months, so you can make a big batch and enjoy it over time.
Is Korean BBQ sauce healthy?
Yes! Not only is this sauce delicious, it’s also healthy thanks to some key ingredients. The fermentation process that makes gochujang creates beneficial probiotics, supporting your immune system and more. Sesame seed oil provides antioxidants, garlic has anti-inflammatory and immune-boosting properties, and the small amount of added sugar offers a healthier alternative to sugar-loaded store-bought sauces.
What is the difference between BBQ sauce and Korean BBQ sauce?
Overall, Korean BBQ sauce is a unique and flavorful alternative to traditional American BBQ sauce. Unlike American BBQ sauce, which typically features smoky, sweet, and vinegary flavors, Korean BBQ sauce stands out with its distinctive combination of funky, sweet, and spicy flavors. This is due to the combination of gochujang, sesame oil, garlic, soy sauce, and honey used in its preparation. As a result, Korean BBQ sauce is an excellent choice for those looking to try something new and exciting in their cooking. Give this recipe a try and see why it’s a favorite for meat-lovers and veggie fans alike!
Korean BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup gochujang
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp ginger peeled and minced
- 3 garlic cloves minced
- 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil
- 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- green onions sliced
- 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1/4 tsp red pepper flakes (optional)
Instructions
- Combine all ingredients but green onions in a medium size bowl
- Top with green onions
Video
Nutrition
Disclaimer: I am a health and wellness coach with a degree in health science from Arizona State University. However, I am not a doctor or registered dietitian. Any information or advice provided on this website is not intended to replace professional medical advice. Please consult with your healthcare provider before making any dietary or lifestyle changes, especially if you have a medical condition. The information provided on this website is for educational and informational purposes only and should not be taken as professional medical advice or a substitute for it.
Very good. Nice change from traditional store bought in a bottle. Love the kick to the flavor!