This Gochujang Honey Sauce is the perfect balance of sweet, spicy, and savory—made in minutes with just a few bold ingredients. Use it as a drizzle, dip, or marinade to instantly elevate your favorite meals with Korean-inspired flavor.
Table of Contents
Ingredients
- Gochujang: Fermented chili paste adds deep umami and signature Korean heat to the Gochujang Honey Sauce.
- Honey: Balances the spice with natural sweetness and a glossy finish.
- Ginger & Garlic: Add bold, aromatic flavor with a fresh, spicy kick.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Brings a rich, nutty depth to the sauce.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and umami without overpowering.
- Sesame Seeds: Provide texture and a light crunch.
- Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Boosts the heat for spice lovers.
- Green Onions: Add a pop of freshness and color to finish.
Alternative Ingredients
- Gochujang: Substitute with chili garlic sauce or sriracha mixed with a touch of miso for a similar taste to Gochujang Honey Sauce.
- Honey: Use maple syrup, agave, or brown sugar for a vegan or pantry-friendly option.
- Toasted Sesame Oil: Swap with regular sesame oil or a neutral oil plus a few crushed sesame seeds.
- Low Sodium Soy Sauce: Tamari or coconut aminos work well for gluten-free or soy-free diets.
Nutritional Benefits
- Supports digestion: Fermented ingredients like those used in Gochujang Honey Sauce promote gut health.
- Boosts immunity: Garlic and ginger contain natural antibacterial and antiviral properties.
- Reduces inflammation: Ginger is known for its powerful anti-inflammatory compounds.
- Provides antioxidants: Sesame seeds and chili paste are rich in free-radical-fighting antioxidants.
- May help regulate blood sugar: Honey offers a more natural energy source compared to refined sugar.
Expert Tips
Adjust the heat: Start with less gochujang or skip the red pepper flakes for a milder version.
Thin it out: Add a splash of water or rice vinegar if you’d like a pourable sauce for salads or bowls like the Gochujang Honey Sauce.
Use fresh aromatics: Freshly grated ginger and garlic give the sauce a brighter, more vibrant flavor.
Double the batch: This sauce keeps well in the fridge—make extra to save time later in the week.
Let it sit: Let the sauce rest for 10–15 minutes before serving to let the flavors meld fully.
FAQs
Yes! It stores well in the fridge for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
It has a moderate heat. You can reduce the gochujang or skip the red pepper flakes to make it milder.
Absolutely! It works great on chicken, tofu, shrimp, or roasted vegetables.
Use gluten-free gochujang and substitute soy sauce with tamari or coconut aminos to make it gluten-free.
Freezing isn’t ideal due to texture changes—fresh or refrigerated use is best.
Serving Suggestions
This Gochujang Honey Sauce is perfect drizzled over rice bowls, grilled veggies, or crispy tofu. It also makes a flavorful dipping sauce for dumplings or a bold marinade for chicken or shrimp.
Storage Suggestions
Store the Gochujang Honey Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Give it a quick stir before using, as some ingredients may settle over time.
You’ll also enjoy:
Gochujang Honey 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
- In a medium bowl, combine gochujang, honey, ginger, garlic, sesame oil, and soy sauce.1/2 cup gochujang, 1 tbsp honey, 1 tbsp ginger, 3 garlic cloves, 1 tbsp toasted sesame oil, 1/4 cup low sodium soy sauce
- Whisk until smooth and well combined.
- Stir in sesame seeds and red pepper flakes, if using.1/4 tsp red pepper flakes, 2 tbsp sesame seeds
- Garnish with sliced green onions just before serving or stir them in for added texture.green onions
Video
Notes
- Adjust the red pepper flakes to control the spice level.
- For a smoother sauce, blend ingredients briefly in a food processor.
- Store in the fridge up to 1 week; flavors deepen over time.
- Use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari to make it gluten-free.
- Perfect as a marinade, dip, or sauce drizzle.
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!