If you have ever craved that perfect balance of sweet, savory, and nutty flavors all mingling harmoniously, then this Korean BBQ Sauce Recipe is about to become your new obsession. This sauce is not just an accompaniment; it’s the heart and soul of any Korean-style grilled feast. The beauty of this recipe lies in its simplicity and versatility, blending common pantry ingredients into a luscious glaze that elevates everything from meats to vegetables. Trust me, once you make this sauce, you’ll want to slather it on everything.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Gathering the right ingredients for this Korean BBQ Sauce Recipe is both straightforward and rewarding. Each component plays a vital role: the stock creates a savory base, soy sauce adds umami depth, honey brings a gentle sweetness, and sesame oil infuses that unique toasty aroma. Together, they build layers of flavor and give the sauce a smooth, glossy finish.
- 1 cup low sodium chicken or beef stock: The foundation of the sauce that adds rich savory notes without overpowering other flavors.
- 4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce: Provides umami and saltiness, crucial for that authentic Korean taste.
- 2 tablespoons runny honey: Adds natural sweetness and helps the sauce caramelize beautifully when cooked.
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch: Acts as the thickening agent to give the sauce that perfect clingy texture.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil: Brings a nutty, aromatic depth that’s signature to Korean BBQ sauces.
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds: Adds a subtle crunch and visual appeal.
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger: Gives a warm, slightly spicy undertone to balance the sweetness.
- 1 teaspoon dried garlic powder: Enhances the overall savory flavor with familiar garlicky warmth.
- 1-2 scallions (finely chopped): Freshness that brightens and adds a mild onion bite when sprinkled on top.
How to Make Korean BBQ Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Combine Ingredients Off The Heat
Start by whisking all the ingredients together in a small saucepan while it’s off the heat. This is important because it allows you to mix the cornstarch evenly, ensuring your sauce will be perfectly smooth and lump-free. Think of this as setting the stage for a silky sauce that clings effortlessly to whatever you’re grilling.
Step 2: Bring to a Boil and Simmer
Next, place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the sauce to a boil, whisking constantly. Once boiling, reduce the heat and let the sauce simmer gently while stirring frequently. This step thickens the sauce and beautifully melds all the flavors together. The smell at this point is pure magic!
Step 3: Adjust Thickness if Needed
After simmering, the sauce might be thicker or thinner than your preference. If it’s too thick, simply stir in a little more stock to loosen it up. If too thin, whisk a small amount of cornstarch into cold stock or water, then incorporate it slowly into the simmering sauce until you reach your desired consistency. Remember, never add dry cornstarch straight into the hot sauce—that causes clumping.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Finally, pour the finished sauce into a clean jar while hot, then let it cool before sealing tightly. Keeping it in the fridge means you can enjoy this Korean BBQ Sauce Recipe anytime you want a quick flavor boost that tastes like you spent hours perfecting it.
How to Serve Korean BBQ Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
This sauce loves company, especially in the form of fresh garnishes. The finely chopped scallions sprinkled on top add a burst of brightness and a little crunch. Toasted sesame seeds enhance the nutty notes and provide a lovely textural contrast. These small touches turn your dish from good to memorable.
Side Dishes
To fully embrace Korean-style dining, serve this sauce alongside classic sides like steamed white rice, kimchi, or pickled vegetables. The sauce’s sweet-savory profile pairs beautifully with the tangy acidity of kimchi and the mild fluffiness of rice. You can also drizzle it over sautéed greens for a simple yet satisfying addition.
Creative Ways to Present
Don’t stop at just dipping or basting; try using this Korean BBQ Sauce Recipe as a marinade before grilling meats, tofu, or even vegetables. Brush it thickly on ribs or chicken wings as they cook for that irresistible glaze. You might also mix it with mayonnaise for a flavorful dipping sauce that’s perfect for fries or steamed buns.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
This sauce keeps well stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week. The flavors deepen over time, making leftovers even better the next day. Just give it a good stir before using as it may separate slightly.
Freezing
To extend its shelf life, you can freeze the sauce in portion-sized containers or ice cube trays. This way, you have convenient little flavor bombs ready whenever you want to add a Korean BBQ kick without thawing the entire batch.
Reheating
When reheating, warm the sauce gently over low heat while stirring, or microwave it in short bursts. If it has thickened too much, add a small splash of water or stock to bring it back to the perfect consistency.
FAQs
Can I use this sauce with vegetables or only meat?
This Korean BBQ Sauce Recipe is wonderfully versatile and works beautifully with grilled or roasted vegetables just as well as meats. It adds a delicious layer of flavor to anything it touches.
Is there a substitute for cornstarch in this recipe?
If you don’t have cornstarch, you can use arrowroot powder or potato starch as thickening alternatives. Just keep the same quantity and whisk carefully to avoid lumps.
Can I make this sauce vegan?
Absolutely! Simply use vegetable stock instead of chicken or beef stock, and ensure your soy sauce is vegan-friendly. This small swap keeps all the flavor intact.
How long does homemade Korean BBQ sauce last in the fridge?
Stored properly in a sealed jar, your Korean BBQ Sauce Recipe should stay fresh for about one week. Always check for any off smells or mold before using.
Can I adjust the sweetness or saltiness in this sauce?
Yes! Feel free to add more honey if you like sweeter sauce or extra soy sauce for saltiness. Just tweak it gradually to keep the balance perfect.
Final Thoughts
I can’t recommend this Korean BBQ Sauce Recipe enough; it’s the kind of sauce that instantly upgrades your meals and brings people around the table eager for seconds. Easy to make, endlessly adaptable, and irresistibly tasty, it’s a must-try for anyone who loves bold, comforting flavors. Give it a go and watch your cooking reach new, delicious heights.
Print
Korean BBQ Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 24 tablespoons (approximately 1 1/2 cups)
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Korean
- Diet: Low Salt
Description
This Korean BBQ Sauce is a rich, flavorful condiment perfect for enhancing grilled meats or as a dipping sauce. Combining low sodium stock, soy sauce, honey, and aromatic spices, it delivers a savory and slightly sweet profile with the depth of toasted sesame oil and seeds. Quick and easy to make on the stovetop, this sauce thickens to the perfect consistency, making it an ideal addition to any Korean-inspired meal.
Ingredients
Liquid Ingredients
- 1 cup low sodium chicken or beef stock
- 4 tablespoons low sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons runny honey
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1–2 scallions (finely chopped)
Dry Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/2 tablespoon sesame seeds
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon dried garlic powder
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: Whisk together all ingredients in a small saucepan off the heat until smooth, making sure there are no lumps of cornstarch visible.
- Cook Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil while whisking constantly. Then reduce to a simmer and continue stirring until the sauce thickens to your preferred consistency.
- Adjust Thickness: If the sauce becomes too thick, thin it out by adding a little more stock. If it is too thin, whisk some cornstarch into cold stock or water and then stir this mixture into the sauce, simmering until it thickens appropriately. Avoid adding dry cornstarch directly into the hot sauce to prevent lumps.
- Store Sauce: Pour the hot sauce into a clean jar and allow it to cool before sealing with a tight-fitting lid. Store the sauce in the refrigerator.
Notes
- Use low sodium stock and soy sauce to control the saltiness of the sauce.
- Sesame oil and seeds add an authentic nutty flavor to the sauce.
- Adjust the thickness of the sauce by carefully adding stock or cornstarch slurry as needed.
- Great as a marinade, dipping sauce, or glaze for grilled meats and vegetables.
- Keep the sauce refrigerated and consume within one week for best flavor and safety.
