Korean BBQ Sauce
Ingredients
- 3/4 cup dark brown sugar
- 3/4 cup low-sodium tamari
or sub with low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1½ tablespoons chili paste
like Sambal Oelek
- 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
- 1½ teaspoons toasted sesame oil
- 1/2 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 5 cloves fresh garlic
or about 1 tablespoon, finely grated or squeezed through a garlic press
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
Directions
- 1
In a saucepan combine the brown sugar, tamari, water, chili paste, rice wine vinegar, sesame oil, black pepper, ginger and garlic. Heat on high and bring to a boil.
- 2
Meanwhile, combine the cornstarch and water until smooth.
- 3
When the sauce is at a boil, whisk in the cornstarch slurry and reduce the heat to simmer until thick.
- 4
Once thick, let cool slightly before pouring into a clean jar. You could also add immediately to any stir-fry, or let it completely cool and brush on grilled chicken, shrimp skewers or salmon in the last few minutes of cooking.
- 5
Store in an airtight container for two to three weeks.
Korean BBQ Sauce
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About this Recipe
Craving that irresistible sweet, savory, and spicy kick for your favorite dishes? This quick Korean BBQ Sauce recipe delivers an authentic flavor punch, ready to elevate anything from grilled meats to roasted vegetables.
What makes this sauce truly special is its meticulously balanced profile—a rich interplay of dark brown sugar, umami-packed tamari, and a vibrant chili paste. In just 15 minutes, you'll create a homemade condiment that far surpasses store-bought options in depth and freshness. The secret lies in the thoughtful blend of aromatic ginger and garlic, ensuring every spoonful is bursting with flavor.
What to Expect
Prepare for a sauce that's both bold and incredibly versatile. You'll experience a delightful sweetness from the brown sugar, a deep umami foundation from the tamari, and a satisfying warmth from the chili paste and black pepper. The fresh ginger and garlic provide a bright, zesty counterpoint, rounding out the profile with an authentic Korean-inspired essence. The consistency will be smooth and pourable, yet substantial enough to coat your food beautifully, thanks to the cornstarch. This easy-to-make sauce brings restaurant-quality taste right to your kitchen.
Customization & Variations
You can easily tailor this Korean BBQ Sauce to your pantry and preferences. While low-sodium tamari is specified, feel free to substitute with low-sodium soy sauce if that's what you have on hand. For the chili paste, Sambal Oelek is a great choice, but any similar red chili garlic paste will work to provide that signature heat. Adjust the amount of chili paste up or down to suit your spice tolerance, or play with the fresh ginger and garlic levels for more aromatic intensity.
This versatile sauce is perfect for glazing grilled chicken or pork, marinating beef short ribs, or as a vibrant dipping sauce for dumplings and spring rolls. It also shines as a dressing for grain bowls or a flavorful addition to stir-fries, making it an excellent choice for a weeknight family meal or your next backyard barbecue.