Korean BBQ sauce, known for its sweet, savory, and slightly spicy flavors, is a delicious and versatile condiment. It’s traditionally used in dishes like bulgogi (grilled marinated beef) and galbi (grilled short ribs), but it can also enhance grilled chicken, pork, or even vegetables. The sauce typically combines soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sugar, with a hint of sesame oil and heat from gochujang (Korean red pepper paste). The result is a thick, glossy sauce that adds a rich umami flavor to any dish. Make a batch of this sauce to elevate your next grilling session, or use it as a marinade or dipping sauce.
Ingredients:
- ½ cup soy sauce
- 3 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean red pepper paste)
- 1 tbsp garlic, minced
- 1 tsp ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp sesame seeds
- 1 tsp ground black pepper
- 2 tbsp water (optional for thinning)
Instructions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, and honey over medium heat. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves.
- Add the rice vinegar, sesame oil, gochujang, garlic, and ginger to the saucepan. Stir well to combine all the ingredients.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for about 5-7 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together. If the sauce becomes too thick, add water 1 tablespoon at a time to reach the desired consistency.
- Remove the sauce from heat and stir in the sesame seeds and black pepper.
- Let the sauce cool before using it as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce.
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Enjoy your homemade Korean BBQ sauce on your favorite grilled dishes!
