Get ready to elevate your meals with this Sweet Korean BBQ Sauce—a perfect blend of sweet, savory, and tangy flavors.
Inspired by authentic Korean cuisine, this easy homemade sauce adds a rich, caramelized glaze to meats, tofu, or veggies.
Whether you’re grilling, stir-frying, or dipping, this versatile sauce delivers bold taste and irresistible aroma in every bite. Your new favorite BBQ essential starts here.
How To Make Sweet Korean BBQ Sauce?
Preparation time: 5 minutes
Cooking time: 10 minutes
Course: Sauce
Cuisine: Korean
Yield: About 1 ¼ cups (serves 8 as a condiment)
Equipment needed
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Small bowl
- Measuring spoons/cups
- Storage jar
Ingredients
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger, minced or grated
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Korean chili paste (gochujang)
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Optional garnish: 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions
Instructions
1. Combine the Base
In a medium saucepan, pour in the soy sauce, honey, and brown sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
2. Add Aromatics
Mix in the minced garlic and ginger. Let them cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
3. Incorporate the Flavor Boosters
Stir in the sesame oil, rice vinegar, gochujang, sesame seeds, and black pepper. Continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes.
4. Thicken the Sauce
In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Gradually add it to the saucepan, stirring constantly. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
5. Finish and Serve
Once thickened, remove from heat. Garnish with finely chopped green onions if desired.
Nutrition Facts Of Sweet Korean BBQ Sauce
- Calories: 60 kcal
- Fat: 0.5 g
- Carbohydrates: 10 g
- Sugar: 8 g
- Protein: 1 g
Which Goes Best With The Sweet Korean BBQ Sauce?
❖ Grilled Meats: Brush over chicken, beef, or pork ribs during the last few minutes of grilling for a glossy, caramelized finish.
❖ Stir-Fries: Add a spoonful to vegetable or noodle stir-fries for a burst of sweet-savory flavor.
❖ Burger or Sandwich Spread: Spread on burgers, sliders, or Korean BBQ sandwiches for extra richness.
❖ Marinade: Marinate meats or tofu before cooking to infuse deep umami sweetness.
Tips & Variations
✔ Adjust Sweetness: Add more honey or brown sugar for a sweeter taste, or reduce it for a tangier balance.
✔ Spice It Up: Mix in gochujang (Korean chili paste) or red pepper flakes for extra heat.
✔ Add Depth: A splash of rice vinegar or sesame oil enhances flavor complexity.
✔ Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
✔ Citrus Twist: Add a squeeze of orange or lime juice for a refreshing zing.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Is gochujang necessary for this recipe?
Yes, it gives the sauce its signature Korean flavor, but you can substitute with chili paste if needed.
Can I make it without sugar?
You can replace brown sugar with honey, maple syrup, or a low-calorie sweetener.
How long does the sauce last?
Stored in an airtight container, it lasts up to 2 weeks in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze Korean BBQ sauce?
Yes, it freezes well for up to 3 months. Thaw and reheat before use.
Is it suitable for vegetarians or vegans?
Yes, it’s naturally vegan if you use plant-based ingredients.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Sure! Marinate meats, tofu, or veggies for 30 minutes to several hours for a rich flavor.
Conclusion
This sweet Korean BBQ Sauce brings the perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors to any dish.
Easy to make and incredibly versatile, it enhances everything from grilled meats to veggies. Try this homemade recipe once, and it’ll quickly become your go-to favorite for every meal.
Sweet Korean BBQ Sauce
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Small bowl
- Measuring spoons & cups
- Storage jar
Ingredients
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup honey
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
- 4 cloves garlic minced
- 1 tablespoon ginger minced or grated
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 2 tablespoons Korean chili paste gochujang
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- ¼ teaspoon black pepper
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water
- Optional garnish: 1 tablespoon finely chopped green onions
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, pour in the soy sauce, honey, and brown sugar. Stir over medium heat until the sugar dissolves completely.
- Mix in the minced garlic and ginger. Let them cook for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
- Stir in the sesame oil, rice vinegar, gochujang, sesame seeds, and black pepper. Continue cooking for another 3–4 minutes.
- In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Gradually add it to the saucepan, stirring constantly. Simmer for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Once thickened, remove from heat. Garnish with finely chopped green onions if desired.
Welcome to Arora’s Sauce Recipe, where every drop tells a story of tradition, innovation, and a boundless love for culinary arts. My name is Brazen, and I am the founder and chief sauce creator at Arora’s Kitchen. Born into a family with a rich heritage of culinary arts, I grew up surrounded by the aromas of spices and the sounds of simmering pots, which ignited my passion for cooking from a young age.
Inspired by generations of culinary expertise, I embarked on a professional quest to capture these fleeting aromas and flavors in bottles of sauce that could bring a gourmet experience to every meal.
As the founder of Arora’s Sauce Recipe, my mission is to inspire your culinary adventures with the finest sauces. Whether you’re a professional chef or a home cook, our sauces are crafted to elevate your cooking with every spoonful.
Thank you for choosing Arora’s Sauce Recipe. Here’s to a journey filled with flavor, passion, and unforgettable meals.