Delicious Korean BBQ Sauce In Just 10 minutes

An authentic korean bbq sauce is the secret to creating flavorful and tender grilled meats at home. This versatile sauce, often used for classic dishes like bulgogi and galbi, is known for its perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors. Making your own korean bbq sauce is a simple process that yields a rich and flavorful condiment, far superior to store-bought varieties. It’s the essential ingredient for marinating meat or as a finishing sauce for your next barbecue.

What is Korean BBQ Sauce?

A korean bbq sauce is a foundational component of Korean grilling, often referred to as a marinade or glaze. The sauce is the key to classic dishes such as bulgogi (marinated beef) and galbi (marinated short ribs). Unlike American barbecue sauces which are often tomato-based, Korean BBQ sauce is a savory, soy-based marinade that includes a natural sweetener, like grated Asian pear or apple, to tenderize the meat. The combination of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger creates a bold and complex flavor profile that caramelizes beautifully on the grill.

Ingredients

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup grated Asian pear or apple
• 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Optional Add-ins

• 1 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste, for a spicy kick)
• 1 green onion, thinly sliced, for garnish
• 1 tsp sesame seeds, for garnish

How to Make Korean BBQ Sauce

1. Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, grated Asian pear (or apple), and water or vegetable broth until the sugar is dissolved.
2. Add Aromatics and Seasoning: Stir in the toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Whisk all the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined.
3. Marinate or Simmer: The korean bbq sauce can be used in two ways. To use it as a marinade, pour the sauce over your meat (sliced beef, chicken, or short ribs) in a resealable bag or a dish. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for a deeper flavor.
4. For a Thicker Sauce: If you want a thicker sauce to use for basting or as a finishing glaze, transfer the mixture to a small saucepan. Bring the sauce to a low simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until it has reduced and thickened slightly.
5. Serve: This delicious korean bbq sauce is ready to be used. Brush it on your favorite grilled meats or use it to flavor stir-fries. Garnish with sliced green onion and sesame seeds.

Tips for the Perfect Korean BBQ Sauce

• Use an Asian Pear: An Asian pear not only adds natural sweetness but also contains enzymes that help to tenderize the meat, a key step in authentic Korean barbecue. If you cannot find one, a regular pear or a sweet apple is a good substitute.
• Toasted Sesame Oil: Make sure you use toasted sesame oil, not regular sesame oil. The toasted variety has a distinct nutty and robust flavor that is essential for this sauce.
• Adjust the Sweetness: The level of sweetness in your sauce can be adjusted by adding more or less brown sugar to your personal preference.

Conclusion

This korean bbq sauce is a simple yet powerful recipe that will transform your grilling. It’s a versatile, sweet, and savory sauce that is guaranteed to impress.

Delicious Korean BBQ Sauce In Just 10 minutes

foodifa

An easy and authentic recipe for a Korean BBQ sauce with a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and umami flavors.

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Prep Time 10 minutes mins

Total Time 10 minutes mins

Course Marinade, Sauce

Cuisine Korean

Servings 2 cup

Calories 60 kcal

Ingredients

  

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1/4 cup grated Asian pear or apple
• 1/4 cup water or vegetable broth
• 2 tbsp toasted sesame oil
• 4 cloves garlic minced
• 1 tbsp fresh ginger grated
• 1/2 tsp black pepper

Optional Add-ins

• 1 tbsp gochujang Korean chili paste, for a spicy kick
• 1 green onion thinly sliced, for garnish
• 1 tsp sesame seeds for garnish

Instructions

 

• Combine Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, grated Asian pear (or apple), and water or vegetable broth until the sugar is dissolved.
• Add Aromatics and Seasoning: Stir in the toasted sesame oil, minced garlic, grated ginger, and black pepper. Whisk all the ingredients until they are thoroughly combined.
• Marinate or Simmer: The korean bbq sauce can be used in two ways. To use it as a marinade, pour the sauce over your meat (sliced beef, chicken, or short ribs) in a resealable bag or a dish. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or up to 24 hours for a deeper flavor.
• For a Thicker Sauce: If you want a thicker sauce to use for basting or as a finishing glaze, transfer the mixture to a small saucepan. Bring the sauce to a low simmer over medium heat and cook for 5-10 minutes, or until it has reduced and thickened slightly.
• Serve: This delicious korean bbq sauce is ready to be used. Brush it on your favorite grilled meats or use it to flavor stir-fries. Garnish with sliced green onion and sesame seeds.

Notes

For best results, use this sauce as a marinade for thinly sliced beef.

Keyword bbq sauce, bulgogi sauce, grilling sauce, korean bbq sauce, korean food, korean marinade