This homemade Korean BBQ sauce is savory, sweet and a little spicy! It is much more flavorful and fresh than anything store bought. This sauce is great for marinades, chicken, beef, pork, wings, vegetables, stir fry and more. It is made with wholesome ingredients and will instantly elevate any dish!

Korean BBQ sauce.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

  • This Korean BBQ sauce is quick and easy.
  • Everything comes together in only 10 minutes total.
  • Only one skillet needed.
  • It is versatile and great for many uses. In addition, it pairs well with most meat.
  • This recipe can be adapted to be soy free, gluten free, Paleo, low carb, and refined sugar free.
  • This recipe is naturally dairy free, vegan, egg free and nut free.
  • Add it to your favorite protein or vegetables.
  • Great in stir fry. Or, use it as a dipping sauce.
  • Check out this Sugar Free Stir Fry Sauce for another easy recipe.

Ingredients & Substitutions

These are the main ingredients and substitutions for Korean BBQ sauce. Scroll down to the recipe card for full ingredients list and instructions.

The base of this sauce is soy sauce. For gluten free, use gluten free soy sauce or coconut aminos. Coconut aminos has the same flavor and texture. Additionally, it is soy free.

Pure maple syrup adds natural sweetness. If desired, replace with honey.

A little water helps thin out the sauce.

Both minced garlic and fresh ginger add a great flavor! Fresh is best, but use garlic powder and ground ginger if needed.

Sriracha sauce adds a little spice.

Rice vinegar adds a great flavor as well.

For more spice, add more red pepper flakes. For less spicy, omit completely.

Lastly, a little cornstarch helps thicken the sauce. For corn free, replace with tapioca flour.

Soy sauce and spices.

What is Korean BBQ Sauce?

Korean BBQ sauce is not tomato based like American BBQ sauce. It is soy sauce based.

However, these two sauces have some similarities.

Both are sweet and savory. They both have tangy notes of flavor.

Korean BBQ sauce can be used as a marinade, dipping sauce, stir fry sauce or more.

This sauce can be pretty mild or very spicy.

Taste & Texture

This Korean BBQ sauce is both savory and sweet. It has a slight tang to it. It can be made much more spicy with more red pepper flakes.

This sauce is thick and slightly sticky.

How to Make

Step 1

First, add all of the ingredients except cornstarch to a skillet over medium heat.

Red pepper flakes and sauce.

Step 2

Once almost bubbling, whisk in the cornstarch, stirring constantly.

Spicy sauce in skillet.

Step 3

Continue stirring for 2 to 3 minutes or until sauce reaches desired thickness.

Sticky sweet sauce in pan.

Step 4

Finally, remove from heat. Once sauce has cooled, pour into a jar and store in the fridge.

Sauce in jar.

Expert Tips & Tricks

Taste and adjust seasonings and flavors as you cook.

This recipe is pretty forgiving.

Continue to stir constantly. Otherwise, this sauce will burn.

Fully whisk in cornstarch.

This sauce will thicken up the longer it cooks.

To make it more spicy, add more red pepper flakes.

For more mild, omit red pepper flakes or use just a pinch.

Use within 1 week of making.

Steak with Korean BBQ sauce.

How to Serve & Store

Serve Korean BBQ dipping sauce with chicken, pork, beef, steaks, vegetables or stir fry.

Additionally, use as a marinade for meat.

Store in a jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Do not freeze.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is Korean BBQ sauce made of?

Korean BBQ sauce is made of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sriracha sauce, rice vinegar and seasonings.

What is the difference between BBQ sauce and Korean BBQ sauce?

BBQ sauce is made from a tomato base. Korean BBQ sauce is made from a soy sauce base.

Is it gluten free?

Use gluten free soy sauce or coconut aminos for gluten free. Unfortunately, regular soy sauce contains gluten.

Is it Vegan?

Yes, this recipe is Vegan as written. Be sure to double check all ingredient labels.

What should I use it on?

Use this sauce on your favorite meats and veggies.

Is it spicy?

Yes, this sauce is spicy. You can easily make it more mild or more spicy.

Steak with Korean sauce.

You May Also Like

If you make this Korean BBQ sauce recipe, I would really appreciate a review! You can find me on Instagram, Facebook, and Pinterest. I would love for you to follow along!  For more ideas, check out these Dinner Recipes.

Korean BBQ sauce.
At a Glance:
Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 10 minutes

Get the Recipe: Korean BBQ Sauce

This homemade Korean BBQ sauce is sweet, savory and a little spicy. This quick and easy recipe is way better than anything store bought. You can easily adjust the flavors and level of spice. Great for marinades, chicken, beef, pork, vegetables, and more!
5 from 17 votes
US Customary – Metric
Print Recipe Pin Recipe Save Recipe

Ingredients

4 servings

Instructions 

  • First, add all ingredients except cornstarch to a skillet over medium heat.
  • Once almost bubbling, whisk in the cornstarch, stirring constantly.
  • Continue stirring for 2 to 3 minutes or until sauce reaches desired thickness.
  • Finally, remove from heat. Once cooled, pour into a jar and store in the fridge.

Notes

  • This recipe makes about 1 cup of sauce.
  • For gluten free, use gluten free soy sauce or coconut aminos.
  • Stir sauce constantly to prevent burning.
  • Fully whisk in the cornstarch.  This helps thicken the sauce.
  • Continue cooking until sauce reaches your desired thickness.  It will thicken as it cooks.
  • Store jar of sauce in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Calories: 73kcal, Carbohydrates: 15g, Protein: 3g, Fat: 0.1g, Saturated Fat: 0.02g, Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.1g, Monounsaturated Fat: 0.02g, Sodium: 1717mg, Potassium: 125mg, Fiber: 1g, Sugar: 10g, Vitamin A: 154IU, Vitamin C: 3mg, Calcium: 29mg, Iron: 1mg
Author: Addison LaBonte
Course: Side Dish
Cuisine: Asian, Korean

Love this Korean BBQ dipping sauce? You can sign up here to receive healthy meal plans, exclusive new recipes and updates!