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A small black bowl filled with a thick, brown, textured sauce sits on a round black mat, surrounded by green herbs and chopsticks.
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Korean BBQ Sauce

Korean BBQ sauce is a sweet, savory blend made with soy sauce, ginger, and a touch of maple syrup. It’s perfect for marinating, dipping, or drizzling to add bold flavor to any dish.
Course Sauces and Spices, Side Dish, Sides
Cuisine Asian, International
Keyword brown sugar, dip, dipping sauce, garlic, ginger, gochujang, korean bbq sauce, Korean BBQ sauce recipe, marinade, rib, sauce, sesame oil, soy sauce, vinegar, whisk
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 8 minutes
Servings 6 Servings
Calories 24kcal

Equipment

Ingredients

  • 2 Teaspoons Ginger freshly grated
  • 3 Pieces Garlic Cloves minced
  • 2 teaspoons Sesame Oil
  • 1/4 teaspoon Crushed Red Pepper Flakes
  • 3 Tablespoons Sugar-Free Maple Syrup
  • 1 Tablespoon Rice Vinegar
  • 1/4 Cup Gluten-Free Soy Sauce 60 ml
  • 1/2 Cup Broth 120 ml
  • 1/2 teaspoon Xanthan Gum

Instructions

  • Measure out all ingredients and mince the garlic and ginger so they're ready to use. Keeping everything close makes cooking smooth and easy.
  • Heat sesame oil in a pot over medium heat and cook the garlic until fragrant, being careful not to burn it. This creates a rich, savory base.
  • Slowly add the broth, sprinkle in red pepper flakes, and whisk in xanthan gum to thicken. Simmer until the sauce becomes smooth and silky.
  • Stir in soy sauce, maple syrup, ginger, and rice vinegar, then let it simmer to blend flavors. Taste and adjust seasoning before serving or storing.

Video

Notes

  • Balance the Sweet and Spicy: Add extra gochujang or a dash of chili flakes if you like more heat. If you prefer sweeter, toss in more honey or brown sugar.
  • Let It Simmer: Cooking the sauce for a few extra minutes thickens it up beautifully and deepens the flavors.
  • Soy Sauce Swap: For a twist, try tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a slightly sweeter taste.
  • Use It Everywhere: Brush it on grilled veggies, mix it into stir-fries, or even drizzle it on pizza for a fun fusion flavor.

Nutrition

Serving: 1Serving | Calories: 24kcal | Carbohydrates: 2g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 0.2g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 1g | Monounsaturated Fat: 1g | Cholesterol: 0.4mg | Sodium: 485mg | Potassium: 48mg | Fiber: 0.3g | Sugar: 0.2g | Vitamin A: 25IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 5mg | Iron: 0.2mg