Korean BBQ Sauce
This Korean BBQ sauce is a sweet, savory, and slightly spicy condiment that elevates any grilled dish. Perfect for marinating meats or as a dipping sauce, it’s a versatile addition to your cooking repertoire.
Ingredients
- ¼ cup gochujang Korean red pepper paste
- ¼ cup ssamjang Korean soybean and chili paste
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar or sugar substitute
- 3 cloves garlic minced
- 2 tablespoons sesame oil
Instructions
Gather Your Ingredients
- Collect all the necessary ingredients: gochujang, ssamjang, soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, and sesame oil. Having everything ready will make the process smooth and efficient.
Mix the Base Ingredients
- In a medium-sized bowl, combine the ¼ cup of gochujang and ¼ cup of ssamjang. These two pastes are the heart of your sauce, providing that signature spicy and savory flavor.
Add the Soy Sauce
- Pour in ¼ cup of soy sauce. This will add depth and saltiness to your sauce, balancing the sweetness from the brown sugar.
Incorporate Sweetness
- Add 2 tablespoons of brown sugar (or your preferred sugar substitute if you're making it sugar-free). Stir well until the sugar is fully dissolved into the mixture. This will give your sauce that delightful sweetness.
Add Garlic and Sesame Oil
- Mix in 3 cloves of minced garlic for aroma and flavor, followed by 2 tablespoons of sesame oil. The sesame oil will introduce a nutty aroma that complements the other flavors beautifully.
Whisk Until Smooth
- Using a whisk or a fork, mix all the ingredients together until the sauce is smooth and well combined. You want a thick, glossy consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
Taste and Adjust
- Take a small taste of your sauce. If you’d like it spicier, add a bit more gochujang. For extra sweetness, you can mix in a little more brown sugar. Adjust according to your taste preferences!
Store or Use Immediately
- If you're not using the sauce right away, transfer it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to a week. If you’re ready to grill, go ahead and marinate your meats or use it as a dipping sauce!
Notes
Tips for Using Your Korean BBQ Sauce
- Marination Time: For best results, marinate meats for at least a few hours or overnight to let the flavors infuse deeply.
- Grilling: Brush some sauce on your meats during the last few minutes of grilling for a beautiful glaze.
- Versatile Use: Don’t just reserve it for meat; try it on grilled vegetables, tofu, or even as a flavor enhancer in stir-fries!