Sweet Korean BBQ Sauce is one of those things I have become addicted to and make all the time. It has the perfect combination of sweetness and savories’ with just a little bit of hotness — all the good aspects of Korean BBQ flavors are in one glossy and tasty sauce. 

I invented this Sweet Korean BBQ sauce after having something quite similar in a Korean barbecue place around, and I could not stop my thoughts about that rich umami taste from soy sauce, sesame oil, and gochujang. 

Today, it is my favorite dipping sauce for Korean BBQ, chicken, wings, and grilled veggies. What is even better is that you only need pantry staples like garlic, brown sugar, and rice wine vinegar to make it. 

Whether you are glazing or just brushing it over the sizzling chicken, this homemade sauce is the easiest way to get huge Korean BBQ flavor right into your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Sweet Korean BBQ Sauce

Sweet Korean BBQ Sauce is a hit recipe that makes a strong impression and wins you over with the very first tasting. 

It is a perfect combination of sweet, savory, and only a slight touch of heat, all packed in a luxurious fragrant sauce. Its being truly special points out to the ease of using it in different dishes. 

Grilled chicken is one of the dishes where you can use this sauce as a glaze, while beef or tofu can be one of the dishes where you can even mix it together, and besides that, it can be served as a rich Korean BBQ dipping sauce too. 

Soy sauce, brown sugar, sesame oil, garlic, and gochujang are the ingredients that together give birth to the irresistible Korean-style taste that beats no fancy ingredients or complex steps.

You will appreciate the speed with which it is made also – whisk, simmer and done! It keeps well, so you can consistently have it on hand to turn an ordinary weeknight dinner into something bold and exciting. 

If you are a Korean BBQ beginner or already addicted, then this Sweet Korean BBQ Sauce recipe is the perfect way to introduce restaurant-quality flavors right in your kitchen.

How To Prepare Sweet Korean BBQ Sauce

Recipe Overview

Sweet Korean BBQ Sauce – a homemade Korean-style glaze and dip, rich in flavour, perfect for chicken, pork, tofu or as a dipping sauce.

• Prep time: 10 minutes
• Cook time: 5 minutes
• Total time: 15 minutes
• Cuisine: Korean-inspired
• Course: Sauce / Condiment / Glaze
• Difficulty level: Easy
• Yield: About 1 cup (serves 4-6 as sauce)
• Calories per serving: ~60 kcal (assuming 6 servings)

Kitchen Utensils Needed

Making this Sweet Korean BBQ Sauce is quick and easy, and you don’t need any special tools — just a few basics that you probably already have in your kitchen. Here’s what you’ll need to get started:

• Small or medium saucepan
• Whisk
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Silicone spatula or wooden spoon
• Heatproof bowl or jar
• Fine-mesh strainer (optional)

Ingredients

Sweet Korean BBQ Sauce Ingredients

• ½ cup soy sauce
• ¼ cup honey
• ¼ cup brown sugar
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons Korean chili paste (gochujang)
• 3 cloves garlic (minced)
• 1 teaspoon grated ginger
• ½ teaspoon black pepper
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water

Ingredient Notes

• Soy sauce: Any brand works. Use low-sodium if you want a lighter salt flavor.
• Gochujang: This is the base flavor. It brings heat and depth.
• Sesame oil: Adds a nutty aroma often found in ssamjang and ssamjang sauce.
• Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce to coat chicken or veggies.
• Honey + brown sugar: Gives the sauce its sweet finish.

Instructions

Step-by-Step Cooking Guide

1. Mix the cornstarch and water.
   Stir in a small bowl until smooth. This helps the sauce thicken later.
2. Start the base in a small pot.
   Add soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, sesame oil, gochujang, garlic, ginger, and rice vinegar.
3. Heat on medium.
   Let it warm until the sugar melts and the gochujang blends into the liquid. Keep the heat steady so it doesn’t burn.
4. Add the cornstarch mix.
   Stir it into the pot. The sauce will start to thicken as it heats.
5. Cook for 3–5 minutes.
   Stir until you get a smooth, glossy sauce that coats the spoon.
6. Finish with sesame seeds and black pepper.
   Turn off the heat and let the sauce cool. It will thicken a little more as it sits.
7. Store or use.
   Keep in a jar in the fridge for up to 1 week.

Pairing & Serving Suggestions

• Use it as a Sweet Korean BBQ Sauce for chicken — grilled, baked, or pan-seared.
• Brush on Korean beef or ribs for a rich flavor.
• Stir it into noodles for a spicy Korean bowl.
• Add it to roasted vegetables for a simple meal.
• Use it as a dipping sauce with dumplings or tofu.
• Spread it on sandwiches or rice bowls.

Personal Touch / Expert Tips

• I like to cook the sauce a little longer for a thicker finish, especially when I use it as a bulgogi marinade.
• If you want more heat, add a teaspoon of Korean chili flakes.
• A small splash of water can thin the sauce if it gets too thick in the fridge.
• If you want a deeper flavor, add a tiny bit of soybean paste or bean paste, similar to what you’d use in ssamjang Korean cooking.
• The sauce tastes even better on the next day when the flavors settle.

Frequently Asked Questions

Closing Section

I’m really convinced the Sweet Korean BBQ Sauce will bring about a change in your cooking. It has that ideal mix of well-known coziness and foreign accent, which makes every dish that it interacts with to be memorable. 

This recipe can be used in any situation—be it grilling outside, making a quick stir-fry, or looking for a great dipping sauce. 

Take it, play around with your favorite meats and vegetables, and then come back and share your experience with me! I am really looking forward to you tasting the difference. Enjoy cooking and eating even more!