Quick Gochujang BBQ Sauce: Sweet, Spicy Korean-Inspired Condiment in 10 Minutes

Sweet and Spicy Gochujang BBQ Sauce

What Makes Gochujang BBQ Sauce Special?

Unlike traditional American barbecue sauces, this Korean-inspired BBQ sauce gets its distinctive flavor from gochujang – a fermented Korean chili paste that adds complexity, umami, and a balanced heat that builds rather than overwhelms. The fermentation process gives the sauce a depth that’s impossible to replicate with just regular hot sauce or chili powder.

What is Gochujang?

Gochujang is a staple in Korean cooking, made from red chili peppers, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. Its sweet, spicy, and savory profile has made it increasingly popular in fusion cooking worldwide. Look for it in the international aisle of well-stocked grocery stores or in Asian markets.

Ingredients You’ll Need

• 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 3 tablespoons gochujang paste
• ½ cup brown sugar, packed
• ¼ cup rice vinegar
• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 2 tablespoons minced fresh ginger
• 4 cloves garlic, minced
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
• 2 green onions, finely chopped
• ½ teaspoon black pepper

How to Make Gochujang BBQ Sauce

1. Gather all your ingredients and measure them out for easy assembly.
2. In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, gochujang paste, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, and garlic.
3. Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk ingredients together until well combined.
4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to prevent burning.
5. Reduce heat to low and let simmer for about 5 minutes until the sauce begins to thicken slightly.
6. Remove from heat and stir in honey, sesame seeds, and green onions.
7. Add black pepper to taste and mix well.
8. Allow the sauce to cool completely before transferring to an airtight container.

Tips for Perfect Gochujang BBQ Sauce

• Adjust the heat: For milder flavor, start with 2 tablespoons of gochujang and adjust to your preference.
• Thickness control: For a thicker sauce, simmer longer; for thinner consistency, add a tablespoon of water at a time.
• Make ahead: This sauce actually improves with time! Make it 1-2 days in advance for deeper flavor.
• Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Delicious Ways to Use Your Gochujang BBQ Sauce

This versatile sauce works beautifully on so many dishes:

• Korean BBQ chicken: Brush on chicken thighs during the last few minutes of grilling
• Pulled pork: Mix with shredded pork for Korean-inspired sandwiches
• Veggie glaze: Brush on grilled vegetables like eggplant, zucchini, or mushrooms
• Marinade: Thin with a little water and use as a marinade for beef or pork
• Dipping sauce: Serve on the side with grilled meats or fried appetizers
• Korean BBQ tacos: Drizzle over fusion tacos with pickled vegetables

Nutrition Information

Why You’ll Love This Gochujang BBQ Sauce Recipe

This sauce is the perfect gateway into Korean flavors if you’re new to the cuisine. It combines familiar barbecue elements with the unique fermented complexity of gochujang. The balance of sweet, savory, and spicy makes it incredibly versatile – use it as a basting sauce, a glaze, a marinade, or a dipping sauce. Once you try this gochujang BBQ sauce, you’ll find yourself reaching for it whenever you fire up the grill!

Recipe inspiration from: AllRecipes Korean BBQ Sauce