If you've ever been to a Japanese BBQ restaurant, you know that sauce is a crucial component of the meal. The savory, sweet, and slightly smoky flavor of the sauce perfectly complements grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables. Fortunately, making your own Japanese BBQ sauce is easier than you might think.

Why You'll Love This Sauce

Fast. A homemade yakiniku sauce made in under 30 minutes.
Easy. Mix together a few ingredients, simmer, and serve!
Versatile. Use this BBQ sauce for a variety of purposes, from marinade to stir fry to a dipping sauce.
Delicious. Accentuate a variety of your favorite dishes with a pop of sweet, savory, earthy, and umami flavors.

Making your own Japanese BBQ sauce is a great way to elevate your grilled dishes and impress your guests. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create a sauce that rivals the best Japanese BBQ restaurants.

What Is Japanese BBQ Sauce Made Of?

Soy sauce
Mirin
Sake
Brown sugar
Honey
Ginger
Garlic
Sesame oil
Cornstarch

Is It Sweet?

Yes, Japanese BBQ sauce is typically sweet, savory, and slightly smoky in flavor. The sweetness comes from ingredients like brown sugar and honey, while the savory flavor comes from soy sauce and other umami-rich ingredients like ginger and garlic. The smoky flavor may come from the use of grilled or charred ingredients in the sauce, or from the addition of smoky flavors like sesame oil.

The balance of sweet and savory flavors in this BBQ sauce is what makes it so delicious and versatile.

How To Make Japanese BBQ Sauce

First, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a saucepan.
Next, bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
Then, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch has dissolved.
Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce and stir until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
Finally, remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month.

Variations

Wasabi BBQ sauce- Add a kick of heat to your BBQ sauce by mixing Japanese soy sauce, sugar, mirin, wasabi paste, and rice vinegar.
Citrusy BBQ sauce- Mix together Japanese soy sauce, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, and ginger for a bright and tangy flavor.
Spicy BBQ sauce- Add some spice to your BBQ sauce by mixing Japanese soy sauce, sugar, chili flakes, garlic, and ginger.

Tips And Tricks

Thicken it up. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of cornstarch and water
Skip the alcohol. If you keep an alcohol-free kitchen or don't want to splurge on sake for one recipe, you can substitute chicken broth in this recipe. It will alter the flavor slightly, but it will still taste delicious.
Make it sweeter. If you're using this as a dipping sauce and want the flavors to be more family-friendly and sweet, you can add more brown sugar or honey to taste.

Is Japanese Barbecue Sauce The Same As Teriyaki?

While both Japanese BBQ sauce and teriyaki sauce share some similarities, they are not the same.

Teriyaki sauce is a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sometimes sake or rice vinegar. It is often used as a marinade or glaze for grilled or broiled meats, seafood, and vegetables. The sauce is usually thickened with cornstarch and can be brushed on the food during the cooking process to create a shiny glaze.

On the other hand, Japanese BBQ sauce is a sweeter and thicker sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and various other ingredients like garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. It is primarily used as a dipping sauce or marinade for grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables.

What Is Japanese BBQ Sauce Used For?

Japanese BBQ sauce, also known as yakiniku sauce, is commonly used as a dipping sauce or marinade for grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables in Japanese cuisine. It is a versatile sauce that can be used in various ways.

Here are some of the most popular uses for it:

Dipping Sauce- Japanese BBQ sauce is often served as a dipping sauce alongside grilled meats and vegetables. It pairs well with beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, and vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
Marinade- The sweet and savory flavors of the sauce make it an excellent marinade for meats and seafood. Marinating the meat or seafood in the sauce for a few hours or overnight will infuse it with delicious flavor.
Stir Fry Sauce- Yakiniku sauce can also be used as a stir-fry sauce. Simply sauté your favorite vegetables and protein in a pan, and then add the sauce to the pan and stir-fry for a few minutes until everything is coated in the sauce.

How Long Does It Last?

Homemade Japanese BBQ sauce can last for up to one month if stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

If the sauce develops an off odor, flavor, or mold, it should be discarded immediately. To prevent any bacterial growth, it is important to always use clean utensils when scooping out the sauce and avoid double-dipping.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, it can be frozen for later use. It is best to freeze the sauce in an airtight container or a freezer-safe zip-top bag to prevent freezer burn and maintain its quality. The sauce can be frozen for up to three months.

It is important to note that freezing and thawing can alter the texture and flavor of the sauce. While it may not be as good as freshly made sauce, it is still a convenient option for those who want to make a larger batch of and store it for later use.

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Japanese BBQ Sauce | Yakiniku Sauce