Looking for a truly great BBQ sauce that can kick things up a notch? You need to try Yakiniku Sauce (焼肉のタレ). Sweet, savory, and complex in flavor, you’ll love everything about this sauce! Sure, it’s a must-have for Japanese BBQ, but it also offers plenty of versatility. Make a batch of my Yakiniku Sauce recipe and use it for fresh spring rolls, teppanyaki, Asian-themed grilling, or on your noodle and rice bowls!
What is Yakiniku Sauce?
Yakiniku sauce is the special dipping sauce for a Japanese BBQ meal called yakiniku (焼肉). For this dish, everyone cooks the meat and vegetables on a small grill set in the center of the table, then dip them in the sauce known as yakiniku no tare (焼肉のタレ). Everything tastes tantalizingly fresh and delicious. The protein and vegetables are not marinated or seasoned prior to grilling. So, it makes sense to place high importance on the dipping sauce—the flavor bomb for barbecue enjoyment! You can find commercial brands of yakiniku BBQ sauce such as Ebara Foods Sauce or Kikoman, but nothing can live up to the fresh taste of a homemade sauce. It’s simple to make, healthier, and you don’t even have to boil it! Here’s my complete guide on how to host Yakiniku (Japanese BBQ) at home!
Why You’ll Love this Recipe
Simple ingredients – They strike the right balance of sweetness, acidity, and umami. Luxurious texture – It’s smooth and rich without being overly thick, with speckles of nutty sesame seeds. Versatile – It’s not only for grilled meat and veggies. Use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, a stir-fry sauce, or a sauce for your rice bowls and noodles. Make-ahead friendly – This sauce keeps for up to 2 weeks in the fridge, so make a big batch and enjoy it for different meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need for Yakiniku Sauce
sweet onion – adds natural sweetness and tang garlic and grated ginger – aromatics that lend depth and zest gochujang (Korean chili paste) – a “must” condiment; adds a deep, savory flavor with a note of fruity and slight smoky heat soy sauce – use a Japanese soy sauce for the right flavor and texture roasted sesame oil – you can’t miss out on the amazing aroma! toasted white sesame seeds – for extra nuttiness and texture
How To Make Yakiniku Sauce
It’s now ready to enjoy! I love making a batch and keeping any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It stores well for up to 2 weeks and you can use it for many more things to come.
More Ways to Enjoy Yakiniku Sauce
While this sauce is perfect for dipping mouthwatering charred meats, tofu, mushrooms, and vegetables straight off the grill, it can do more than just that. Here are some ideas:
dipping sauce for fresh harumaki, chicken spring rolls, and spring rolls with yakiniku dipping sauce for teppanyaki seasoning to flavor pan-fried or stir-fried dishes sauce to drizzle over rice bowl or noodle bowls sauce for taco bowls orAsian pulled pork
Other Japanese Sauces You’ll Love
Authentic Teriyaki Sauce Okonomiyaki Sauce Homemade Tonkatsu Sauce Unagi Sauce (Eel Sauce) Ponzu Sauce
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