Japanese BBQ Sauce

Not the BBQ sauce you’re expecting but the BBQ sauce you need.

Table of Contents

When most of us think about barbecue sauce, there is probably a certain image that comes to mind of what it looks like, how it tastes, and how it’s used. Alas, the Japanese have their own version of BBQ sauce. It’s certainly not what most people expect, but it can still be a useful condiment. It’s typically used as a marinade or a glaze on a variety of Japanese dishes.

I can’t say that Japanese BBQ sauce will go great with everything, but it’s definitely a condiment you’ll want in your cooking repertoire. It has a rich umami taste, finding a good balance between salty and sweet. It’s not quite as thick as traditional barbecue sauce, although that actually makes Japanese BBQ sauce a little more versatile. The best part is that it’s quick and easy to make using ingredients that most people keep around the house.

Is Japanese BBQ Sauce Healthy?

Japanese BBQ sauce is a condiment that contains very little fat or calories, although it can be a little high in sugar. On the bright side, as long as you use low-sodium soy sauce to make the BBQ sauce, you shouldn’t have to worry about the sodium content. Granted, there won’t be a lot of vitamins and minerals in Japanese BBQ sauce. However, this homemade recipe should be healthier than a lot of similar products you might find in stores.

The Secret Sauce…

There are a few small secrets that will help you make excellent Japanese BBQ sauce. One thing you’ll want to do is strain the sauce using a very fine mesh strainer once it’s had a chance to simmer. This will ensure the sauce is entirely liquid. That being said, if you want to thicken up the sauce a little, you can add a small amount of tomato paste until you have the consistency you want. Finally, while it’s not a part of the recipe, I’ve found that a little sesame seed oil can be mixed in with the other ingredients to add a sweet aroma.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup soy sauce
1/4 cup mirin
1/4 cup sake
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tablespoon ginger, grated

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine

Mix ingredients in a saucepan.

Simmer

Heat until simmering, stirring occasionally.

Thicken

Let the sauce thicken and cool.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

Once the sauce has cooled, transfer it to an airtight container. In the fridge, Japanese BBQ sauce will remain good to use for up to 2 or 3 months.

Is Japanese BBQ sauce the same as teriyaki sauce?

The two are similar but not the same. Teriyaki is known for being sweet and savory whereas Japanese BBQ sauce is better for people who love an umami flavor.

Serving Suggestions

There are many things you can do with Japanese BBQ sauce. One of the most common ways is using it as a marinade on any grilled or skewered chicken. That includes this recipe for Grilled Chicken Tenders. You might also enjoy trying this sauce on Baked Pork Tenderloin or Air Fryer Salmon Bites.

If you’re now inspired to try other BBQ sauces, I would suggest taking a look at this Texas BBQ sauce this White BBQ Sauce or this Chinese BBQ sauce. Finally, for something with a little extra kick, I know a good recipe for Spicy BBQ Sauce.