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japanese bbq sauce recipe

Japanese bbq sauce recipe

5 from 3 votes
Japanese bbq sauce recipe, also known as "Yakiniku no Tare," is a rich, flavorful condiment that perfectly balances sweet, savory, and umami notes.
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CourseSauce
CuisineJapanese
Prep Time10 minutes
Cook Time15 minutes
Total Time25 minutes
Servings4 Servings
Calories50kcal

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup mirin
  • 1/4 cup sugar or honey
  • 2 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger grated
  • 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
  • Optional: 1 tablespoon sake 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes, 1 teaspoon sesame oil

Instructions

  • Prepare the Ingredients: Start by gathering all your ingredients. Mince the garlic and grate the ginger.
  • Combine the Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sugar or honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger.
  • Simmer the Sauce: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Let the sauce simmer for about 10-15 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
  • Adjust the Flavor: Taste the sauce as it simmers and adjust the ingredients as needed. For a sweeter sauce, add more sugar or honey. For a spicier kick, add chili flakes.
  • Achieve the Desired Consistency: Continue simmering until the sauce is thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water or soy sauce; if too thin, simmer a bit longer.
  • Cool and Store: Once the sauce has reached the desired consistency, remove it from heat and let it cool completely. Transfer to an airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks, or freeze for longer storage.

Notes

Adjusting Sweetness: Feel free to adjust the amount of sugar or honey to suit your taste. If you prefer a sweeter sauce, increase the sugar or honey gradually until you reach your desired level of sweetness.
Consistency Tips: The sauce should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon. If it's too thin, simmer it for a bit longer to reduce and thicken. If it becomes too thick, add a small amount of water or soy sauce to thin it out.
Storage Suggestions: Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce in ice cube trays for easy portioning.
Ingredient Substitutions: If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute it with a combination of sake and a bit of sugar. For a vegan option, use maple syrup instead of honey and ensure all other ingredients are plant-based.
Flavor Variations: To make the sauce spicier, add extra chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce. For a richer flavor, add a splash of sesame oil or a spoonful of miso paste.
Multi-Purpose Use: This Japanese BBQ sauce is not only great for grilling but also works well as a marinade, dipping sauce, or even a topping for rice bowls and stir-fries.
Avoid Overpowering with Soy Sauce: Be careful not to add too much soy sauce, as it can make the sauce overly salty. Always taste as you go and adjust accordingly.

Nutrition

Serving: 2tablespoons | Calories: 50kcal | Carbohydrates: 11g | Protein: 2g | Sodium: 750mg | Sugar: 9g
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