I can never resist the temptation of Korean BBQ. Grilling meat at your table, accompanied by steamed eggs, lettuce wraps, corn cheese, scallion salad, a variety of sauces, and an array of extra side dishes—how could anyone not adore this setup?
The combination of tender, flavorful meats, a variety of side dishes, and Korean BBQ dipping sauces create a unique and delicious dining experience.
While the star of Korean BBQ is undoubtedly the meat, the dipping sauces are equally important in enhancing the overall flavor profile.
In Korean BBQ restaurants, the meats are typically grilled at the table and served with various Korean sauces for BBQ. The sauces are usually served in small dishes alongside the meat, and diners can dip the meat into the sauce as they eat.
Different restaurants may pair different Koeran Bbq sauces with specific meats, and some may even have a recommended pairing on their menu.
For example, soybean paste sauce (doenjang) is often served with chicken and beef, while Korean sesame oil dipping sauce is popular for beef.
You can easily re-create the Korean BBQ experience with Korean BBQ dips at home. You can purchase pre-made dips at Asian grocery stores or online, or you can try making your own. You can also experiment by pairing the BBQ dips with specific meats and see which combinations you like best.
I have shortlisted the 5 best Korean BBQ sauces for dipping that you can easily make at home and enjoy!
Related > > 7 Best Teppanyaki Grill For Korean BBQ 2023
5 FAVORITE KOREAN BBQ DIPPING SAUCES TO ELEVATE YOUR KOREAN BBQ AT HOME
1- Samjang Dipping Sauce
Ssamjang is a savory and spicy KBBQ dipping sauce that is commonly served with grilled meats and vegetables in Korean cuisine.
The word “ssamjang” means “wrap sauce” in Korean, as it is often used as a condiment for wrapping meat and vegetable fillings in lettuce or perilla leaves.
The sauce is made by mixing doenjang (fermented soybean paste), gochujang (Korean chili paste), minced garlic, sesame oil, and sometimes other ingredients such as chopped scallions or sugar. It has a thick, paste-like consistency and a pungent and complex flavor profile that is both salty and spicy, with a hint of sweetness and umami.
The rich umami flavors of ssamjang pair perfectly with the charred and smoky flavors of grilled meats.
Ssamjang is served in a small bowl with a platter of grilled meat, vegetables, and lettuce or perilla leaves. You will take a leaf and place a piece of meat or vegetable on top, then add a spoonful of ssamjang, wrap it up, and eat it in one bite.
Ssamjang can also be used as a dipping sauce for meat or vegetable skewers, or as a spread for sandwiches or rice bowls.
2- Gochujang KBBQ Dipping Sauce
Gochujang is a spicy and savory Korean chili paste that is often used as a dipping sauce for Korean BBQ. It is made from red chili powder, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. The paste has a thick consistency and a deep, complex flavor. It’s great for dipping and also works well as a marinade.
You can mix the paste with other ingredients such as soy sauce, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and sugar. The resulting sauce is perfect for dipping grilled meat, vegetables, or rice.
One of the best pairings for gochujang dipping sauce is beef bulgogi, which is a marinated and grilled beef dish.
The sweetness of the sauce complements the rich beef flavor and helps to cut through the fattiness of the meat. It also pairs well with grilled chicken, adding a spicy kick to the dish.
Gochujang dipping sauce is typically served alongside other Korean BBQ dipping sauces like ssamjang and soybean paste (doenjang), allowing diners to mix and match flavors according to their preferences.
3- Ponzu Sauce
Ponzu is a citrus-based sauce commonly used in Japanese cuisine that can also be a great BBQ dipping sauce for Korean BBQ.
The word “ponzu” comes from the Japanese words “pon” (meaning vinegar) and “zu” (meaning sauce). It is made with a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, citrus juice (usually from yuzu or lemon), and sometimes mirin (a sweet rice wine).
Its tangy and refreshing flavor pairs well with grilled beef and pork, as well as seafood such as shrimp and scallops. Ponzu sauce can also be used as a marinade for meats or a dressing for salads.
Some people like to add a little bit of wasabi or grated ginger to the ponzu sauce to enhance its flavor. Overall, Ponzu sauce is a versatile and delicious dipping sauce that adds a unique flavor to your Korean BBQ experience.
It’s often used as a dipping sauce for grilled meats, such as beef, chicken, and seafood. The refreshing and zesty flavors of ponzu sauce help to cut through the rich and meaty flavors of grilled meats.
4- Doenjang Sauce
Doenjang is a traditional Korean fermented soybean paste that is often used as a dipping sauce for Korean BBQ.
The paste has a deep, savory flavor that pairs well with grilled meat. To make the dipping sauce, Doenjang is typically mixed with other ingredients such as garlic, sesame oil, and green onions. It is served in a small dish alongside the grilled meat for dipping.
It’s often used as a dipping sauce for grilled meats and vegetables, as well as a base for soups and stews. The earthy and umami flavors of doenjang sauce complement the smoky and charred flavors of grilled meats.
The sauce’s thickness also makes it a good choice for dipping vegetables, such as lettuce leaves or sliced cucumbers.
5- Soy Sauce and Wasabi Dipping Sauce
Soy Sauce and Wasabi Dipping Sauce is a classic and simple sauce that is often served with Korean BBQ. Wasabi is a spicy Japanese condiment made from the root of the wasabi plant, and when mixed with soy sauce, it adds a burst of heat and umami flavor to the meat.
This dipping sauce is made with soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, and wasabi. It’s spicy, savory, and slightly sweet, making it the perfect complement to Korean BBQ meats.
This dipping sauce is typically served with beef or pork dishes, as the strong flavors of the sauce can stand up well to the bold flavors of these meats.
The sauce is usually served in small dipping bowls on the side of the grilled meat, allowing diners to dip their meat in the sauce as desired.
Soy sauce and Wasabi dipping sauce are also commonly served with sushi and sashimi, as the flavors pair well with raw fish.
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KOREAN BBQ DIPPING SAUCES
Ingredients
Samjang Dipping Sauce
- ¼ cup doenjang(fermented soybean paste)
- 1 tbsp gochujang (hot pepper paste)
- 1 stalk minced green onion
- 1 clove garlic
- ¼ cup chopped onion
- 2 tsp honey
- 2 tsp toasted sesame seeds
- 2 tsp taosted sesame oil
Gochujang KBBQ Dipping Sauce
- 2-3 tbsp gochujang paste*
- 1½ tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tbsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp maple syrup
I am a writer, editor, and publisher of Grillcuisines.com – an online blog dedicated to sharing grilling tips, accessories, and recipes to encourage more people to get outside and grill.
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