Description
Making Japanese BBQ sauce at home is surprisingly easy, and the result is a versatile, flavorful sauce you can use in countless ways. Here’s a simple, authentic recipe that captures the essence of Japanese BBQ sauce.
Ingredients
- Soy Sauce: 1/2 cup (preferably Japanese soy sauce for authenticity)
- Mirin: 1/4 cup (sweet Japanese rice wine)
- Sake: 2 tablespoons (or substitute with rice vinegar for a non-alcoholic option)
- Brown Sugar: 2 tablespoons (for a deep, caramelized sweetness)
- Sesame Oil: 1 tablespoon (to add richness and a nutty flavor)
- Garlic: 2 cloves, minced
- Ginger: 1 teaspoon, grated
- Toasted Sesame Seeds: 1 tablespoon (optional, for texture and garnish)
- Cornstarch: 1 teaspoon (optional, to thicken the sauce)
Instructions
- Prepare the Base: In a medium saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, and brown sugar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
- Add Aromatics: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the saucepan. Stir to combine.
- Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it simmer for about 5-7 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.
- Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker sauce, dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water. Slowly whisk this slurry into the simmering sauce until it reaches your desired consistency.
- Finish with Sesame Oil: Once the sauce has thickened and the flavors are balanced, remove it from the heat and stir in the sesame oil.
- Cool and Store: Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. Store it in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.