The secret to unforgettable Korean BBQ isn’t just the quality of the meat – it’s the sauce. From classic sesame oil with salt to fiery gochujang blends, the right dipping sauce transforms every bite into a flavor explosion. Whether you prefer savory, spicy, or sweet, mastering Korean BBQ sauce combinations is the key to elevating your dining experience.
10 Best Korean BBQ Sauce Combinations
1. Sesame Oil + Salt (참기름 + 소금)
The most traditional and beloved Korean BBQ sauce. This simple combination lets the natural flavors of premium cuts like Wagyu and Picanha shine through while adding a rich, nutty finish.
Best With: Unseasoned beef (brisket, ribeye), pork belly
How to Make: Mix 2 tablespoons sesame oil with a pinch of sea salt and black pepper
2. Ssamjang (쌈장)
A thick, savory-spicy paste made from fermented soybeans, gochujang, garlic, and sesame oil. It’s bold, earthy, and the perfect complement to grilled meats wrapped in lettuce (ssam).
Best With: Pork belly, beef short ribs (galbi), lettuce wraps
Pro Tip: Mix with a bit of sesame oil for extra richness
3. Gochujang Mayo
Creamy, spicy, and addictive. This modern fusion sauce combines Korean chili paste with Japanese mayo for a perfect balance of heat and creaminess.
Best With: Chicken, grilled shrimp, crispy pork belly
How to Make: Mix 2 parts mayo with 1 part gochujang, add a squeeze of lime
4. Soy-Garlic Glaze
Sweet, savory, and packed with umami. This sauce is similar to the marinade used for bulgogi but works beautifully as a dipping sauce too.
Best With: Beef bulgogi, chicken, grilled vegetables
How to Make: Mix soy sauce, minced garlic, sesame oil, sugar, and a splash of mirin
5. Wasabi Soy Sauce
For those who love a sharp, sinus-clearing kick. Wasabi adds a pungent heat that pairs perfectly with fatty cuts like Wagyu and ribeye.
Best With: Wagyu, prime ribeye, sashimi-grade beef
How to Make: Mix soy sauce with fresh wasabi paste (or powder) and a drop of sesame oil
6. Chogochujang (초고추장)
A sweet-and-sour chili sauce made with gochujang, vinegar, sugar, and garlic. It’s tangy, spicy, and refreshing – perfect for cutting through rich, fatty meats.
Best With: Pork, seafood, raw vegetables
How to Make: Mix gochujang, rice vinegar, sugar, minced garlic, and a splash of sesame oil
7. Ponzu Citrus Sauce
Light, citrusy, and refreshing. Ponzu is a Japanese-inspired sauce that adds brightness to grilled meats without overpowering them.
Best With: Grilled fish, seafood, thinly sliced beef
How to Make: Mix soy sauce, lemon juice, rice vinegar, and a hint of dashi or mirin
8. Spicy Miso Paste
Rich, savory, and slightly sweet with a kick of heat. Miso adds depth and umami that works beautifully with both meat and vegetables.
Best With: Pork, chicken, mushrooms, tofu
How to Make: Mix miso paste, gochugaru (Korean chili flakes), sesame oil, and a touch of honey
9. Onion-Garlic Dipping Sauce
Fresh, crunchy, and aromatic. This raw sauce adds a sharp bite that cuts through fatty meats perfectly.
Best With: Pork belly, beef brisket, grilled seafood
How to Make: Finely dice onion and garlic, mix with soy sauce, sesame oil, and vinegar
10. Sweet Chili Honey Glaze
For those with a sweet tooth. This sticky, sweet-spicy glaze caramelizes beautifully on the grill and adds a glossy finish to grilled meats.
Best With: Chicken, pork ribs, grilled shrimp
How to Make: Mix honey, gochugaru, soy sauce, and a splash of rice vinegar
How to Use Korean BBQ Sauces
- Dip, don’t drown: Korean BBQ sauces are meant to enhance, not overpower
- Mix and match: Try combining sesame oil with ssamjang for extra depth
- Pair by meat type: Light sauces for delicate cuts, bold sauces for fatty meats
- Create a sauce station: Offer 3-4 different sauces so everyone can customize
Pro Tips for Sauce Pairing
- For premium beef cuts: Use sesame oil + salt or wasabi soy to let the meat’s flavor shine
- For marinated meats (Galbi, Bulgogi): Skip heavy sauces – they’re already seasoned
- For pork belly: Go bold with ssamjang or gochujang mayo
- For seafood: Choose lighter options like ponzu or chogochujang
- For lettuce wraps: Always include ssamjang – it’s the classic choice
Conclusion
Korean BBQ sauces are the secret to unlocking maximum flavor from every grilled bite. Whether you stick with the classic sesame oil and salt or venture into spicy gochujang mayo and sweet chili glazes, the right sauce makes all the difference. Don’t be afraid to experiment, mix combinations, and find your perfect match.
Ready to test these sauces? Visit Shinhwa Korean Steakhouse in Roseville, MN or Chicago, IL and enjoy unlimited premium meats with our house-made sauce bar featuring all your favorites!
