Looking to add some Korean flares to your next meal, but don’t have any bulgogi sauce on hand?
Fear not, my flavor-seeking friend! There are plenty of delicious substitutes that will leave your taste buds singing.
Bulgogi sauce is a staple of Korean cuisine, known for its sweet and savory flavors that make every bite an explosion of taste.
But what if you don’t have any bulgogi sauce in the pantry?
Wondering what can I use instead of bulgogi sauce ?Don’t worry, there are plenty of alternatives that will satisfy your craving for that mouth-watering taste.
From soy sauce mixed with sugar and garlic, to hoisin sauce with a dash of sesame oil, the possibilities are endless when it comes to sauce substitutes.
Whether you’re a vegetarian or a meat-lover, there’s a perfect combination of ingredients out there waiting to be discovered.
So, next time you’re in a bind and wondering what is a substitute for bulgogi sauce, don’t despair. Embrace your culinary creativity and experiment with different flavors to create a dish that’s uniquely yours.
After all, cooking is all about having fun and exploring new tastes. So, let’s get cooking and see where our taste buds take us!
What Can I Use Instead Of Bulgogi Sauce?
This sauce can be swapped out for teriyaki or hoisin sauce. Both sauces can go well with grilled meats because they both have a similar sweet and savory flavor profile.
Let’s have some Bulgogi Sauce alternatives quickly.
#1. Yakitori Sauce
Sauce Overview: Yakitori sauce is a Japanese sauce that has a similar sweet and savory flavor to bulgogi sauce, with the addition of sake, mirin, and green onions.
How it’s similar to bulgogi sauce: Both bulgogi and yakitori sauce have a balance of sweet and savory flavors that work well with grilled meats and vegetables.
Homemade Recipe:
- In a saucepan, combine 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup sake, 1/4 cup mirin, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 teaspoon grated ginger, and 2 chopped green onions.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and reduced by about a third, about 15-20 minutes.
- You can also add 1 tablespoon of cornstarch to the mixture to thicken the sauce further.
#2.Korean BBQ Sauce
Sauce Overview: Korean BBQ sauce is a versatile sauce that has a similar sweet and savory flavor to bulgogi sauce, with the addition of gochujang and sesame oil.
How it’s similar to bulgogi sauce: Both bulgogi and Korean BBQ sauce are traditional Korean sauces that work well with grilled meats and vegetables. Try out both which work best between bulgogi sauce vs Korean bbq sauce.
Homemade Recipe:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup brown sugar, 1/4 cup gochujang, 2 tablespoons honey, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 2 minced garlic cloves, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger.
- Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Serve the sauce warm or at room temperature.
You can adjust the sweetness or spiciness of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less brown sugar and gochujang, respectively.
#3. Black Bean Sauce
Sauce Overview: Black bean sauce is a Chinese sauce that has a similar umami flavor to bulgogi sauce, with the addition of fermented black beans and garlic. This is indeed an easy bulgogi sauce recipe.
How it’s similar to bulgogi sauce: Both bulgogi and black bean sauce have a rich umami flavor that pairs well with meats and vegetables.
Homemade Recipe:
- In a saucepan, heat 2 tablespoons vegetable oil over medium heat.
- Add 2 tablespoons minced garlic and 2 tablespoons minced ginger and cook until fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.
- Add 2 tablespoons fermented black beans, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1/4 cup chicken broth.
- Stir to combine and simmer for 5-7 minutes until the sauce thickens.
You can also make the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat the sauce in a saucepan or microwave before using it.
#4.Soy Ginger Sauce
Sauce Overview: Soy ginger sauce is a simple sauce that has a similar savory flavor to bulgogi sauce, with the addition of ginger and sesame oil.
How it’s similar to bulgogi sauce: Both bulgogi and soy ginger sauce have a savory and ginger flavor that complements various dishes.
Homemade Recipe:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon grated ginger, and 1 tablespoon sesame oil.
- Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Serve the sauce warm or at room temperature.
You can adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less brown sugar and soy sauce, respectively.
#5. Beef Broth Sauce
Sauce Overview: Beef broth sauce is a simple sauce that has a similar savory flavor, with the addition of beef broth and soy sauce.
How it’s similar to bulgogi sauce: Both bulgogi and beef broth sauce have a distinct that complements grilled meats and vegetables.
Homemade Recipe:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup beef broth, 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1/2 teaspoon grated ginger.
- Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Serve the sauce warm or at room temperature. If you ever wonder ,what can I use instead of bulgogi sauce, then this is a must try.
You can also make the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week. Simply reheat the sauce in a saucepan or microwave before using it.
#6.Miso Sauce:
Sauce Overview: Miso sauce is a savory and umami-rich sauce that has a similar flavor profile to bulgogi sauce, with the addition of miso paste and rice vinegar. In fact, Miso also offers the Benefits of Probiotics as it has properties of good gut bacteria that strengthen your gut health.
How it’s similar to bulgogi sauce: Both bulgogi and miso sauce have a savory and slightly sweet flavor that complements grilled meats and vegetables. Also , it gives a slight unique touch to every Asian cuisine.
Homemade Recipe:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup white miso paste, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, and 2 tablespoons water.
- Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Serve the sauce warm or at room temperature.
You can adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less brown sugar and miso paste, respectively.
#7.Unagi Sauce:
Sauce Overview: Unagi sauce is a sweet and savory Japanese sauce that has a similar flavor profile to bulgogi sauce, with the addition of mirin and eel sauce.
How it’s similar to bulgogi sauce: Both bulgogi and unagi sauce have a strong and unique flavor that complements Korean cuisines.
Homemade Recipe:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 1/4 cup mirin, 2 tablespoons eel sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon honey.
- Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Serve the sauce warm or at room temperature. This is an amazing thick bulgogi sauce recipe.
You can adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less brown sugar and soy sauce, respectively.
Make the sauce ahead of time and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
#8. Pineapple Pear Sauce:
Sauce Overview: Pineapple pear sauce is a sweet and tangy fruit-based sauce that has a similar flavor profile to bulgogi sauce, with the addition of pineapple and pear.
How it’s similar to bulgogi sauce: Both bulgogi and pineapple pear sauce have a sweet and tangy flavor that complements grilled meats and vegetables.
Homemade Recipe:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup pineapple juice, 1/2 cup pear juice, 1 tablespoon soy sauce, 1 tablespoon brown sugar, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger.
- Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sugar has dissolved and the sauce has thickened slightly, about 5-7 minutes.
- Serve the sauce warm or at room temperature.
You can adjust the sweetness or tanginess of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less brown sugar and pineapple/pear juice, respectively. Give your taste buds a treat, try out this sweet bulgogi sauce.
#9. Ponzu Sauce:
Sauce Overview: Ponzu sauce is a Japanese citrus-based sauce that has a similar umami flavor profile to bulgogi sauce, with the addition of soy sauce and vinegar.
How it’s similar to bulgogi sauce: Both bulgogi and ponzu sauce have a savory umami flavor that complements Korean dishes.
Homemade Recipe:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup fresh citrus juice (such as lemon, lime, or orange), 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons rice vinegar, 1 minced garlic clove, and 1 teaspoon grated ginger.
- Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has slightly thickened, about 5-7 minutes. Serve the sauce warm or at room temperature.
You can adjust the tartness or saltiness of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less citrus juice and soy sauce, respectively.
#10. Hoisin Sauce:
Sauce Overview: Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet and savory sauce commonly used in Chinese cuisine that has a similar depth of flavor to sauce.
How it’s similar to bulgogi sauce: What is different between bulgogi sauce vs hoisin sauce ? Both bulgogi and hoisin sauce have a rich, complex flavor that is perfect for marinating or glazing meats and vegetables.
Homemade Recipe:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/4 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons honey, 1 tablespoon rice vinegar, 1 tablespoon sesame oil, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 tablespoon peanut butter, and 2 tablespoons hoisin sauce.
- Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and coats the back of a spoon, about 10-15 minutes.
- Serve the sauce warm or at room temperature.
You can adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less honey and soy sauce, respectively.
#11. Sweet and Sour Sauce:
Sauce Overview: Sweet and sour sauce is a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that is commonly used in Chinese cuisine. While it doesn’t have the same savory flavor profile as bulgogi sauce, it shares its versatility and ability to complement grilled meats and vegetables.
How it’s similar to bulgogi sauce: Both bulgogi and sweet and sour sauce can be used as a side with Korean meals.
Homemade Recipe:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup ketchup, 1/4 cup rice vinegar, 2 tablespoons soy sauce, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, 1 tablespoon honey, and 1 minced garlic clove.
- Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and coats the back of a spoon, about 10-15 minutes.
- Serve the sauce warm or at room temperature.
You can adjust the tartness or sweetness of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less rice vinegar and sugar, respectively.
#12. Worcestershire Sauce:
Sauce Overview: Worcestershire sauce is a tangy and savory sauce that is commonly used in British and American cuisine. While it doesn’t have the same sweetness as bulgogi sauce, it shares its depth of flavor and umami taste.
How it’s similar to bulgogi sauce: Worcestershire sauce have a rich, complex flavor that can be used to add depth to marinades, dressings, and sauces.
Homemade Recipe:
- In a mixing bowl, whisk together 1/2 cup apple cider vinegar, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 2 tablespoons molasses, 1 tablespoon honey, 1 minced garlic clove, 1 teaspoon onion powder, 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger, 1/4 teaspoon ground black pepper, and a pinch of ground cloves.
- Heat the mixture in a saucepan over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the sauce has thickened and coats the back of a spoon, about 10-15 minutes.
- Strain the sauce through a fine-mesh strainer into a jar or bottle, and store it in the refrigerator for up to a month.
You can adjust the sweetness or saltiness of the sauce to your liking by adding more or less honey and soy sauce, respectively. You can also experiment with different spices to customize the flavor of the sauce.
Out of bulgogi sauce? No problem! These substitutes are so delicious, you might just forget about the original.
These are a few substitutes that go well with any Asian dish. So, if you can’t get your hands on bulgogi sauce, don’t sweat it! If you ever wonder, what can I use instead of bulgogi sauce?
There are plenty of flavorful substitutes that can give your dish a delicious twist. Whether you’re in the mood for something tangy, savory, or sweet, there’s a sauce out there waiting for you to discover it.
So, next time you’re in the kitchen, why not get creative and try out one of these bulgogi sauce replacement?
Who knows, you might just end up with a new favorite Dipping Sauce Recipes that’ll take your taste buds on a wild ride.
So, don’t be afraid to experiment and have fun – after all, that’s what cooking is all about!