Gochujang Sauce Recipe — Sweet and Spicy Korean BBQ Sauce

Gochujang is the base of Korean BBQ sauces — a fermented chili paste with a unique combination of sweet, spicy, and umami. Mixed with a few simple ingredients, you can make a sauce in 5 minutes that you'll want to make again and again. Perfect as a glaze on chicken wings, as a dipping sauce with beef short ribs, or as a topping on a Korean BBQ burger.

What is gochujang?

Gochujang is a Korean fermented chili paste made from red chili peppers, glutinous rice, fermented soybeans, and salt. It has a deep, complex flavor — spicy yet also sweet and rich in umami. You can find it in most Asian supermarkets or online.

Basic recipe: Gochujang dipping sauce

Ready in 5 minutes. Works as a dipping sauce, glaze, and marinade.

Ingredients (for 4–6 servings)

  • 3 tbsp gochujang
  • 2 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tbsp honey or brown sugar
  • 1 tbsp rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 tsp grated fresh ginger (optional)
  • 1–2 tbsp water to thin to desired consistency

Preparation

  1. Combine all ingredients in a bowl and stir well.
  2. Add water until desired consistency — thicker for glaze, thinner for dipping sauce.
  3. Taste and adjust: more honey for sweetness, more gochujang for heat, more vinegar for freshness.
  4. Use immediately — or store covered in the refrigerator (up to 1 week).

Variation: Gochujang glaze for chicken wings

Thicker and stickier — perfect for brushing on wings or drumsticks during the last 10 minutes.

Ingredients

  • 3 tbsp gochujang
  • 2 tbsp honey
  • 1 tbsp soy sauce
  • 1 tbsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp garlic powder
  • 1 tsp ginger powder

Preparation

  1. Combine all ingredients — do not add water, this glaze should remain thick.
  2. Apply to the wings or drumsticks during the last 10–15 minutes of cooking time.
  3. Brush on a layer every 5 minutes for a shiny, sticky glaze.
  4. Do not apply earlier — the sugar will burn.

Variation: Gochujang mayo

Creamier and milder — perfect as a dipping sauce or spread on a Korean BBQ burger.

Ingredients

  • 4 tbsp mayonnaise
  • 1–2 tbsp gochujang (to taste)
  • 1 tsp sesame oil
  • 1 tsp lime juice

Preparation

Combine all ingredients and stir well. Ready in 2 minutes.

Which BBQ dishes pair well with gochujang sauce?

  • Korean Chicken Wings — the classic combination. Korean rub + gochujang glaze = irresistible.
  • Korean Beef Short Ribs — as a dipping sauce alongside the ribs.
  • Chicken on the BBQ — as a glaze on drumsticks or chicken thighs during the last 10 minutes.
  • Tofu on the BBQ — gochujang sauce makes grilled tofu irresistible.
  • Korean BBQ burger — gochujang mayo as a spread on the bun.
  • Rice or noodles — as a condiment alongside your BBQ dish.

→ Which sauce pairs with which rub? — complete overview

Combine with the Korean BBQ Rub

Gochujang sauce and the Korean BBQ Rub are the ultimate duo. The rub provides a crispy, seasoned bark — the gochujang sauce adds a sweet-spicy, umami-rich layer. Use the rub before grilling, the sauce as a glaze or dipping sauce afterward.

→ Which BBQ rub pairs with which meat?

Tips

  • Buying Gochujang: available at Asian supermarkets, specialty stores, and online. Pay attention to the spice level — there are mild and spicy varieties.
  • Storage: gochujang sauce can be stored in the refrigerator in a sealed jar for up to 1 week.
  • Too spicy? Add more honey or mayo to temper the heat.
  • Sesame seeds as garnish — sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over the sauce for extra texture and flavor.

Frequently asked questions

How spicy is gochujang?

Gochujang has a pleasant, building heat — not the immediate intensity of fresh chili peppers. The sweetness and umami temper the spice. Mild varieties are also available for those who prefer less heat.

Can I substitute gochujang?

If you can't find gochujang: mix sriracha with a little miso and honey for a similar flavor. Not the same, but it works.

Is gochujang gluten-free?

Traditional gochujang contains wheat. Gluten-free varieties are available — check the label.

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