Appetizer & Dessert

Sweet Honey Japanese BBQ Sauce Recipe – Great Meal Recipes

Name: Sweet Honey Japanese BBQ Sauce Recipe – Great Meal Recipes
Prep time: 10 min
Cook time: 20 min
Total time: 30 min
Yield: 2
Ingredients: 1 cup granulated sugar; 1 cup dark brown sugar; 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce; 1 cup sake; 1 cup mirin; 1/4 cup rice wine vinegar; 6 cloves garlic, minced; 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger; 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; 1 tablespoon honey; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 teaspoon chili flakes

Barbara Brito April 24, 2025

Servings: 2 Total Time: 30 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

Jump To Recipe Print Recipe

How many times have you opened your pantry, peered at your cooking essentials, and thought, “I need something special today”?

If your grilling routine feels like it’s lacking excitement, let me introduce you to the tantalizing world of Sweet Honey Japanese BBQ Sauce. It pairs wonderfully with grilled meats, roasted veggies, or even as a dip for appetizers.

Today, I’m diving deep into this delicious creation. You might just find yourself rushing to the grocery store for a few key ingredients.

What Is Sweet Honey Japanese BBQ Sauce?

Sweet Honey Japanese BBQ Sauce is a unique blend of flavors that encapsulates the essence of Japanese dining. Picture this: a sweet, salty, and slightly tangy sauce that turns ordinary meals into extraordinary experiences.

Its key ingredients include soy sauce, sake, mirin, honey, and a few spices that come together in a way that can only be described as culinary magic.

The balance of sweetness from honey and brown sugar against the umami of soy sauce creates a sauce that’s not only versatile but also incredibly addictive.

Why This Recipe Works?

This recipe employs a balance of flavors that makes Sweet Honey Japanese BBQ Sauce not just tasty, but functional for a range of dishes.

The use of low-sodium soy sauce ensures that the flavors shine without overwhelming saltiness. The sake and mirin add depth, while garlic and ginger introduce a zesty punch.

Honey brings in the sweetness, tying everything together perfectly. It’s versatile, and you can use it in any number of cooking styles—grilling, marinating, or even as a finishing glaze.

What You’ll Need to Make This Dish?

Before we get cooking, let’s gather our ingredients. The list is approachable and easy to track down.

– 1 cup granulated sugar

– 1 cup dark brown sugar

– 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce

– 1 cup sake (Japanese rice wine)

– 1 cup mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)

– ¼ cup rice wine vinegar

– 6 cloves garlic, minced

– 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger

– 1 teaspoon freshly ground black pepper

– 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil

– 1 tablespoon honey

– 1 tablespoon cornstarch

– 1 teaspoon chili flakes

Sweet Honey Japanese BBQ Sauce Copycat Recipe

How to Make Sweet Honey Japanese BBQ Sauce

Now that we have our ingredients ready, let’s jump into the process. Making this sauce is as simple as it is satisfying.

Step 1: Combine the Bases

Start by picking a medium saucepan. Add the granulated sugar, dark brown sugar, soy sauce, sake, mirin, and rice wine vinegar.

This foundation will become the syrupy goodness that defines our sauce. Turn on medium heat and stir until the sugars dissolve. You need a little patience here; don’t let it rush.

Step 2: Add the Flavor Boosters

Once the base is ready, add minced garlic, grated ginger, black pepper, toasted sesame oil, and chili flakes to the saucepan. Stir these ingredients in well.

The garlic and ginger will release their aromatic goodness and start to perfume your kitchen. This part excites me—just wait until you taste this blend.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, combine the tablespoon of cornstarch with a bit of water. This is your secret weapon for achieving that glossy, luscious consistency. Slowly add this mixture to your saucepan, stirring constantly to avoid lumps. As the sauce heats, it will thicken. Keep stirring until you achieve a syrupy texture. You’re on the right track now!

Step 4: Let It Simmer

Once the sauce thickens to your liking, reduce the heat and let it simmer for a few minutes. This step allows all those flavors to meld into the divine creation you’ve been waiting for. Taste it along the way—what’s your impression?

Step 5: Cool and Store

Remove the saucepan from heat and let your sauce cool completely. When ready, you can pour it into a jar for easy storage. Trust me; it’s hard to resist sneaking tastes during this stage!

Tips for Success

Adjust sweetness to taste: If you prefer a sweeter sauce, feel free to increase the honey slightly.
Choice of soy sauce: Opt for low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
Storage: Store in an airtight container in the fridge. It keeps well for around two weeks.
Experiment with spices: Don’t hesitate to experiment with additional spices like cumin or smoked paprika for a unique kick.
Glow factor: If you want to enhance the appearance, add sesame seeds just before serving. They add a little crunch and visual contrast.

How to Store Leftovers?

Leftover sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to two weeks. Make sure to keep it in an airtight container.

If you need to reheat it, do so gently on the stovetop. Stir it well after it warms up.

How Would I Recommend Serving Sweet Honey Japanese BBQ Sauce?

Now, the real magic happens when you start serving this sauce. Here are some ways to enjoy it:

Grilled Chicken Skewers: Brush the sauce onto marinated chicken before and during grilling. The sugars caramelize, creating a sticky coating that you won’t be able to resist.
Roasted Vegetables: Toss your favorite veggies—like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms—in the sauce before roasting. They absorb flavors beautifully and come out full of life.
Dipping Sauce for Appetizers: Use it as a dip for spring rolls or dumplings. It adds an unexpected layer of flavor that will leave guests reaching for more.
Glaze for Salmon: Brush the sauce on salmon fillets during the last few minutes of cooking. The fish will soak up the sweetness and salty goodness, earning you rave reviews.

What Alternatives Can You Use for the Ingredients if Not Available?

If you find yourself missing some ingredients, here are some substitutes that will still yield delicious results:

Honey: If you don’t have honey, consider agave syrup or maple syrup. They will add similar sweetness but with unique flavors.
Sake: If sake isn’t available, you can use white wine or a bit of rice vinegar mixed with water. They won’t mimic the exact taste but can get you close.
Mirin: In the absence of mirin, a mix of rice vinegar and sugar can replicate its sweetness, but use less vinegar for balance.
Soy Sauce: If you need a gluten-free option, use tamari as an alternative to soy sauce without sacrificing flavor.

Best Sweet Honey Japanese BBQ Sauce Recipe

Conclusion

Sweet Honey Japanese BBQ Sauce is more than just a condiment; it’s an experience waiting to happen. If you enjoy grilling, exploring new flavors, or simply making your meals more exciting, this sauce deserves a permanent spot in your kitchen.

Easy to make, full of flavor, and adaptable to many dishes, it transforms everything it touches. Grab your ingredients, fire up the grill, and get ready for a culinary adventure that’s sure to impress your family and friends.

Happy cooking!

You’ll also like the following recipes!

Print Recipe