Are you a fan of BBQ sauce but curious about how it differs from Korean BBQ sauce? While both sauces have similar ingredients, the way they are used and prepared can make a big difference in taste. In this article, we’ll explore the main differences between these two popular sauces.

What is BBQ Sauce?

BBQ sauce is a classic American condiment that is commonly used as a marinade or glaze for meat. It’s typically made from a tomato base with vinegar, Worcestershire sauce, and various spices such as garlic powder and paprika. The sweetness of BBQ sauce comes from the addition of molasses or brown sugar.

How to Use BBQ Sauce

BBQ sauce is best used as a marinade or glaze for meat, particularly pork ribs and chicken wings. It’s also great as a dipping sauce for fries or onion rings.

What is Korean BBQ Sauce?

Korean BBQ sauce, on the other hand, has its roots in Korean cuisine. It’s typically made with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar. The sweetness in Korean BBQ sauce often comes from the addition of fruits like apples or pears.

How to Use Korean BBQ Sauce

Korean BBQ sauce is often used as a marinade for beef short ribs or pork belly before grilling them over hot coals. It’s also great as a dipping sauce for grilled meats and vegetables.

The Main Differences Between These Two Sauces

While both sauces have similar ingredients like garlic and brown sugar, the main difference between them lies in their preparation and usage.

  • Taste: BBQ sauce has a sweeter taste due to the use of molasses or brown sugar while Korean BBQ sauce has more umami flavor due to soy sauce and sesame oil.
  • Usage: BBQ sauce is best used as a marinade or glaze for meat while Korean BBQ sauce is often used as a marinade for beef short ribs or pork belly before grilling them over hot coals.
  • Texture: Korean BBQ sauce tends to be thicker than BBQ sauce due to the use of fruit puree.

In Conclusion

In summary, while both sauces have similar ingredients, they differ in their preparation and usage. BBQ sauce is best used as a marinade or glaze for meat, while Korean BBQ sauce is more commonly used as a marinade for beef short ribs or pork belly before grilling.

The sweetness in BBQ sauce comes from molasses or brown sugar, while the sweetness in Korean BBQ sauce often comes from the addition of fruits like apples or pears. So next time you’re grilling, consider giving both of these sauces a try and see which one you prefer!