I love cooking and usually enjoy making sauces from scratch, but let’s be honest—there are days when I’m starving, exhausted, or simply feeling lazy.
On those days, all I want is for food to magically appear in front of me, quick and hassle-free. I don’t enjoy dining out much, and ordering takeout often feels unsatisfying. Instead, I prefer grilling some meat quickly at home.
While ssamjang and gochujang are great, sometimes I crave something different, something easy but delicious. That’s when store-bought sauces come to my rescue!
If you’re looking to experience authentic Korean flavors at home, choosing sauces from trusted Korean brands is the best way to go. I’ve specifically selected sauces from highly reputable Korean brands loved both locally and internationally.
As a Korean American, it fills me with pride and excitement to see authentic Korean sauces becoming easily accessible worldwide. It’s truly wonderful to share these flavors globally and see how Korean cuisine continues to gain popularity.
Top 5 Korean BBQ Sauces You Can Buy Online
Here’s my carefully curated list of the top 5 Korean BBQ sauces you can buy online, selected based on flavor authenticity, customer reviews, and versatility.
1. Bibigo Korean BBQ Sauce (Original)
- Why We Love It: Authentic Korean flavor, mildly sweet, savory.
- Best For: Bulgogi, Galbi, and general Korean BBQ marinades.
- Pros: Highly rated, widely available, excellent customer feedback.
- Taste Profile: Mildly sweet and savory, subtle garlic notes, balanced soy base.
- Pairing Suggestions: Thinly sliced beef bulgogi, grilled chicken thighs, tofu dishes.
- Brand Background: Bibigo, a brand under CJ Foods, is globally recognized for bringing authentic Korean cuisine to international markets.
- [Buy on Amazon]
2. CJ Korean BBQ Bulgogi Marinade
- Why We Love It: Rich, deep flavor, perfect balance of sweet and savory.
- Best For: Marinating thin beef slices, Bulgogi.
- Pros: High customer ratings, trusted Korean brand.
- Taste Profile: Deep umami flavors, moderate sweetness, hints of garlic and sesame.
- Pairing Suggestions: Beef bulgogi, stir-fried vegetables, grilled mushrooms.
- Brand Background: CJ is one of Korea’s largest food manufacturers known for quality ingredients and authentic flavors.
- [Buy on Amazon]
3. Chung Jung One Korean BBQ Sauce (Spicy Bulgogi)
- Why We Love It: Perfect balance of spice and sweetness.
- Best For: Spicy BBQ lovers, pork dishes.
- Pros: Versatile sauce, easy to use, adds a delicious kick.
- Taste Profile: Sweet and spicy, moderately hot with hints of ginger and garlic.
- Pairing Suggestions: Spicy pork belly (Jeyuk Bokkeum), grilled chicken wings.
- Brand Background: Chung Jung One is renowned for traditional Korean sauces and seasonings.
- [Buy on Amazon]
4. CJ Korean BBQ Kalbi Sauce
- Why We Love It: Rich and thick texture, authentic galbi taste.
- Best For: Beef short ribs (Galbi).
- Pros: Exceptional marinade quality, well-known brand reliability.
- Taste Profile: Sweet, savory, thick texture, mild fruity undertones from pear.
- Pairing Suggestions: Beef short ribs (galbi), grilled pork ribs, marinated chicken thighs.
- Brand Background: CJ continues its excellence with a sauce specially crafted for galbi lovers.
- [Buy on Amazon]
5. SEMPIO Korean Bulgogi Marinade Sauce
- 📅 EXPIRATION DATE FORMAT: DD.MM.YYYY
- SEMPIO KALBI SAUCE (17.63oz / 500g) – Create mouthwatering Korean BBQ kalbi easily at home. This sauce, with its soy sau…
- SAVORY SOY SAUCE BASE – Sempio uses their best soy sauce as a base ingredient, enhancing this rich and savory Korean BBQ…
- Why We Love It: Balanced flavor with mild sweetness, perfect for traditional bulgogi.
- Best For: Beef bulgogi dishes, general Korean-style marinades.
- Pros: Trusted traditional Korean brand, great consistency, versatile for various dishes.
- Taste Profile: Mildly sweet, savory, balanced soy and garlic base.
- Pairing Suggestions: Bulgogi, grilled beef, pan-fried vegetables.
- Brand Background: Sempio is a longstanding traditional Korean brand recognized for its quality sauces and marinades.
- [Buy on Amazon]
If you’re interested in learning more about Korean BBQ sauces, including homemade recipes, storage tips, and creative ways to use them, check out this detailed Korean BBQ sauce guide.
Buying Tips
Korean BBQ sauces generally have similar recipes—mostly sweet soy sauce-based flavors, aside from the spicy variations. Because of this, the taste difference between each brand isn’t drastic.
Since all the sauces I’ve recommended are from trusted Korean brands, I suggest trying each sauce individually to find your favorite.
Choose sauces based on your preferred spice level and dishes you cook frequently. For an all-around versatile sauce, Bibigo and CJ are great options to start with.
Frequently Asked Questions
- How should I store Korean BBQ sauces after opening?
- Can these sauces be used as dipping sauces?
- Are these sauces gluten-free?
- Can I use Korean BBQ sauces for vegetables or tofu?
- Are these sauces very spicy?
- Can I use these sauces for stir-fries?
- Do Korean BBQ sauces contain MSG?
- Are Korean BBQ sauces suitable for marinades?
- Can children enjoy Korean BBQ sauces?
- Are these sauces vegan-friendly?
How should I store Korean BBQ sauces after opening?
Refrigerate after opening to maintain freshness. Generally, sauces stay fresh for about 3–6 months in the fridge.
Can these sauces be used as dipping sauces?
Yes, most Korean BBQ sauces double as excellent dipping sauces. You can slightly dilute thicker sauces with water or vinegar for dipping.
Are these sauces gluten-free?
Many Korean BBQ sauces contain soy sauce, which often has gluten. Always check product labels if you require gluten-free options.
Can I use Korean BBQ sauces for vegetables or tofu?
Absolutely! These sauces enhance the flavor of grilled vegetables, tofu, and even mushrooms beautifully.
Are these sauces very spicy?
Most Korean BBQ sauces are mildly sweet and savory. However, spicy variants, like Chung Jung One Spicy Bulgogi, offer moderate heat.
Can I use these sauces for stir-fries?
Yes, Korean BBQ sauces are excellent for stir-fry dishes, adding depth and richness to your meals.
Do Korean BBQ sauces contain MSG?
Some sauces might contain MSG. Check the ingredients list to ensure it meets your dietary preferences.
Are Korean BBQ sauces suitable for marinades?
Absolutely! These sauces are primarily used as marinades and work exceptionally well to tenderize and flavor meats.
Can children enjoy Korean BBQ sauces?
Yes, children typically enjoy the milder sauces without spicy ingredients. Always check the spice level indicated on the packaging.
Are these sauces vegan-friendly?
Many sauces are vegan-friendly, but always verify ingredients as some may contain fish sauce or honey.