Bachan Japanese BBQ Sauce

Bachan Japanese BBQ Sauce is a savory, sweet, and umami-rich condiment made with authentic ingredients like soy sauce, mirin, garlic, and ginger, perfect for marinades, glazes, and dipping.

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Prep Time 5

Cook Time 8

Total Time 13

Servings: 1

Course: Condiment, Sauce

Cuisine: BBQ, Japanese

Calories: 25

Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients

4 tbsp low sodium soy sauce
1 ½ tbsp brown sugar or white cane sugar
1 6 oz can tomato paste
1 tbsp mirin
2 tsp organic ginger grated
2 tbsp green onion chopped
4 tsp rice vinegar
2 cloves garlic minced
2 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tbsp water
Salt to taste
1 tsp ground black pepper
1 tbsp cornstarch optional, for thickening
Small American flags optional garnish for BBQ parties

Equipment

Medium saucepan
Whisk
Measuring spoons
Measuring cups
Small bowl (for cornstarch slurry if using)
Garlic press or microplane (optional but helpful)

Method

Heat the base:

In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, tomato paste, mirin, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and water.

Whisk until smooth:

Stir until the tomato paste blends in completely and the sugar dissolves.

Add the green onions:

Stir them in for freshness and a slight bite.

Season:

Add sesame oil, black pepper, and a pinch of salt. Taste and adjust as needed.

Optional thickening:

If you want a thicker sauce, mix 1 tbsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water to make a slurry. Pour into the sauce and whisk for 1–2 minutes until thickened.

Cool and store:

Remove from heat and let cool. Pour into a jar or bottle and refrigerate.

Notes

This is a copycat recipe inspired by Bachan’s Japanese BBQ Sauce. It’s not an exact replica, but it comes very close and can be tweaked to your taste.