Grilled Meat Dipping Sauce (Yakiniku Sauce)

Here’s a classic Yakiniku Sauce (Japanese Grilled Meat Dipping Sauce) recipe that’s savory, slightly sweet, and rich in umami—perfect for grilled meats like beef, pork, or chicken.

🍶 Yakiniku Sauce Recipe (焼肉のたれ)

✅ Ingredients:

• Soy sauce – ½ cup (120 ml)

• Mirin – ¼ cup (60 ml)

• Sake – 2 tbsp

• Sugar – 2 tbsp (adjust to taste)

• Garlic – 2 cloves, grated or minced

• Ginger – 1 tsp, grated

• Sesame oil – 1 tbsp

• Toasted sesame seeds – 1 tbsp

• Apple or pear – ¼ grated (for natural sweetness and depth)

• Green onion – 1 stalk, finely chopped (optional)

• Gochujang or chili flakes – 1 tsp (optional for spice)

🔪 Instructions:

1. Combine liquids: In a saucepan, add soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Stir well.

2. Simmer: Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat for about 3–5 minutes, just until the sugar is fully dissolved and alcohol cooks off.

3. Add aromatics: Stir in grated garlic, ginger, and grated apple (or pear). Simmer for another 1–2 minutes.

4. Cool down: Remove from heat. Once slightly cooled, mix in sesame oil, sesame seeds, and chopped green onion if using.

5. Optional spice: Add gochujang or chili flakes if you want a kick.

6. Strain (optional): For a smooth sauce, strain out solids. Or leave them in for more texture.

7. Serve or store: Cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to a week.

🍖 Perfect for:

• Grilled beef (ribeye, short rib, tongue)

• Pork belly

• Chicken thighs

• Vegetables or tofu