If you're out of BEST Bulgogi Sauce, reach for Teriyaki Sauce, BBQ Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Sweet and Sour Sauce, and Kalbi or Galbi Sauce.
Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki sauce is a popular Japanese condiment that is used to add flavor to grilled or baked meats.
For cooking, BBQ Sauce also works well - adjust the amount to taste.
Bulgogi sauce rocks your BBQ like no other, period.
Found yourself in a pickle because the store's out or your pantry's dry?
Chill, we've got the scoop on how to keep those flavors kicking without the original MVP.
Soccer moms, BBQ dads, and even your neighbor Ted who can't cook to save his life-everyone's invited to this sauce swap party.
The 5 Best Substitutes for Bulgogi Sauce
If you're looking for a tasty, authentic-tasting alternative to the beloved Korean dish of bulgogi, then you've come to the right place.
We've rounded up five excellent substitutes that will capture the same delicious flavors without all the fuss - and eggs substitutes for meatballs can inspire similar binding swaps in marinades and mixes.
1 - Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki sauce is a popular Japanese condiment that is used to add flavor to grilled or baked meats.
The sauce is made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar, and it has a sweet and savory flavor.
The sauce is also quite thick, which helps to coat the meat and prevent it from drying out during cooking.
Teriyaki sauce can be used as a substitute for Bulgogi sauce in Korean dishes - try teriyaki sauce substitutes for similar sweetness if adjustments are needed.
Bulgogi sauce is made with a similar combination of ingredients, but it typically has a more pungent flavor.
When substituting Teriyaki sauce for Bulgogi sauce, you may need to add additional seasonings to achieve the desired flavor.
2 - BBQ Sauce
In America, BBQ sauce is a staple.
It is sweet, sticky, and tangy all at the same time.
The texture is thick and viscous, perfect for slathering on ribs or chicken.
It can also be used as a Bulgogi sauce substitute - balance it with other flavors or consult plum sauce substitutes for fruit-forward swaps to fine-tune the sweetness.
Simply mix the BBQ sauce with some brown sugar, soy sauce, and sesame oil.
Then use it to marinate your Bulgogi meat overnight.
The next day, grill the meat as usual and enjoy the delicious results.
Thanks to its versatility, BBQ sauce is a good addition to any cook's repertoire.
3 - Hoisin Sauce
Hoisin sauce is a thick, sweet-and-sour sauce that is commonly used in Chinese cooking.
It has a rich, deep flavor and a slightly sticky texture.
Hoisin sauce is made from soybeans, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and chili peppers.
Hoisin sauce can be used as a Bulgogi sauce substitution - thin and season it, or reference hoisin sauce substitutes for similar depth if preferred.
Bulgogi is a Korean dish that typically uses a thinner, more savory sauce.
To substitute hoisin sauce for Bulgogi sauce, simply mix the hoisin sauce with some water to thin it out.
You may also need to add additional seasonings, such as salt or pepper, to taste.
4 - Sweet and Sour Sauce
The sweet and sour sauce is a popular condiment in Chinese cuisine.
It is made by combining sugar, vinegar, and various other ingredients, resulting in a liquid with a sweet and tangy flavor.
The sauce is often used as a dip for fried foods or as a marinade for meats.
It can also be used as a substitute for Bulgogi sauce - adjust proportions and consult sweet rice flour substitutes for texture balance when thickening is needed.
Bulgogi is a Korean dish made of grilled marinated beef, and the sauce is traditionally made with soy sauce, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
However, the sweet and sour sauce can provide a similar flavor if used in the right proportions.
When substituting sweet and sour sauce for Bulgogi sauce, it is important to adjust the other ingredients accordingly.
Otherwise, the dish may end up too sweet or too sour.
With a little trial and error, however, it is easy to find the perfect balance of flavors.
5 - Kalbi or Galbi Sauce
Kalbi and galbi sauces are Korean sauces used to marinate meat, usually short ribs.
The sauce is made with a variety of ingredients, including soy sauce, honey, garlic, sesame oil, and rice wine.
The taste of the sauce is sweet and savory, with a slight kick from the garlic.
The texture is thick and sticky, making it perfect for coating meat.
Kalbi sauce can be used as a substitute for bulgogi sauce in any recipe.
Simply marinate the meat in the sauce for at least an hour before cooking.
The results will be tender, flavorful meat that is sure to please any appetite.
Frequently Asked Questions
Teriyaki Sauce, BBQ Sauce, Hoisin Sauce, Sweet and Sour Sauce, and Kalbi or Galbi Sauce. Use it at a 1:1 ratio in any recipe that calls for BEST Bulgogi Sauce.
Absolutely. Teriyaki Sauce is the closest swap.
BBQ Sauce also works in a pinch. Match the original amount and tweak from there.
Can this substitute be used in baking as well as cooking?
Some work in both, but baking is less forgiving.
Substitutes that alter fat content, sweetness, or moisture can shift the structure of baked goods.
Test with a small batch first.
Frozen substitutes sometimes change texture after thawing. This matters more in raw applications like salads than in cooked dishes where texture is softened by heat anyway.
For bolder heat in side sauces, see chipotle substitutes for smoky heat. For deeper savory notes, consult black soy sauce alternatives for rich umami.