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Homemade Yakiniku Sauce

This savory, slightly sweet Japanese yakiniku sauce combines soy sauce, mirin, garlic, and ginger for a rich umami flavor that enhances any grilled protein. Ready in under 5 minutes with zero cooking required.
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Total Time 5 minutes
Servings: 4 servings
Course: Condiment
Cuisine: Japanese
Calories: 35
Ingredients Equipment Method Notes

Ingredients
  

Main
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup mirin sweet rice wine
  • 3 tablespoons sake or water if you don't have sake
  • 4 cloves garlic minced
  • 1 tablespoon fresh ginger minced
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon rice vinegar
  • 1/2 teaspoon white pepper
  • 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes optional, for heat
  • 1 tablespoon sesame seeds lightly toasted

Equipment

  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Small mixing bowl
  • Whisk or fork
  • Glass jar with a tight-fitting lid for storage
  • Fine mesh strainer (optional, for ultra-smooth texture)

Method
 

  1. Pour 1/2 cup soy sauce into a mixing bowl.
  2. Add 1/4 cup mirin and stir to combine with the soy sauce until slightly glossy.
  3. Add 3 tablespoons sake and whisk until smooth.
  4. Mince 4 cloves garlic and 1 tablespoon fresh ginger finely.
  5. Stir the minced garlic and ginger into the liquid mixture.
  6. Add 2 tablespoons brown sugar and 1 tablespoon sesame oil, stirring until sugar dissolves and mixture is aromatic.
  7. Add 1 teaspoon rice vinegar, 1/2 teaspoon white pepper, and 1/4 teaspoon red pepper flakes if using; stir well.
  8. Sprinkle 1 tablespoon lightly toasted sesame seeds into the sauce and stir well.
  9. Taste and adjust seasoning if needed: add more mirin if too salty or more garlic for depth.
  10. Make at least 30 minutes before use to allow flavors to infuse.

Notes

Store in a glass jar in the refrigerator for up to three weeks. Shake well before each use. Use as a marinade, dipping sauce, or finishing glaze. For smoother texture, strain through a fine mesh strainer after mixing.