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6 Substitutes for Bulgogi Sauce That Taste Incredible

Bulgogi sauce is one of those flavors that makes everything better—sweet, savory, and just a little smoky. But what happens when you’re set on making Korean BBQ and realize you’re out? No worries, we’ve found substitutes that are just as tasty and easy to whip up.

We’ve had moments when a recipe called for bulgogi sauce, and we had to improvise. One time, we used a mix of soy sauce, brown sugar, and sesame oil. It wasn’t identical, but it worked so well that we made it again intentionally. Another option we’ve loved is using teriyaki sauce—it’s got a similar vibe and still brings bold flavor.

These swaps are simple, accessible, and delicious. Whether it’s for grilling or stir-fry, we’ve got options to help you keep the flavor going strong.

6 Easy Substitutes for Bulgogi Sauce

Here are six tasty substitutes for bulgogi sauce that you can make at home with ingredients you probably already have in your pantry.

1 – Teriyaki Sauce

You’ll never believe how easy it is to swap bulgogi sauce with teriyaki sauce. It’s sweet, savory, and sticky—kind of the same vibe you want for grilling or stir-frying. The umami flavors of teriyaki hit close to what bulgogi delivers. The soy sauce base keeps everything balanced, and the added sweetness blends beautifully.

Use teriyaki sauce at a 1:1 ratio as a substitute. No need to tweak or adjust. Just grab it and go. The texture is slightly thicker, but it coats meat or veggies like a dream. If it feels too sweet for your recipe, dilute it with a splash of water.

For more options, check out this guide on teriyaki sauce substitutes—it’s super helpful if you’re improvising.

2 – Soy Sauce with Brown Sugar

Some recipes insist on bulgogi sauce, but guess what? Soy sauce with brown sugar gets the job done. Mix 3 parts soy sauce to 1 part brown sugar. Stir until the sugar disappears. Boom, you’ve got a sweet and salty combo.

The soy sauce brings in the rich, salty vibes. The brown sugar adds just enough sweetness to mimic bulgogi sauce. It tastes balanced and works well for marinating or cooking.

The texture is thinner than bulgogi sauce. Brush it on meat or veggies, or reduce it on the stove for a stickier glaze. Easy fix, right?

If you’re out of soy sauce too, check out this guide to soy sauce substitutes for quick swap ideas.

3 – Hoisin Sauce

Did you know you can swap hoisin sauce with a simple mix of peanut butter and soy sauce? Blend 2 tablespoons of peanut butter with 1 tablespoon of soy sauce. Stir until smooth. That’s it—rich, umami-packed goodness ready to go.

Peanut butter adds a creamy texture and nutty depth you didn’t know you needed. Soy sauce pulls in salty, savory vibes to balance it out. The combo sticks well to meat or veggies, making it amazing for glazing or stir-frying.

It’s thicker than hoisin, so you can thin it with water if needed. Adjust the salt level to your taste. Simple, no fuss. If you’re curious about other options, check out this guide to hoisin sauce substitutes for more ideas!

4 – Korean BBQ Sauce

If you’ve ever been stuck without Korean BBQ sauce, grab soy sauce and brown sugar. It’s a quick two-ingredient fix that works. Mix 2 tablespoons of soy sauce with 1 tablespoon of brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

Soy sauce adds the salty, savory base we need. The brown sugar brings sweetness and a subtle caramel vibe. This combo gets you pretty close to the sweet-and-savory balance of Korean BBQ sauce.

Use it for marinating or basting. It clings well and caramelizes nicely when cooked. If it feels too thin, add honey or cornstarch to thicken it up.

This simple swap is versatile. Adjust the ratio to make it sweeter or saltier. Get creative with add-ins like garlic or sesame oil, depending on the dish.

5 – Gochujang with Honey

If you’ve ever been stuck without gochujang, grab honey. Mix 1 tablespoon of gochujang with 1 teaspoon of honey. This creates a sweet and spicy blend that works well.

The gochujang offers heat and depth. The honey smooths it out while adding sweetness. Together, they mimic the flavor balance of traditional gochujang sauce.

Use this new combo for sauces, marinades, or even dipping. Adjust the ratio to make it milder or spicier. It’s simple and fast to make.

For more ideas, check out this guide to gochujang substitutes if you need additional options.

6 – Oyster Sauce with a Dash of Soy Sauce

Last but not least, if you’re ever out of bulgogi sauce and oyster sauce is your next option, use it with soy sauce. The combo brings sweet and salty vibes that work well for marinades or stir-fries.

Mix 2 tablespoons of oyster sauce with 1 teaspoon of soy sauce. Blend them until smooth. Taste and adjust.

Oyster sauce adds a deep umami flavor, while the soy sauce brings in the saltiness we need. Together, they create a rich base that works nicely as a substitute for bulgogi sauce.

If it feels too thick for your liking, thin it with water. Use it right away to marinate meat or veggies before grilling or stir-frying. It’s an easy swap that works in a pinch!

Frequently Asked Questions

Is teriyaki sauce a good substitute for bulgogi sauce?

Yes, teriyaki sauce has a similar sweetness and savory flavor, though it may be a bit thicker and less spicy than bulgogi sauce.

Can I make a bulgogi substitute with soy sauce and brown sugar?

Absolutely! The combination of soy sauce and brown sugar replicates bulgogi’s sweet and salty balance perfectly.

What’s the difference between hoisin sauce and bulgogi sauce?

Hoisin sauce is sweeter and has a more distinct flavor, but it can substitute for bulgogi sauce when you need a thicker, more flavorful glaze.

Can Korean BBQ sauce replace bulgogi sauce in marinades?

Yes, Korean BBQ sauce has similar ingredients and a savory-sweet profile that works well in marinades for bulgogi-style dishes.

How do I use gochujang with honey as a bulgogi alternative?

Gochujang with honey offers a spicy-sweet balance that mimics bulgogi sauce’s heat and sweetness, perfect for grilling.

Can I use oyster sauce with soy sauce to replace bulgogi sauce?

Yes, oyster sauce with a splash of soy sauce gives a savory, umami-rich alternative to bulgogi sauce, though it lacks the same sweetness.

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