Gangnam Sauce Recipe

Since I’ve been cooking a lot of Korean recipes lately, I wanted a sauce that could pair well with and enhance the flavors of these dishes. So, I decided to search for Korean sauces and found many options. However, I preferred to start with this Gangnam Sauce recipe.

I chose to start with this Gangnam Sauce primarily because it’s simple and straightforward to make. Additionally, its flavor profile is similar to some sauces I’ve made in the past, making it a familiar and convenient choice for me.

This Gangnam Sauce has a delightful blend of sweet, tangy, and spicy flavors all at once, which is really impressive. I enjoyed it particularly because it paired perfectly with my Korean fried chicken and waffles. It replaced the sauce I usually make for fried chicken and complemented the flavors just as I had hoped.

What is Gangnam Sauce?

Gangnam Sauce is a sauce that is paired so well with lots of Korean Dishes, primarily the sauce used to elevate the taste of fried chicken. It’s made with soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and Gochujang. This sauce is popular because it has a yummy mix of sweet, tangy, and a little spicy flavors all together. You can buy the sauce from the grocery stores, supermarket or you can make it at home.

Ingredients

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 3 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon ginger, minced
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon Korean chili paste (Gochujang)
• 1 teaspoon sesame seeds, toasted

How to Make Gangnam Sauce?

Step 1:

In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, minced ginger, sesame oil, and Gochujang. Whisk to stir the ingredients until the mixture is well combined.

Step 2:

Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Keep stirring to ensure the sauce doesn’t stick to the bottom of the pan. Allow it to simmer for about 5-7 minutes.

Step 3:

While the sauce is simmering, heat a dry skillet over medium heat. Add the sesame seeds to the skillet and toast them, This should take about 2-3 minutes. Once the seeds are golden and fragrant, remove them from the heat and set them aside.

Step 4:

After the sauce has thickened, remove the saucepan from the heat. Stir in the toasted sesame seeds and, if you prefer you can add the red pepper flakes. Mix thoroughly to distribute the seeds and flakes evenly. Let the sauce cool completely at room temperature before transferring it to a storage container. Enjoy.

Kitchen Equipment Needed

• Medium saucepan
• Measuring cups and spoons
• Mixing spoon
• Small bowl for toasting sesame seeds (if not using pre-toasted)
• Storage container with lid for leftovers

Helpful Tips!

• Try to use fresh garlic and ginger to make the sauce taste super yummy.
• You can Add a little more or less brown sugar and honey to make it just the right sweetness for you.
• Remember to Start with a little bit of Gochujang and add more if you like it hotter.
• Toast the sesame seeds in a pan until they smell nice and nutty.

What to Serve with this Gangnam Sauce?

Gangnam Sauce is incredibly paired with lots of Korean dishes. I’ve personally enjoyed it with Korean fried chicken and waffles, where its sweet, tangy, and slightly spicy taste adds an extra deliciousness to the plate. You can also drizzle it over bulgogi, Use it as a dipping sauce for kimchi pancakes or Baked Scallop Rolls. Also, Stir-fry vegetables with Gangnam Sauce for a quick and tasty side dish, Gangnam Sauce is a must-have beside any Korean dish.

FAQ

Is Gangnam Sauce spicy?

Gangnam Sauce has a mild to moderate level of spiciness, depending on how much Gochujang you add.

Where can I find Korean chili paste (Gochujang)?

Gochujang is available in most Asian grocery stores or online. If you can’t find it, Sriracha can be a substitute.

How can I adjust the sweetness of Gangnam Sauce?

By varying the amounts of brown sugar and honey in the recipe. Add more for a sweeter sauce or reduce for a less sweet taste.

How can I make Gangnam Sauce less spicy?

To make Gangnam Sauce less spicy, reduce the amount of Gochujang or omit the red pepper flakes entirely.

Conclusion

It’s time to make your own Gangnam sauce! I hope you had fun exploring Korean flavors in the kitchen. Share this yummy sauce with your friends and family who like trying different condiments from around the world. You can also subscribe to my blog for more tasty and creamy sauce recipes.