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Korean BBQ Marinade

Peer reviewed by UK recipe editorsAuthored by UK recipe editorsOriginally published 16 Jan 2026

Meets Patient’s editorial guidelines

This homemade Korean BBQ marinade offers a wonderful balance of savoury and aromatic flavours, making it an essential addition to any low-sugar diet. By using reduced-sodium soy sauce and a controlled amount of raw sugar, you can achieve that classic salty-sweet profile without the excessive refined sugars often found in shop-bought versions. Fresh ginger and toasted sesame oil provide a depth of flavour that beautifully enhances everything from lean minced beef to chicken breast or firm tofu.

Preparing this versatile sauce is incredibly simple and takes just minutes, making it ideal for a quick midweek meal or healthy weekend entertaining. For the best results, allow your chosen protein to marinate for several hours to ensure it fully absorbs the fragrant garlic and spring onion notes. High in flavour and light on sugar, it is a brilliant way to bring a taste of Seoul to your own kitchen.

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Ingredients for Korean BBQ Marinade

  • 120ml reduced-sodium soy sauce

  • 2 tablespoons water

  • 1 1/2 tablespoons raw or turbinado sugar

  • 1 tablepsoon minced garlic

  • 1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil

  • 1 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger

  • 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper

  • 80g chopped spring onions

How to make Korean BBQ Marinade

Whisk 120ml reduced-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons water, 1 1/2 tablespoons raw or turbinado sugar, 1 tablespoon minced garlic, 1 teaspoon Asian sesame oil, 1 teaspoon grated peeled fresh ginger, and 1/2 teaspoons freshly ground black pepper in a medium bowl. Stir in 80g chopped spring onions. DO AHEAD: Cover and chill up to 1 day.

Disclaimer

While every effort has been made to ensure the information is accurate and up to date, individual needs may vary and dietary requirements can differ based on personal health conditions. Always check food labels and allergen information before preparing or consuming any recipe. If you have specific health concerns, allergies, intolerances, or are following a medically prescribed diet, seek advice from your GP, pharmacist, or a registered dietitian before making significant changes to your diet or lifestyle.

Article history

The information on this page is peer reviewed by qualified clinicians.

  • 16 Jan 2026 | Originally published

    Authored by:

    UK recipe editors

    Peer reviewed by

    UK recipe editors
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