Skip to content

Out of bulgogi sauce?

Bulgogi Sauce substitutes

Bulgogi Sauce is Korean marinade sauce with sweet, savory flavor, used for marinating meat.

Use this

Teriyaki Sauce

Use the same amount as the bulgogi sauce you are replacing

Different tasteBest for marinades

The best substitutes for bulgogi sauce are teriyaki sauce, hoisin sauce, or a homemade blend, depending on the use.

At a glance

Every bulgogi sauce substitute on one screen. Tap a name for detail.

Bulgogi Sauce substitutes compared
#SubstituteInstead of bulgogi sauce, use
1Teriyaki SauceSame amount
2Hoisin SauceSame amount
3Homemade Bulgogi SauceSame amount
4Soy Sauce + Sugar + GarlicSame amount, + 1 tbsp sugar + 1 clove garlic per cup
5Korean BBQ SauceSame amount
6Oyster Sauce + SugarSame amount, + 1 tbsp sugar per cup

Every bulgogi sauce substitute

Ranked, with the exact amount and what changes

Substitutes for Bulgogi Sauce with ratios

  1. 1. Teriyaki Sauce

    Different taste

    Use the same amount

    Similar sauce with different flavor

    What changes
    Best for
    marinades, glazes, stir-fries, grilling

    Different flavor, similar sweetness

  2. 2. Hoisin Sauce

    Different taste

    Use the same amount

    Similar sauce with different flavor

    What changes
    Best for
    marinades, glazes, stir-fries, grilling

    Different flavor, similar sweetness

  3. 3. Homemade Bulgogi Sauce

    Close match

    Use the same amount

    Same sauce with different preparation

    What changes
    Best for
    marinades, glazes, stir-fries, grilling

    Different preparation, same flavor

  4. 4. Soy Sauce + Sugar + Garlic

    Close match

    Use the same amount + 1 tbsp sugar + 1 clove garlic per cup

    Similar combination with different preparation

    What changes
    Best for
    marinades, glazes, stir-fries, grilling

    Different preparation, similar flavor

  5. 5. Korean BBQ Sauce

    Close match

    Use the same amount

    Similar sauce with different composition

    What changes
    Best for
    marinades, glazes, stir-fries, grilling

    Different composition, similar flavor

  6. 6. Oyster Sauce + Sugar

    Different taste

    Use the same amount + 1 tbsp sugar per cup

    Similar combination with different preparation

    What changes
    Best for
    marinades, glazes, stir-fries, grilling

    Different preparation, similar flavor

Tips for substituting bulgogi sauce

  • Bulgogi sauce adds sweet, savory flavor to dishes
  • Bulgogi sauce can be used in both sweet and savory dishes
  • Bulgogi sauce pairs well with beef, pork, and chicken
  • Bulgogi sauce works well in Korean and Asian cuisines
  • Bulgogi sauce can be used to make marinades and glazes
  • Store bulgogi sauce in the refrigerator

Questions about bulgogi sauce substitutes

Can I use teriyaki sauce instead of bulgogi sauce?

Yes, teriyaki sauce is a good substitute for bulgogi sauce. It has a different flavor but similar sweetness and can be used in most recipes.

What's the difference between bulgogi sauce and teriyaki sauce?

Bulgogi sauce is Korean with a specific flavor profile, while teriyaki sauce is Japanese with a different flavor profile. Both are sweet and savory but have different taste profiles.

Can I use hoisin sauce instead of bulgogi sauce?

Yes, hoisin sauce can work as a substitute, though it has a different flavor. It provides similar sweetness and can be used in most recipes.

Why is bulgogi sauce so popular in Korean cooking?

Bulgogi sauce is popular because it adds sweet, savory flavor and is a key ingredient in traditional Korean bulgogi dishes.

Need a different ingredient?

Browse the full index, or the rest of this category.