18 Japanese Kabayaki Sauce Recipe Prepare To Be Amazed!
Published on: Mar 26, 2024
Japanese cuisine is known for its bold and flavorful sauces, and one of the most beloved is kabayaki sauce. This sweet and savory glaze is commonly used in dishes such as eel kabayaki and unagi donburi, but its versatility makes it a great addition to any dish. While you can easily find kabayaki sauce in stores, making it from scratch allows you to control the ingredients and customize the flavor to your liking. In this article, we will take a closer look at the history and ingredients of kabayaki sauce and provide you with a simple yet delicious recipe to try at home.
Main Ingredients: Cornstarch, Cold Water, White Sugar, Soy Sauce, Cider
Teriyaki sauce is a staple in Japanese cooking and is a popular choice for marinating chicken. Made from a combination of soy sauce, mirin, and sugar, this sweet and savory sauce adds a delicious flavor to beer can chicken. To make your own teriyaki sauce, simply combine equal parts soy sauce and mirin, and add in a few tablespoons of sugar. You can also add in a bit of sesame oil for extra depth of flavor. Marinate your chicken for at least an hour before grilling for the best results.
2of 20
Tonkatsu Sauce
Main Ingredients: Mustard Powder, Ketchup, Worcestershire, Soy Sauce
Tonkatsu sauce is a tangy, fruity sauce that is commonly used as a dipping sauce for tonkatsu, a popular Japanese breaded and fried pork dish. However, this sauce can also be used for beer can chicken. Made from a base of ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, and sugar, tonkatsu sauce adds a unique flavor to chicken. To make your own at home, simply combine ketchup, Worcestershire sauce, apple cider vinegar, and sugar in a saucepan and simmer until thickened.
3of 20
Gyoza Sauce
Main Ingredients: Rice Vinegar, Low Sodium Soy Sauce, Crushed Red Pepper
Gyoza sauce, also known as ponzu sauce, is a popular dipping sauce for gyoza, or Japanese dumplings. Made from a combination of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and citrus juice, this tangy sauce pairs well with the rich flavors of beer can chicken. You can also add in some sake for a touch of sweetness. To make your own gyoza sauce, simply combine these ingredients and adjust the ratios to your liking.
4of 20
Yum Yum Sauce (Japanese Hibachi Style)
Main Ingredients: Mayonnaise, Ketchup, Rice Vinegar, Mirin, Garlic
Yum Yum sauce, also known as sakura sauce, is a popular dipping sauce for Japanese hibachi dishes. This creamy, tangy sauce is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to beer can chicken. Made from a base of mayonnaise, tomato paste, and mirin, this sauce also has a touch of sweetness from sugar. To make your own yum yum sauce, simply combine all the ingredients and adjust to your desired taste.
5of 20
Yakisoba Sauce
Main Ingredients: Sake, Mirin, Soy Sauce, Tonkatsu Sauce, Worcestershire
Yakisoba sauce is a savory, smoky sauce that is commonly used in Japanese stir-fry dishes. This sauce is perfect for adding a rich flavor to beer can chicken. Made from a base of Worcestershire sauce, soy sauce, and oyster sauce, this sauce also has a touch of sweetness from honey. You can also add in some garlic and ginger for extra depth of flavor. Simply combine all the ingredients and simmer until thickened to make your own yakisoba sauce.
6of 20
Authentic Japanese Ponzu Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Mirin, Kelp, Bonito Flakes, Citrus Juice
Ponzu sauce is a traditional Japanese sauce that is made from a combination of citrus juice, soy sauce, and mirin. This tangy, citrusy sauce is perfect for adding a bright flavor to beer can chicken. You can also add in some sesame seeds and bonito flakes for extra texture and flavor. Simply mix together all the ingredients and let it sit for a few hours to let the flavors meld together.
This Japanese sesame steak sauce is perfect for adding a rich, nutty flavor to beer can chicken. Made from a base of soy sauce, sesame oil, and rice vinegar, this sauce also has a touch of sweetness from honey. You can also add in some garlic and ginger for extra depth of flavor. Simply combine all the ingredients and let it marinate with the chicken for at least an hour before grilling.
Kewpie mayonnaise is a popular Japanese mayonnaise that is known for its rich, creamy texture and slightly sweeter flavor compared to traditional mayonnaise. This mayonnaise is perfect for adding a creamy element to beer can chicken. You can also mix in some wasabi or sriracha for a spicy kick. Simply spread a generous amount of Kewpie mayonnaise over the chicken before grilling for a delicious twist on traditional beer can chicken.
9of 20
How to Make Eel Sauce for Sushi
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Sugar, Mirin
Eel sauce, also known as unagi sauce, is a thick, sweet sauce that is commonly used in sushi dishes. This sauce is perfect for adding a rich, caramel-like flavor to beer can chicken. To make your own eel sauce at home, simply combine soy sauce, mirin, and sake in a saucepan and simmer until thickened. You can also add in some honey or brown sugar for extra sweetness.
10of 20
Salmon Teriyaki
Main Ingredients: Cornstarch, Cold Water, White Sugar, Soy Sauce, Rice
Teriyaki sauce is not just limited to chicken – it also pairs well with fish, such as salmon. This salmon teriyaki recipe is perfect for a light and flavorful twist on beer can chicken. Simply marinate the salmon in teriyaki sauce for at least 30 minutes before grilling. You can also add in some scallions and sesame seeds for extra flavor and texture. Serve with a side of grilled vegetables for a complete meal.
11of 20
Multipurpose Sauce (for Noodles And Tempura)
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Mirin, Rice Wine, Dried Bonito Flakes
This multipurpose sauce is perfect for dipping noodles and tempura, but it also works well as a marinade for beer can chicken. Made from a base of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and mirin, this sauce also has a touch of sweetness from sugar. You can also add in some ginger and garlic for extra flavor. Simply mix all the ingredients together and adjust to your liking.
12of 20
Shrimp tempura Dipping Sauce
Main Ingredients: Warm Water, Hondashi, Low Sodium Soy Sauce, Mirin
Another popular Japanese dipping sauce, shrimp tempura dipping sauce is a combination of soy sauce, mirin, and sake. This tangy and slightly sweet sauce is perfect for adding a burst of flavor to beer can chicken. You can also add in some grated daikon or scallions for extra texture and flavor. Simply mix all the ingredients together and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
13of 20
Korean Teriyaki Sauce (vegan, gluten free)
Main Ingredients: Low Sodium Tamari, Maple Syrup, Mirin, Paprika, Rice
If you're looking for a vegan and gluten-free option for beer can chicken, this Korean teriyaki sauce is a great choice. Made from soy sauce, rice vinegar, and honey, this sauce also has a spicy kick from gochujang, a Korean chili paste. You can also add in sesame oil and garlic for extra flavor. Simply marinate your chicken in this sauce for at least an hour before grilling for a delicious and unique twist on beer can chicken.
14of 20
Cold Soba Noodles Dipping Sauce (5 Minutes!!)
Main Ingredients: Dashi Stock, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Chopped Green Onion
This cold soba noodles dipping sauce is perfect for a refreshing and light meal. Made from a base of soba sauce, mirin, and rice vinegar, this sauce also has a touch of sweetness from sugar. You can also add in some grated ginger and sesame seeds for extra flavor. Simply mix all the ingredients together and dip your soba noodles and beer can chicken for a delicious combination.
15of 20
Katsu Sauce
Main Ingredients: Ketchup, Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Mirin, Worcestershire
Katsu sauce is a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that is commonly used as a dipping sauce for katsu, a Japanese breaded and fried meat dish. It's also a great choice for beer can chicken. Made from a base of ketchup, soy sauce, and worcestershire sauce, this sauce also has a touch of honey for sweetness. You can also add in garlic and ginger for extra flavor. Simply mix all the ingredients together and adjust to your liking.
16of 20
Yakitori Tare Sauce
Main Ingredients: Soy Sauce, Brown Sugar, Mirin, Sake, Garlic Cloves
Yakitori tare sauce is a savory and slightly sweet sauce that is commonly used for yakitori, a popular Japanese grilled chicken skewer dish. This sauce is perfect for adding a unique and delicious flavor to beer can chicken. Made from a base of soy sauce, mirin, and sake, this sauce also has a touch of sweetness from honey. You can also add in some sesame oil and garlic for extra depth of flavor. Simply brush the sauce over the chicken while grilling for a delicious glaze.
17of 20
The Best Yakitori Sauce
Main Ingredients: Chicken Wings, Sake, Mirin, Sugar, Shoyu
This is a bold claim, but this recipe for the best yakitori sauce is sure to impress. Made from a combination of soy sauce, mirin, and sake, this sauce also has a touch of honey for sweetness. You can also add in grated ginger and garlic for extra flavor. The key to making this the best yakitori sauce is to let the flavors marinate for at least a day before using, so be sure to plan ahead for the best results.
18of 20
Tempura Sauce
Main Ingredients: Dashi, Soy Sauce, Mirin, Bonito Flakes, Daikon
Tempura sauce is a popular dipping sauce for tempura, a Japanese dish of battered and fried vegetables and seafood. This sauce is perfect for adding a savory and slightly sweet flavor to beer can chicken. Made from a combination of soy sauce, mirin, and rice vinegar, this sauce also has a touch of sugar for sweetness. You can also add in some grated daikon and scallions for extra flavor and texture. Simply mix all the ingredients together and let it sit for a few minutes before serving.
19of 20
Japanese Ginger Sauce
Main Ingredients: Light Mayonnaise, Fresh Ginger, Low Sodium Soy Sauce
This Japanese ginger sauce is perfect for adding a zesty and refreshing flavor to beer can chicken. Made from a base of soy sauce, rice vinegar, and mirin, this sauce also has a kick of grated ginger. You can also add in garlic and honey for extra flavor. Simply brush the sauce over the chicken while grilling for a delicious glaze.
Tonkatsu sauce, also known as Japanese ketchup, is a tangy and slightly sweet sauce that is commonly used for dipping tonkatsu, a Japanese breaded and fried pork dish. This sauce also works well for beer can chicken. Made from a base of ketchup, soy sauce, and worcestershire sauce, this sauce also has a touch of honey for sweetness. You can also add in grated ginger and garlic for extra flavor. Simply mix all the ingredients together and adjust to your liking.
The Origins of Kabayaki Sauce
Kabayaki sauce is a staple in Japanese cuisine, especially in dishes that feature eel (unagi). It is believed that this sauce originated in the Edo period (1603-1868) and was initially used to preserve eel for longer periods. The word "kabayaki" comes from the verb "kabayaku," which means "to grill and baste with sauce." As the popularity of eel dishes grew, so did the demand for kabayaki sauce, and it eventually became a common condiment in Japanese households.
Ingredients and Flavor Profile
Kabayaki sauce is primarily made up of soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake. Some recipes also call for dashi, a Japanese fish stock, to add depth of flavor. The soy sauce provides a rich umami taste, while the mirin and sugar add a touch of sweetness. Sake not only adds a unique flavor but also helps tenderize the meat. The combination of these ingredients results in a perfectly balanced sauce that is both sweet and savory, making it a perfect accompaniment to various dishes.
Making Your Own Kabayaki Sauce
Making kabayaki sauce at home is surprisingly easy, and the result is a sauce that is fresher and more flavorful than store-bought versions. To make your own kabayaki sauce, simply combine equal parts soy sauce, mirin, and sake in a saucepan over medium heat. Add sugar to taste and stir until it dissolves. You can also add dashi if desired. Let the sauce simmer until it thickens to your desired consistency. Once done, let it cool and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a month.
In conclusion, kabayaki sauce is an essential component of Japanese cuisine, loved for its unique flavor and versatility. Making your own kabayaki sauce allows you to have full control over the ingredients and customize it to your liking. Whether you are a fan of eel dishes or want to add a new flavor to your meals, kabayaki sauce is a must-try. So why not give our simple recipe a try and elevate your dishes with this delicious sauce?