Savory Mongolian Grill Sauce
Elevate your home cooking with this Savory Mongolian Grill Sauce! Inspired by the traditional flavors found at your favorite Mongolian BBQ, this sauce offers a perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami notes. By reducing the sugar content, this version achieves a greater depth of flavor without being overly sweet. It's incredibly versatile, making it the ideal companion for grilled meats, stir-fried vegetables, or drizzled over rice. Experience the delicious, bold flavors of Mongolian cuisine right in your own kitchen with this easy-to-make sauce.
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
olive oil or canola oil
1 teaspoon (none)
ginger powder
1/2 teaspoon (none)
minced garlic
1 tablespoon (minced)
soy sauce
1/2 cup (none)
water
1/2 cup (none)
brown sugar
1/4 cup (packed)
Instructions
1
In a medium saucepan, warm the olive oil or canola oil over medium heat. Add the ginger powder and minced garlic, stirring quickly for about 30 seconds until fragrant, taking care not to scorch.
2
Pour in the soy sauce and water, then gradually add the brown sugar, stirring until fully dissolved.
3
Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
4
If you're using the sauce with cooked meat, add it to the skillet and stir until the meat is evenly coated. Allow it to simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to enhance the flavor.
5
For stir-fried vegetables, add 1/4 to 1/2 cup of the sauce during the final stages of cooking, tossing well to coat the veggies and allow them to absorb the flavors.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Mongolian Grill Sauce?
Savory Mongolian Grill Sauce is a versatile sauce inspired by traditional Mongolian BBQ flavors, offering a balance of savory, sweet, and umami notes.
What does this sauce taste like?
It features a deep umami flavor with a perfect balance of sweetness and savory elements, designed to be less sugary than standard commercial versions.
How many ingredients are in this recipe?
There are 6 primary ingredients: olive or canola oil, ginger powder, minced garlic, soy sauce, water, and brown sugar.
Is this sauce easy to make?
Yes, it is an easy, beginner-friendly recipe that involves simple simmering and stirring in a single saucepan.
Can I use canola oil instead of olive oil?
Yes, both olive oil and canola oil are suitable for this recipe to sauté the aromatics.
How long does it take to cook the sauce?
The sauce takes approximately 10-15 minutes of simmering to reach the desired consistency.
How do I prevent the garlic from burning?
Stir the minced garlic and ginger powder quickly for only about 30 seconds until fragrant to avoid scorching.
Can I use fresh ginger instead of powder?
While the recipe calls for ginger powder, you can substitute it with freshly grated ginger for a brighter flavor.
How do I thicken the Mongolian Grill Sauce?
The sauce thickens naturally as it simmers on low heat for 10-15 minutes. Continue simmering if you prefer a thicker glaze.
Can I use this sauce for stir-fry?
Absolutely! It is perfect for stir-fried vegetables; simply add 1/4 to 1/2 cup during the final stages of cooking.
Is this sauce suitable for meat?
Yes, it is excellent for grilled or sautéed meats like beef, chicken, or pork.
How do I use the sauce with cooked meat?
Add the sauce to the skillet with the cooked meat and simmer for an additional 2-3 minutes to ensure even coating.
Can I serve this sauce over rice?
Yes, the sauce is delicious when drizzled over plain white or brown rice.
Does this sauce contain a lot of sugar?
This version uses 1/4 cup of brown sugar, which is reduced compared to traditional recipes to achieve a greater depth of flavor.
What type of soy sauce should I use?
Regular soy sauce is standard, but you can use low-sodium soy sauce if you are watching your salt intake.
Is the sauce spicy?
As written, the sauce is savory and sweet rather than spicy. You can add red pepper flakes if you prefer heat.
Can I make this sauce gluten-free?
Yes, by substituting the soy sauce with tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.
How should I store leftover sauce?
Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes, you can freeze the sauce in a freezer-safe container for future use.
What is the primary aroma of this sauce?
The sauce has a fragrant aroma of toasted garlic and ginger mixed with savory soy.
Do I need to boil the sauce?
Yes, you should bring the mixture to a boil before reducing the heat to a simmer to help the sugar dissolve and the flavors meld.
Is brown sugar required?
Brown sugar is recommended for its deep, molasses-like sweetness, which complements the umami of the soy sauce.
Can I use this as a marinade?
Yes, it can work as a marinade, though it is specifically designed as a finishing or cooking sauce.
What kind of pan should I use?
A medium saucepan is best for preparing the sauce itself.
Does the sauce contain MSG?
This homemade recipe does not call for added MSG, relying on soy sauce for its natural umami.
Can I add more water if it gets too thick?
Yes, if the sauce becomes too thick during simmering, you can stir in a small amount of water to reach your preferred consistency.
How many servings does this make?
This recipe makes enough sauce to coat a standard meal for 4 people or to flavor a large batch of stir-fried vegetables.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, you can easily double all the ingredients to make a larger batch for meal prepping.
Is the garlic minced or sliced?
The recipe specifically calls for minced garlic to ensure it distributes evenly throughout the sauce.
What makes this different from regular BBQ sauce?
Unlike American BBQ sauce which is tomato-based, this is a soy-based Asian sauce with distinct ginger and garlic notes.