If you’ve ever been to a Japanese BBQ restaurant, you know that sauce is a crucial component of the meal. The savory, sweet, and slightly smoky flavor of the sauce perfectly complements grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables. Fortunately, making your own Japanese BBQ sauce is easier than you might think.

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Why You’ll Love This Sauce

  • Fast. A homemade yakiniku sauce made in under 30 minutes.
  • Easy. Mix together a few ingredients, simmer, and serve!
  • Versatile. Use this BBQ sauce for a variety of purposes, from marinade to stir fry to a dipping sauce.
  • Delicious. Accentuate a variety of your favorite dishes with a pop of sweet, savory, earthy, and umami flavors.

Making your own Japanese BBQ sauce is a great way to elevate your grilled dishes and impress your guests. With just a few simple ingredients and a little bit of patience, you can create a sauce that rivals the best Japanese BBQ restaurants.

What Is Japanese BBQ Sauce Made Of?

  • Soy sauce
  • Mirin
  • Sake
  • Brown sugar
  • Honey
  • Ginger
  • Garlic
  • Sesame oil
  • Cornstarch

Is It Sweet?

Yes, Japanese BBQ sauce is typically sweet, savory, and slightly smoky in flavor. The sweetness comes from ingredients like brown sugar and honey, while the savory flavor comes from soy sauce and other umami-rich ingredients like ginger and garlic. The smoky flavor may come from the use of grilled or charred ingredients in the sauce, or from the addition of smoky flavors like sesame oil.

The balance of sweet and savory flavors in this BBQ sauce is what makes it so delicious and versatile.

How To Make Japanese BBQ Sauce

  1. First, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a saucepan.
  2. Next, bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  3. Then, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
  4. In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch has dissolved.
  5. Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce and stir until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
  6. Finally, remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.
  7. Store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one month.
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Variations

  1. Wasabi BBQ sauce - Add a kick of heat to your BBQ sauce by mixing Japanese soy sauce, sugar, mirin, wasabi paste, and rice vinegar.
  2. Citrusy BBQ sauce - Mix together Japanese soy sauce, orange juice, lemon juice, honey, and ginger for a bright and tangy flavor.
  3. Spicy BBQ sauce - Add some spice to your BBQ sauce by mixing Japanese soy sauce, sugar, chili flakes, garlic, and ginger.

Tips And Tricks

  • Thicken it up. If you prefer a thicker sauce, you can increase the amount of cornstarch and water
  • Skip the alcohol. If you keep an alcohol-free kitchen or don’t want to splurge on sake for one recipe, you can substitute chicken broth in this recipe. It will alter the flavor slightly, but it will still taste delicious.
  • Make it sweeter. If you’re using this as a dipping sauce and want the flavors to be more family-friendly and sweet, you can add more brown sugar or honey to taste.

Is Japanese Barbecue Sauce The Same As Teriyaki?

While both Japanese BBQ sauce and teriyaki sauce share some similarities, they are not the same.

Teriyaki sauce is a sweet and savory sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sometimes sake or rice vinegar. It is often used as a marinade or glaze for grilled or broiled meats, seafood, and vegetables. The sauce is usually thickened with cornstarch and can be brushed on the food during the cooking process to create a shiny glaze.

On the other hand, Japanese BBQ sauce is a sweeter and thicker sauce made from soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and various other ingredients like garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. It is primarily used as a dipping sauce or marinade for grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables.

What Is Japanese BBQ Sauce Used For?

Japanese BBQ sauce, also known as yakiniku sauce, is commonly used as a dipping sauce or marinade for grilled meats, seafood, and vegetables in Japanese cuisine. It is a versatile sauce that can be used in various ways.

Here are some of the most popular uses for it:

  1. Dipping Sauce - Japanese BBQ sauce is often served as a dipping sauce alongside grilled meats and vegetables. It pairs well with beef, chicken, pork, shrimp, and vegetables like mushrooms and zucchini.
  2. Marinade - The sweet and savory flavors of the sauce make it an excellent marinade for meats and seafood. Marinating the meat or seafood in the sauce for a few hours or overnight will infuse it with delicious flavor.
  3. Stir Fry Sauce - Yakiniku sauce can also be used as a stir-fry sauce. Simply sauté your favorite vegetables and protein in a pan, and then add the sauce to the pan and stir-fry for a few minutes until everything is coated in the sauce.

How Long Does It Last?

Homemade Japanese BBQ sauce can last for up to one month if stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator.

If the sauce develops an off odor, flavor, or mold, it should be discarded immediately. To prevent any bacterial growth, it is important to always use clean utensils when scooping out the sauce and avoid double-dipping.

Can You Freeze It?

Yes, it can be frozen for later use. It is best to freeze the sauce in an airtight container or a freezer-safe zip-top bag to prevent freezer burn and maintain its quality. The sauce can be frozen for up to three months.

It is important to note that freezing and thawing can alter the texture and flavor of the sauce. While it may not be as good as freshly made sauce, it is still a convenient option for those who want to make a larger batch of and store it for later use.

More Special Sauce Recipes

  • Potsticker Sauce
  • Big Mac Sauce
  • Bang Bang Sauce
  • Baja Sauce
  • Italian Dressing
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Japanese BBQ Sauce | Yakiniku Sauce

Ingredients

  • ▢ 1 cup Soy Sauce
  • ▢ 1/2 cup Sake
  • ▢ 1/2 cup Mirin
  • ▢ 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
  • ▢ 2 cloves Garlic
  • ▢ 1 tbsp Ginger
  • ▢ 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
  • ▢ 1 tbsp Cornstarch
  • ▢ 1 tbsp Honey
  • ▢ 1/4 cup Water

Instructions

  • First, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a saucepan.
  • Next, bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Then, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch has dissolved.
  • Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce and stir until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
  • Finally, remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

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Japanese BBQ Sauce | Yakiniku Sauce

Ingredients

  • 1 cup Soy Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Sake
  • 1/2 cup Mirin
  • 1/2 cup Brown Sugar
  • 2 cloves Garlic
  • 1 tbsp Ginger
  • 1 tbsp Sesame Oil
  • 1 tbsp Cornstarch
  • 1 tbsp Honey
  • 1/4 cup Water

Instructions

  • First, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, brown sugar, honey, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a saucepan.
  • Next, bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
  • Then, reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for about 10 minutes, or until it has thickened slightly.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until the cornstarch has dissolved.
  • Add the cornstarch mixture to the sauce and stir until it has thickened to your desired consistency.
  • Finally, remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool to room temperature.

Japanese BBQ Sauce | Yakiniku Sauce https://twosleevers.com/japanese-bbq-sauce/

This Ham and Cheese Frittata makes a fabulous breakfast , brunch, or a light one pot meal . Plus it’s low carb , keto , and Instant Pot ! The pressure cooker makes really light and fluffy eggs that are an absolute delight.

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Ham And Cheese Frittata | Instant Pot Frittata Recipe

I love making eggs in the Instant Pot. It’s something about the water bath that just makes them cook up smooth and velvety. I have one other frittata recipe that is a reader favorite, and that’s my Keto Poblano Frittata recipe . But a woman cannot live on Poblanos alone. I need variety.

I have an old Broccoli, Ham, and Pepper bake that I made in the oven, but I wanted to try it for the Instant Pot, and of course, since I can’t follow (even my own) recipes, I just sort of looked at it, and then made whatever I felt like. So the proportions for this are different, but they both work.

But I want you to look at the beautiful texture you get from cooking eggs in the Instant Pot or pressure cooker.

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What You’ll Need To Make This Broccoli Fritatta With Ham

  • Ham
  • Bell Peppers
  • Frozen Broccoli
  • Eggs
  • Half and Half
  • Shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • Kosher Salt
  • Ground Black Pepper

One of the things I did this time that I don’t normally fuss with was to layer the veggies and the ham. I do think it made for a much prettier presentation for this Instant Pot Frittata and really it didn’t take that any more time at all. I just had to add one ingredient at a time and that’s all it took to make these layers.

How to Make A Instant Pot Ham And Cheese Frittata

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Liberally butter the bottom of the pan with butter.

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Add a layer of parchment paper.

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Layer Peppers to taste.

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Sprinkle cheese to your liking.

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Now comes the layer of cubed ham.

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Yep. More cheese. It’s the best part.

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A layer of broccoli to add more veggies.

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Whisk eggs, salt and pepper.

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Pour eggs over layered ingredients inside of nonstick pan.

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Cover pan with foil and place on top of trivet inside of your Instant Pot.

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Once finished cooking, use a knife to separate the frittata from the edge of the pan.

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Plate the frittata and enjoy!

Other Brunch Recipes To Consider

  • If you enjoyed this frittata recipe, you may enjoy my Air Fried Herb and Cheese Frittata as well! It’s super delicious and comes together so easily!
  • Another great Instant Pot breakfast recipe option is my Smooth Cardamom Yogurt ! It’s a great grab-and-go option that’s not loaded with sugar like most other yogurts!
  • This recipe also makes a great dish for a Mother’s Day brunch! Check out my Keto Mother’s Day Brunch Recipes post for more great ideas!
  • If you’re a big fan of broccoli, check out my Air Fryer Sesame Ginger Broccoli recipe ! Sesame oil, miso, and chili garlic sauce will make this broccoli the best that you have ever eaten!
  • A great side for this dish is my Cheese Grits recipe ! These savory morsels of deliciousness are sure to become part of your regular breakfast after you’ve tried them.
  • Satisfy your sweet tooth with this keto breakfast favorite Keto Silver Dollar Pancakes.

How To Serve This Ham And Cheese Frittata

Now I want to tell you something interesting. I had intended to serve this Instant Pot Frittata colorful pepper side up. But when I poured in the eggs with cheese, the cheese settled on the top. By this time it was too late to fix anything. But if I were trying it again, I might try sprinkling half the cheese on top of the ham and the other half on top of the broccoli.

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If you’re curious about the technique used in this recipe, watch the video in this post so you can see how Pot in Pot cooking works.

If you love this Instant Pot Ham And Cheese Frittata as much as we do, make sure you share it with your friends on Facebook and Pinterest so they can try it too!

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Broccoli Frittata with Ham and Peppers

Ingredients

  • ▢ 8 ounces ( 226.8 g ) Ham , cubed
  • ▢ 1 cup ( 149 g ) Bell Peppers , sliced
  • ▢ 2 cups ( 182 g ) Frozen Broccoli
  • ▢ 4 Eggs
  • ▢ 1 cup ( 238 ml ) Half and Half
  • ▢ 1 cup ( 113 g ) shredded sharp cheddar cheese
  • ▢ 1 tsp ( 1 tsp ) Kosher Salt
  • ▢ 2 teaspoons ( 2 teaspoons ) Ground Black Pepper

Instructions

  • Grease a silicone brush to get oil or butter into every crevice of my pan.
  • Arrange the sliced sweet peppers in the bottom of the pan
  • Place the cubed ham on top of it.
  • Cover with the frozen broccoli. Before you ask me, yes this will work with fresh broccoli as well, I used frozen because that’s what I had.
  • In a mixing bowl whisk together the eggs, half and half, salt, and pepper.
  • Stir In shredded cheese.
  • Pour the egg mixture on top of your vegetables and ham and cover with foil or a silicone lid.
  • In the inner liner of your instant pot or Pressure cooker, place 2 cups of water.
  • Place a steamer rack on top of this.
  • Place the covered pan on the steamer rack.
  • Cook on high pressure for 30 minutes. Allow it to release pressure naturally for 10 minutes, and then release all remaining pressure.
  • Let it sit for 5-10 minutes. Using a knife, gently loosen the sides of your wondrous creation. Place a plate on top of the pan, and thump out the frittata onto the plate. If you want the pepper and ham side up, you’re done. If you want the cheese side up, flip it on a plate once more.
  • You can broil for 3-4 minutes to get the cheese to melt or serve as is.

Watch The Video

  • Fresh broccoli for frozen
  • Other veggies instead of broccoli and pepper but do not use tomatoes and possibly mushrooms as they will release too much water.
  • Dairy-free milks
  • Individual servings in jars or ramekins, cook 4-5 minutes.
  • Yes, this reheats very well. No, I would not freeze it.
  • If you don’t eat ham, use some other cooked meat. Raw meats will release too much water. Chicken sausage, roast beef chunks, smoked sausage etc. are all good subs.

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Nutrition

Originally Published October 27, 2017

Don’t forget to check out my otherBest-selling Instant Pot Cookbooks!

Indian Instant Pot , Keto Instant Pot, Instant Pot Fast and Easy , Healthy Instant Pot & Vegetarian Instant Pot .

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Want More Instant Pot Recipes?

  • Instant Pot Butter Chicken is an easy 30-minute dinner and you can make rice on top of it, as the video shows.
  • Pressure Cooker Rice and Dal is a great vegetarian rice dinner.
  • This Lebanese Lentil and Rice dish is another great Vegetarian Instant Pot recipe .
  • Instant Pot Indian Khichadi is comfort food in a bowl!
  • Instant Pot Risotto with Shrimp is another one-pot comfort meal.
  • Buffalo chicken casserole for the days you want low carb recipes
  • You might also like low carb Chicken Biryani that uses riced cauliflower.
  • Chicken and Mushrooms are a great combo.
  • My kids love Instant Pot Pork Chops with Rice and Vegetables
  • Zucchini Lasagna - You won’t even miss the pasta.
  • Haluski Recipe - A wonderful cabbage and noodles recipe.