Top Korean BBQ Sauce Brands You Need to Try

Korean BBQ sauce has gained popularity around the world for its rich, savory flavors that perfectly complement meats and vegetables alike. With its unique balance of sweetness, spice, and umami, finding the right brand can elevate your culinary creations to new heights. From traditional recipes to modern twists, several brands stand out for their high-quality ingredients and authentic taste. Whether you're a seasoned home chef or a curious newcomer, discover some of the top-rated Korean BBQ sauce brands to try below.

Illustration of korean bbq sauce

Best brands of korean bbq sauce in 2025

Sempio

Sempio Foods Company is renowned as Korea's leading producer of soy sauce and other condiments, holding a significant 60% market share in the domestic soy sauce market. Established in 1946 as Samsi Soy Sauce Brewery, Sempio has evolved under the leadership of the Park family, particularly since 2016 when the third-generation leader Park Jin-sun took over, leading to improved profitability with operating margins rising from 5% in 2017 to 13% in 2020. The company's products, such as its BBQ Bulgogi Sauce, utilize high-quality ingredients like naturally brewed soy sauce and added fruit purees, enhancing the flavor and texture of Korean barbecue. Sempio's overseas sales have also seen growth, reaching approximately 54.42 billion South Korean won in 2023. The brand's commitment to quality and innovation has made it a staple in Korean cuisine. For more information about their products, visit their BBQ Bulgogi Sauce page.

CJ Bibigo

CJ CheilJedang's Bibigo brand has emerged as a leading producer of Korean BBQ sauce, driving significant growth in overseas markets. In the U.S., Bibigo's BBQ sauce is part of a broader product line that has helped the brand become America's leading Korean food brand, with Bibigo mandu holding a market share of over 48.4% in the UK's frozen dumpling market as of 2023. The company's strategic expansion, including the acquisition of Schwan's in 2019, has fueled a 37% average annual growth rate from 2019 to 2023. Bibigo's products, such as Korean BBQ sauce, dumplings, and kimchi, are now available in major retailers across North America, Europe, and Australia, with sales in Australia surging by 70% in the first quarter of 2024. This success has been bolstered by the company's commitment to authentic Korean cuisine and localized flavors.

Bibigo Go-Chu-Jang

Bibigo's Go-Chu-Jang sauce is a leading product in the Korean BBQ sauce market, known for its dynamic and complex flavors of savory, spicy, and sweet notes. Developed from a recipe over 1,000 years old, this fermented hot pepper paste is highly versatile and can be used in various dishes, from soups and stews to marinades and dips. Bibigo's Gochujang is made with red chili, soybeans, wheat, and salt, and it uses soy sauce and cane sugar to achieve a perfectly balanced flavor with an umami kick. The global demand for Bibigo's Gochujang is significant, with North America accounting for over 40% of the global revenue in 2024, driven by rising consumer interest in spicy and Korean food. This sauce is widely available in traditional retail stores such as Target, Sprouts, and HEB.

Chung Jung One

Chung Jung One is a leading brand in the production of Korean BBQ sauce, known for its high-quality and traditionally crafted products. The company, part of Daesang, took the lead in the rice-based Gochujang era in 2009 and further solidified its position with the introduction of brown rice-based Gochujang in 2015. Their sauces, such as the Premium Korean BBQ Sauce, blend Asian flavors like soy sauce, sesame oil, and Gochujang with traditional American BBQ flavors, making them a favorite among chefs and consumers alike. Chung Jung One's products are manufactured with rigorous quality control, earning them HACCP and LOHAS certificates, and are available in over 2,000 retail locations across the US. The brand is also expanding its global presence, aiming to export its traditional sauces to approximately 100 countries.

Kikkoman

Kikkoman, a leading producer of soy sauce and related products, has established itself as a top brand for Korean BBQ sauce with its Takumi Korean BBQ product. This sauce is crafted with a balance of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil, along with apples and pears for an authentic taste. It serves as a versatile glaze, sauce, or dip, enhancing the flavor of various meats and vegetables. Kikkoman's strong market presence is highlighted by its high market share in the U.S. home-use soy sauce market, which reached an all-time high of 55% in 2000. The company's global operations, including plants in the U.S., Asia, and other regions, support its growing demand and market expansion.

Lee Kum Kee

Lee Kum Kee, established in 1888, is a renowned global brand specializing in authentic Asian sauces and condiments, including its highly acclaimed Korean BBQ Sauce. This sauce, made with a blend of smoky, Asian spice, sesame, and sweet flavors, is a favorite among consumers seeking unique culinary experiences. Lee Kum Kee's commitment to quality and innovation has enabled the company to expand its product range to over 300 types of sauces and condiments, available in more than 100 countries. The brand's recent investment of up to $288 million in a new manufacturing facility in LaGrange, Georgia, underscores its dedication to meeting the growing demand for Asian cuisines in the Americas. With a rich history of over 135 years, Lee Kum Kee continues to be a leading name in the sauces and condiments market.

We Rub You

We Rub You is a highly regarded brand for Korean BBQ sauce, known for its all-natural, vegan, and gluten-free ingredients. Their Original Korean BBQ Marinade, made in small batches in the USA, combines the umami of soy sauce, the sweetness of apple, and the nuttiness of sesame, among other flavors. This marinade is Non-GMO Project Verified and free from MSG, high fructose, and artificial ingredients. It is ideal for making popular dishes like bulgogi and can be used as a cooking sauce, BBQ sauce, or marinade. With its family recipe and high-quality ingredients, We Rub You stands out in the growing barbecue sauce market, which is expected to reach $2.33 billion by 2028.

Annie Chun's

Annie Chun's is a pioneering brand in the production of Korean BBQ sauce and other Asian-inspired foods, founded by Annie Chun in 1992 in San Rafael, California. The brand has seen significant growth, particularly with the seven-fold increase in kimchi exports to the American market over the past decade. Annie Chun's forged a strategic partnership with CJ Corp. in 2005, enhancing its ability to introduce authentic and innovative Asian flavors. Their products, including the Korean BBQ sauce, are known for being healthy, delicious, and convenient, catering to various dietary needs such as vegetarian, organic, and gluten-free options. The brand's commitment to balancing traditional Asian flavors with the American palate has made it a leader in the market.

Mother-in-Law's

Mother-in-Law's is a renowned brand that excels in producing authentic Korean BBQ sauces and condiments, particularly its gochujang, which was launched in 2014 and is celebrated for its clean ingredients and absence of MSG or corn syrup. The brand's commitment to traditional handcrafted processes ensures a deeper, more balanced flavor profile. Founded by Lauryn Chun, Mother-in-Law's also offers high-quality gochugaru flakes and kimchi, with the original "House" kimchi recipe being a best seller since its launch in 2009. The brand's products are highly regarded for their umami taste and moderate heat, making them a staple in many Korean pantries. Mother-in-Law's dedication to quality and tradition has made it a favorite among those seeking authentic Korean flavors.

Yondu

Yondu, produced by Sempio Foods Company, a third-generation family-owned business since 1946, is a standout in the realm of Korean BBQ and umami sauces. Made from non-GMO, organic soybeans triple-fermented over 100 days and blended with a concentrated vegetable broth, Yondu is naturally gluten-free and USDA certified organic. It contains zero calories, carbohydrates, protein, or fat, but adds instant savory flavor to dishes without overpowering them. With 55 servings per 9-fluid-ounce bottle and 350 milligrams of sodium per serving, Yondu is a versatile and healthy alternative to traditional sauces. It is shelf-stable and can be used in a variety of cuisines, from Korean to Italian.