Korean BBQ Marinade

Korean BBQ marinade is a flavorful blend used to season meats like beef, pork, or chicken before grilling, typically featuring soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and sweeteners like sugar or pear juice. Originating from Korea, it's a cornerstone of the country's beloved barbecue culture, where marinated meats are grilled at the table and enjoyed with various side dishes.

🍳 View the full Korean BBQ Marinade recipe →

🍽️ Nutrition at a glance

This marinade is generally low in carbohydrates and protein but can be moderate in fat due to sesame oil, with most calories coming from small amounts of sugar and oil. It provides key nutrients like sodium from soy sauce, antioxidants from garlic and ginger, and healthy fats from sesame oil, with a rough calorie estimate of 30-50 calories per tablespoon serving.

Nutrition breakdown

Calories	50 kcal
Protein	2 g
Carbs	8 g
Fat	1.5 g
Fiber	0.5 g
Sugar	6 g
Sodium	800 mg
Sodium	800 mg
Potassium	120 mg
Iron	0.5 mg
Vitamin B6	0.1 mg
Niacin (B3)	0.8 mg
Manganese	0.3 mg
Selenium	2 mcg
Phosphorus	30 mg

Per 1/4 cup (60 g) · estimated, varies by recipe

💡 What's interesting

Culturally, Korean BBQ marinades often incorporate traditional ingredients like Asian pear or kiwi, which act as natural tenderizers due to their enzymes, reflecting a harmonious blend of flavor and food science in Korean culinary traditions.