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Traditional Yakiniku Sauce (Natural and Authentic Version)
Traditional Yakiniku Sauce (Natural and Authentic Version)
焼肉のたれ (Yakiniku no Tare)
Ingredients:
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4 tablespoons of 醤油 (しょうゆ, shōyu) — Naturally fermented organic soy sauce (e.g., Kikkoman organic, Yamasa)
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2 tablespoons of 本みりん (ほんみりん, hon mirin) — Traditional mirin (e.g., Takara)
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2 tablespoons of 酒 (さけ, sake) — Quality table sake, organic if possible (e.g., Gekkeikan organic)
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1 tablespoon of 黒糖 (こくとう, kokutō) — Unrefined cane sugar or Japanese brown sugar (or organic coconut sugar)
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1/2 teaspoon of grated 生姜 (しょうが, shōga) — Fresh ginger
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1 clove of ニンニク (にんにく, ninniku) — Finely chopped garlic
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1 tablespoon of grated りんご (ringo) — Fuji apple or Pink Lady (sweet and crisp)
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1 teaspoon of ごま油 (ごまあぶら, goma abura) — Unrefined toasted sesame oil, cold-pressed, organic if possible
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(Optional): Some toasted 白ごま (しろごま, shiro goma) — White sesame seeds for garnish
Preparation:
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In a small saucepan, combine the shōyu, mirin, sake, and kokutō.
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Heat gently over low heat, stirring until the sugar is fully dissolved (do not boil).
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Add the shōga, ninniku, and grated ringo.
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Let simmer for 5–10 minutes to blend the flavors.
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Remove from heat and stir in the toasted sesame oil.
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Let cool to room temperature.
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Optionally, sprinkle shiro goma before serving for extra texture and flavor.
Notes:
This sauce highlights the delicate balance of Japanese flavors: the saltiness of shōyu, the natural sweetness of mirin and apple, the sharpness of ginger and garlic, and the roasted depth of unrefined toasted sesame oil.
Usage Suggestions:
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Meat BBQ (焼肉, Yakiniku): Use as a marinade or basting sauce for beef, pork, or chicken on the grill.
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Skewers (串焼き, Kushiyaki): Great as a dipping sauce for grilled meat skewers.
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Grilled Vegetables: Adds umami and mild sweetness to grilled eggplant, mushrooms, peppers, or zucchini.
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Gyozas (餃子): Ideal as a dipping sauce for Japanese dumplings.
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Noodles (うどん, そば): Mix into udon or soba noodles for a quick, flavorful meal.
Conclusion:
Yakiniku no Tare (焼肉のたれ) is a cornerstone of Japanese barbecue culture. Its perfect harmony of salty, sweet, tangy, and smoky notes makes it a versatile homemade sauce far superior to industrial alternatives. A time-honored tradition worth preserving and sharing.