Copycat Wing Stop Korean BBQ Sauce Recipe

Sweet, spicy, and umami-rich Korean BBQ sauce with the perfect balance of gochujang heat, soy depth, and honey sweetness that coats wings better than the Wing Stop original.
Difficulty:
Beginner
Prep Time:
5 mins
Cook Time:
15 mins
Serves:
350 ml sauce (enough for 1 kg wings)
An overhead shot of glossy, deep red-brown Korean BBQ sauce being drizzled from a small ceramic pouring vessel onto a batch of golden-brown chicken wings arranged on a matte black plate. Natural window light highlights the sauce's sticky, shiny texture as it clings to the wings, with specks of sesame seeds and finely chopped green onions scattered on top. In the background, a small bowl of extra sauce sits beside scattered sesame seeds, dried chilies, and a brush with sauce traces, all positioned on a rustic wooden board that contrasts with the rich sauce color.

Ingredients

<ul class="ingredients-main-list"> <li class="ingredients-single-item">120ml soy sauce (reduced sodium preferred)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">60ml honey</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">50g brown sugar</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">45g gochujang paste (Korean red pepper paste)</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">30ml rice vinegar</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">15ml sesame oil</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons minced garlic</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon minced ginger</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 green onions, finely chopped</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">1 tablespoon cornstarch</li> <li class="ingredients-single-item">2 tablespoons cold water</li> </ul>

Equipment

<ul class="equipment-main-list"> <li class="equipment-single-item">Small saucepan</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Whisk</li> <li class="equipment-single-item">Glass jar for storage</li> </ul>
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Directions

<ol class="no-list-style"> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 1</h4> Combine the soy sauce, honey, brown sugar, gochujang paste, rice vinegar, and sesame oil in a small saucepan. The combination of these ingredients creates the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and tangy flavors essential to authentic Korean BBQ sauce. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 2</h4> Add the minced garlic and ginger to the saucepan. Fresh aromatics will infuse the sauce with depth and complexity as they cook down – don't substitute dried versions if possible as they won't provide the same bright flavor profile. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 3</h4> Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring frequently to prevent the sugars from burning on the bottom. The sauce should bubble lightly but not boil vigorously. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 4</h4> Reduce the heat to medium-low and simmer for about 8-10 minutes, until the sauce begins to reduce slightly and the ingredients are well incorporated. You'll notice it becoming more fragrant as the garlic and ginger infuse throughout. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 5</h4> In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until completely smooth to create a slurry. It's important to use cold water as hot water can cause the cornstarch to clump before it's incorporated into the sauce. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 6</h4> Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly to prevent lumps. The sauce will begin to thicken within 1-2 minutes as the cornstarch activates with heat. Continue to cook for 2-3 more minutes until the sauce reaches a glossy, coating consistency. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 7</h4> Remove from heat and stir in the toasted sesame seeds and green onions. The residual heat will gently release the oils from the sesame seeds, enhancing the nutty flavor throughout the sauce. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 8</h4> Allow the sauce to cool for 10-15 minutes before using. As it cools, it will continue to thicken slightly to the perfect wing-coating consistency. The sauce can be used immediately while still warm or stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. </li> <li class="MethodStepper"> <h4 class="step-title">Step 9</h4> For using with wings, toss freshly fried or baked wings in the warm sauce to coat evenly. For the authentic Wing Stop experience, double-coat your wings by letting the first layer of sauce set for a minute before tossing again. Garnish with additional sesame seeds and green onions before serving. </li> </ol>

Nutrition Facts (per serving)

🍽️ Serving Size: 1 serving
🔥 Calories: 48 calories
🥑 Fat: 1 g
🧈 Saturated Fat: 0.2 g
🍞 Carbohydrates: 10 g
🍭 Sugar: 8 g
🍗 Protein: 1 g
🫀 Cholesterol: 0 mg
🧂 Sodium: 380 mg

Chef’s Notes

A few helpful details for making this recipe.

Is gochujang paste essential for authentic Korean BBQ sauce?

Yes, gochujang paste is crucial for authentic Korean BBQ flavour. This fermented red pepper paste provides the distinctive spicy, sweet, and umami notes that define Korean cuisine. While you could substitute with other chilli pastes, the unique depth and complexity of gochujang is difficult to replicate.

How long does homemade Korean wing sauce stay fresh?

When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, homemade Korean wing sauce stays fresh for up to one week. The high sugar and salt content acts as natural preservatives. The sauce may thicken when chilled; simply reheat gently with a splash of water to restore its coating consistency.

What's the best way to apply sauce to wings for maximum flavour?

For maximum flavour, toss freshly cooked wings in warm sauce while they're still hot. The double-coating method works best: coat wings once, let them rest for a minute to absorb the sauce, then toss again for an extra-thick glaze. Finish with a sprinkle of sesame seeds and green onions.

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