Introduction
Yangnyeom sauce is a famous Korean sauce most commonly used for Korean fried chicken. The word “yangnyeom” (양념) in Korean means seasoning, and in a fried chicken shop it refers to the sweet and spicy sauce used to coat the chicken.
This sauce is known for its unique balance of sweet, spicy, and savory flavors. It is typically made with gochujang, garlic, sugar, soy sauce, and sometimes ketchup or corn syrup. When combined together, these ingredients create a thick red sauce that perfectly coats crispy fried chicken.
Korean fried chicken has become extremely popular worldwide, and yangnyeom sauce is one of the main reasons for its success. The sauce adds bold flavor and a glossy finish to fried chicken, making it both visually appealing and delicious.
Yangnyeom Sauce at a Glance
- What it is: a sweet and spicy Korean sauce, best known for coating fried chicken (yangnyeom chicken)
- Main ingredients: gochujang, garlic, soy sauce, sugar or corn syrup, and often ketchup
- Taste: sweet first, then mild chili heat, with garlic and a savory finish
- Texture: thick, sticky and glossy
- Homemade time: about 10 minutes (recipe below)
What is Yangnyeom Sauce Made Of?
Yangnyeom sauce is usually made from a combination of gochujang, garlic, soy sauce, sugar, and sometimes ketchup. These ingredients create a sweet and spicy base that is commonly used for Korean fried chicken.
Gochujang provides the deep red color and chili flavor that defines the sauce. Garlic adds aroma and richness, while soy sauce contributes saltiness and depth. Sugar or corn syrup balances the heat with sweetness.
Some variations of the sauce also include honey, rice syrup, or gochugaru (Korean chili flakes) to enhance flavor and texture. The final sauce is usually thick and glossy so it can coat fried chicken evenly.
What Does Yangnyeom Sauce Taste Like?
Yangnyeom sauce has a bold flavor that combines sweetness, spiciness, and savory richness. The sweetness softens the chili heat, while the garlic and soy sauce add depth. Most versions are only moderately spicy, so even people who do not eat very spicy food usually enjoy it.
The sauce is thick and sticky, allowing it to coat crispy fried chicken perfectly. When applied to hot chicken, the sauce creates a glossy red layer that is both flavorful and visually appealing.
Popular Korean Dishes That Use Yangnyeom Sauce
Yangnyeom Chicken
Yangnyeom chicken is crispy fried chicken coated with sweet and spicy yangnyeom sauce. The sauce gives the chicken a rich flavor and glossy appearance. This dish is one of the most famous Korean fried chicken styles and is often enjoyed with Korean soju or beer.
Korean Fried Chicken
Korean fried chicken is known for its extra crispy texture and flavorful sauces. Yangnyeom sauce is one of the most popular choices used to coat the chicken, and many shops also offer “banban” (half-and-half): half plain fried, half yangnyeom.
Dakgangjeong
Dakgangjeong is a Korean dish made with bite-sized fried chicken pieces coated in sweet and spicy sauce. The sauce is similar to yangnyeom sauce and creates a crunchy, sticky coating.
Other Ways to Use It
Yangnyeom sauce also works as a glaze for chicken wings, pork ribs, fried tofu, cauliflower bites and rice cakes, or as a dipping sauce for fries.
Easy Homemade Yangnyeom Sauce Recipe (10 Minutes)
This makes enough sauce to coat about 1 kg (2 lb) of fried chicken.
Ingredients
- 2 tbsp gochujang (Korean chili paste)
- 3 tbsp ketchup
- 3 tbsp corn syrup, rice syrup or honey
- 1 tbsp soy sauce
- 1 tbsp brown sugar
- 1 tbsp minced garlic
- 2 tbsp water
- 1 tsp gochugaru (optional, for more heat)
- Toasted sesame seeds and crushed peanuts for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Mix. Add all sauce ingredients to a small pan and stir until smooth.
- Simmer. Cook over low to medium heat for 2–3 minutes, stirring, until the sauce bubbles and turns glossy. Do not let it burn, as the sugar scorches easily.
- Coat. Turn off the heat, add freshly fried chicken and toss quickly so every piece is covered.
- Finish. Sprinkle with sesame seeds or crushed peanuts and serve right away while the coating is still crisp.
Tip: For a milder sauce, use 1 tbsp gochujang and add an extra tablespoon of ketchup. For a spicier one, add the gochugaru or a little more gochujang.
Where to Buy Yangnyeom Sauce
Ready-made yangnyeom sauce is sold as “Korean fried chicken sauce” or “Korean chicken sauce” in Korean grocery stores and online. Brands such as Surasang and Funtable make sauces that closely resemble traditional yangnyeom sauce and can be used as a coating or dipping sauce.
United States
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Surasang Korean Fried Chicken Sauce
https://www.amazon.com/Surasang-Korean-Chicken-Gochuang-Garlic/dp/B09XB4454F
Funtable Korean Chicken Sauce
https://www.amazon.com/Funtable-Delicious-Korean-Chicken-14-1oz/dp/B098QQ55W5
More options on Amazon
https://www.amazon.com/s?k=korean+fried+chicken+sauce
H-Mart
https://www.hmart.com/search?type=product&q=chicken sauce
Canada
Amazon Canada
https://www.amazon.ca/s?k=korean+fried+chicken+sauce
Europe
Amazon UK
https://www.amazon.co.uk/s?k=korean+fried+chicken+sauce
Delli Market
https://delli.market/products/korean-spicy-chicken-sauce
How to Store Yangnyeom Sauce
Store homemade yangnyeom sauce in a sealed container in the refrigerator and use it within about one week. Store-bought sauce should be refrigerated after opening and used by the date on the label.
Yangnyeom Sauce FAQ
Is yangnyeom sauce spicy?
It is mildly to moderately spicy. The sugar, syrup and ketchup balance the heat of the gochujang, so it tastes sweet first and spicy second.
What does yangnyeom mean?
Yangnyeom (양념) simply means “seasoning” in Korean. On a Korean chicken menu, “yangnyeom chicken” means chicken coated in this sweet and spicy sauce.
Is yangnyeom sauce the same as gochujang?
No. Gochujang is a thick fermented chili paste. Yangnyeom sauce uses gochujang as a base but adds garlic, sweeteners and other seasonings, so it is sweeter, thinner and ready to use.
Can I make yangnyeom sauce without gochujang?
You can make a similar sauce with ketchup, honey, garlic, soy sauce and gochugaru or another chili powder, but it will lack the fermented depth of gochujang. For the authentic taste, gochujang is recommended.
Conclusion
Yangnyeom sauce is the sweet, spicy and garlicky sauce behind Korean yangnyeom chicken. You can buy it ready-made or make it at home in about 10 minutes with gochujang, ketchup, syrup, soy sauce and garlic. Want to explore more? See our guides to tteokbokki sauce and chogochujang.
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