Momofuku’s “So Delicious” Korean BBQ Sauces Are Finally Back in Stock — And I’m Grabbing a Bunch Before They Sell Out Again

When I can, I enjoy spending time in my kitchen. I love trying out new recipes and experimenting with new meals, but I don’t often have time to indulge. Whether I’m exhausted after a long day or I don’t get home until late — which is more common during the holiday season — I’m often more focused on speed and convenience than getting crafty. That’s why I’m such a fan of Momofuku: Its popular ramen noodles taste like they came out of a restaurant, but they’re ready to eat in minutes.

Another hack from the brand that I use to step up my meals? Its newer Korean BBQ Sauces. Condiments are a simple, effortless way to take a meal from basic to interesting and flavor-packed, and Momofuku’s so-delicious Sweet & Spicy and Sweet & Savory sauces do just that; they’ve become a staple in my pantry over the past few months. The condiment duo was sold out until recently, which is why I had to let you know that it’s back on (digital) shelves — just in time for gifting season.

Momofuku’s online store has taken off recently, but the noodle brand has been around for two decades. Starting in 2004, chef David Chang began opening acclaimed restaurants across the U.S., and in recent years allowed shoppers to snag the brand’s tasty offerings online. Although it’s most known for its easy noodle packets, the brand also offers a number of other pantry essentials, including toppings (like its spicy Chili Crunch) and sauces.

The Korean BBQ sauces, although a newer addition to the website, have been around for as long as the restaurant has. The brand says they’ve been “workhorses” in their kitchens for decades — their flavors are key in the Momofuku pantry and Chang’s Korean American upbringing. In fact, they’re inspired by dishes that Chang’s mother made while he was growing up.

Made of gochujang (a fermented Korean chili paste), black pepper, soy, and garlic, the Sweet & Spicy sauce is an updated version of the brand’s now-retired Ssäm Sauce, and it’s been in development for the past five years. “We adjusted ratios to balance the acidity, dialed in the perfect amount of heat, and, most importantly, adjusted the consistency to broaden its applications,” Momofuku says of the Sweet & Spicy and Sweet & Savory sauces. The latter consists of soy sauce, fresh ginger, and pear. 

I can’t get over how well these bold and tart sauces pair with a variety of dishes. I’ve used both sauces mixed into the brand’s noodles, made into a dipping sauce for chicken, and drizzled over cheese pizza. I’ve discovered so many applications on all of my favorite foods. I still stand by what I wrote in my initial review: “The consistency is perfect — it’s thicker than galbi marinades and closer to American barbecue sauce — and it drizzles smoothly out of the bottle for extra precision.”

Haley, our commerce SEO writer, still swears by them too. “I used the Sweet & Spicy on my ramen noodles (which weren’t Momofuku’s), and they went from bland to flavorful in no time,” she says. “This sauce definitely has a kick and is a bit salty, but my taste buds loved every bite. As for the Sweet & Savory, I drizzled it on top of chicken and rice, and it was delicious. It added the perfect flavor without the spicy kick and complemented the veggies I had mixed in.”

Taking your dinners (and leftovers) to the next level has never been easier. It doesn’t surprise me that these sauces sold out quickly the first time around, so I recommend adding them to your cart before they’re gone again. They would make an excellent stocking stuffer for anyone — experienced home chef or not. I’m definitely grabbing a few for myself, too!

Buy: Korean BBQ Sauce Duos, $26