This New Costco Find Is My Favorite—I’m Obsessed

A few years ago, while roaming the Costco aisles in search of all the sample kiosks—as one does on Sample Sundays—I stumbled across a new sauce: Bachan’s Japanese BBQ Sauce. Served with the Kirkland Signature Italian Meatballs (an odd yet innovative combination), this sweet and tangy sauce became a quick favorite.  

Since then, I’ve always kept a bottle of Bachan’s in my apartment, and it’s become an all-purpose sauce whenever I need a quick meal. You can imagine my excitement when Bachan’s released a variety pack at Costco. I’ve been using it all summer long!

Why I Love Bachan’s Variety Pack

Three reasons: Yuzu, Miso, and Hot & Spicy. These are the new-to-me flavors included in Costco’s variety pack, and as a sauce enthusiast—my faves have a permanent spot on my kitchen counter—all I can say is I am obsessed.

The yuzu flavor gets its zesty tartness from yuzu fruit, a citrus that tastes like a mix between a lemon, grapefruit, and an orange. The miso sauce is nutty and full of umami. In fact, according to Bachan’s, they use red and white miso for a robust, “insanely savory” taste.

The hot and spicy flavor adds a little kick to Bachan’s traditional flavor, a good entry spice level for those with a lower spice tolerance. Personally, I would’ve preferred it spicier, which is why I am excited to try the brand’s new flavor: Hella Hot. 

Each sauce is drastically different and offers a unique flavor profile while keeping the beloved Bachan’s sweet and savory teriyaki flavor. I have yet to come across another teriyaki brand as flavorful as Bachan’s.

How I Use Bachan’s Sauces

The way I use Bachan’s sauces usually depends on what I’m craving, but my summertime favorite is as a BBQ sauce. Whether roasting chicken skewers for one on my mini yakitori grill or cooking up a spread of protein on my charcoal grill, these sauces are an easy way for me to enjoy summer grilling season.

Once the protein is partially cooked, I brush on the sauce of the day (I alternate between the three) and let it caramelize. The mirin, an ingredient found in all teriyaki sauces, caramelizes as the sauce cooks over the fire, leaving a delicious char. I usually make it into a full meal with a bowl of rice and simple roasted vegetables. 

When I can’t be bothered to stand outside in the blistering summer heat, I use Bachan’s as a dipping sauce for store-bought dumplings and chicken nuggets, as a glaze for indoor Korean BBQ, as a quick marinade for sheet pan meals, and even as a salad dressing. The options are endless. 

Bachan’s leans into its products being multi-purpose sauces, stating that they are good as “a sauce or marinade on meat, fish, veggies, rice & anything in-between” and shares recipes for fans on its website and Instagram account. Recently, I’ve enjoyed its Umami Smashed Potatoes and Miso Gyudon Beef Bowl.