To help celebrate the grand opening of our Memphis Test Kitchen, PMR's Corporate Chef Kim Buchanan created a standout Asian Pear BBQ Sauce that’s both unique and versatile. 

Inspired by the fusion of what makes Memphis an extraordinary city (food, blues music, and Elvis, anyone?) and Korean BBQ flavors, this creative recipe highlights the potential other chefs can achieve with quality kitchen equipment. 

With her inventive BBQ sauce, Chef Kim has crafted a delicious option for operators looking to add a fusion twist to their menus and create a variety of tasty dishes that will wow customers and help create repeat business. 

The Inspiration Behind the BBQ Sauce

Chef Kim’s Asian Pear BBQ Sauce was born from her desire to create something memorable. 

“I wanted to create something unique for the grand opening (of PMR’s Memphis test kitchen).” 

She also drew inspiration from Memphis BBQ traditions while adding her touch with Korean BBQ flavors. The sauce, which combines the sweetness of Asian pear with a hint of smokiness, adds a versatile depth that pairs beautifully with various meats and dishes.

A Special Twist on Korean BBQ Sauce

Chef Kim used the sauce for the Memphis launch to create smoked brisket dumplings to showcase the BBQ sauce, which was a hit among attendees. The dish featured smoked brisket combined with her Asian Pear BBQ sauce, pickled red onion, and a crispy fried dumpling wrapper – a delicious blend of smoky, sweet, and tangy. 

“I didn’t invent it, but it’s my own take on Korean BBQ,” she said, reflecting her culinary philosophy of blending traditional flavors with unexpected twists.

To help prepare the large number of jars that were used as giveaways, Chef Kim utilized the state-of-the-art cooking equipment inside our test kitchen.

Asian Pear BBQ Sauce Recipe

Ready to try this sauce for yourself? Here’s Chef’s recipe for Asian Pear BBQ Sauce:

Best Dishes to Pair with Asian Pear BBQ Sauce

Ready to use Chef Kim’s unique sauce in your foodservice business? Here are some suggestions on menu items where it would fit perfectly. 

Korean BBQ Pulled Pork Sliders

• Why It Works: The sauce’s sweetness from the Asian pear balances with the richness of pulled pork, creating a flavorful bite-sized dish.
• Recipe Idea: Slow-cook pork shoulder, shred, and toss with the BBQ sauce. Serve on soft brioche slider buns with crunchy slaw and pickled radish.

Grilled Chicken Thighs with Asian Pear BBQ Glaze

• Why It Works: The sticky glaze caramelizes on grilled chicken thighs, enhancing their juicy flavor with a touch of smokiness.
• Recipe Idea: Marinate boneless chicken thighs in the BBQ sauce, then grill, brushing with additional sauce during cooking. Serve with grilled vegetables or jasmine rice.

Smoked Brisket Tacos with Asian Pear BBQ Sauce

• Why It Works: The richness of smoked brisket is complemented by the sauce's bright, fruity notes.
• Recipe Idea: Serve smoked brisket in tortillas, drizzled with BBQ sauce topped with pickled onions and cilantro.

Crispy BBQ Pork Belly Buns

• Why It Works: The sauce’s tangy flavors cut through the richness of pork belly for a perfect balance.
• Recipe Idea: Slow-roast pork belly, slice, and coat with BBQ sauce. Serve in steamed bao buns with pickled cucumbers and fresh herbs.

Chef Kim’s Asian Pear BBQ Sauce offers a creative way for foodservice operators to bring a unique, globally-inspired flavor profile to their dishes. This versatile sauce is a simple yet impactful addition to any menu, whether used as a glaze, dipping sauce, or marinade.

Discover more unique recipes and foodservice equipment - schedule time to meet with Chef Kim in Memphis (or Chef Will in Atlanta):