Why Each Balance Grille Sauce Is Unique: Exploring the Flavor Behind Our Pan-Asian Bowls
At Balance Grille, sauces are never an afterthought—they’re the heart of every dish. Drawing from deep culinary traditions across Asia—from China’s rich soy blends to Thailand’s fiery-sweet profiles to the fermented heat of Korea and the subtlety of Japanese glazes—we’ve created signature sauces that are modern, clean, and full of bold flavor.
These aren’t your average fast-casual toppings. They’re carefully developed layers of spice, tang, umami, and sweetness that elevate every bite.
Here’s what makes each Balance Grille sauce stand out—and which bowls you’ll find them in.
Teriyaki: The Sweet and Savory Crowd-Pleaser
Where soy, sweetness, and sizzle come together in harmony.
- Origins: Born from Japanese culinary tradition, “teriyaki” means “glossy grill.” While traditionally used for fish, it evolved into a staple in American-Asian cuisine, known for its balanced sweetness and depth.
- Flavor Profile: Savory, slightly sweet, and richly umami, with hints of garlic and ginger. Teriyaki clings beautifully to fresh veggies and protein, delivering a smooth, craveable finish.
Gochujang: Korea’s Spicy Fermented Powerhouse
Sweet, spicy, and packed with fermented depth.
- Origins: A cornerstone of Korean cuisine, Gochujang is a slow-fermented chili paste made from rice, soybeans, and red pepper. It’s known for complexity, heat, and deep umami.
- Flavor: Bold and layered. A rich combo of spice, tang, and a touch of sweetness with a slow-burning kick that lingers.

Fourstar (General Tso’s): The American-Chinese Fusion Classic
A sweet, tangy, and spicy homage to the iconic takeout favorite—reimagined, Balance-style.
- Origin:
Though inspired by traditional Hunan flavors, the now-famous General Tso’s sauce was actually born in American-Chinese kitchens. Named (loosely) after a Qing dynasty general, the dish took off in New York in the 1970s and quickly became a takeout staple across the U.S.
At Balance Grille, we put our own twist on this legend and call it Fourstar—a flavor-forward fusion sauce with roots in tradition and a future in fast-casual innovation.
- Flavor Profile:
Fourstar is all about contrast. Think bold sweetness, balanced with a vinegar tang and a warming punch of dried chilies. It clings perfectly to wok-fired proteins or crispy tofu, creating that sticky, spicy, and sweet bite that makes this sauce unforgettable.
SassyMe (Sesame Sauce): Toasty, Nutty, and Comforting
Our bold, toasty soy-based take on a classic sesame sauce.
- Origin:
Rooted in Chinese and Japanese cuisine, sesame sauce has long been a favorite in noodle shops, dumpling houses, and chilled salad bars across Asia. Traditionally made with toasted sesame paste (or tahini), soy sauce, vinegar, and garlic, it’s a staple that brings comfort and complexity in one bite.
- Flavor Profile:
SassyMe is savory and nutty with a toasty depth from the sesame, perfectly balanced by the umami richness of soy sauce. It’s light, flavorful, and adds a satisfying layer of warmth without heaviness.
Wiseman (Szechuan Sauce): The Fiery Flavor Bomb
A bold, spicy masterpiece inspired by Sichuan’s legendary heat.
- Origin:
Straight from the Sichuan region of China, Szechuan sauce is a staple for spice lovers. Known for its unmistakable mala effect (a numbing, tingling heat), this sauce combines fermented chili bean paste, garlic, soy sauce, and toasted spices. It’s a flavor powerhouse with deep culinary roots—and just enough edge to keep things exciting.
- Flavor Profile:
WiseMan delivers a punchy, garlicky, smoky heat with a complex, umami-rich base. It’s not just about being spicy—it’s about building flavor with every bite.

Bowls To Try At Balance Grille
If you’re a fan of bold pan-Asian sauces, dive into our signature bowls that showcase a wide spectrum of flavors:
SassyMe
Our bright, toasty soy-based sesame sauce wraps fresh kale, crunchy peapods, and seasonal sprouts in a crisp, refreshing bite. With its light, nutty depth and subtle tang, every forkful is vibrant and crave-worthy.
Teriyaki
Experience the perfect harmony of sweet and savory with our classic Japanese-style teriyaki sauce, rich with soy, ginger, and garlic. This glossy glaze elevates fresh veggies, delivering an umami-packed punch with every mouthful
Korean Bibimbap
Gochujang sauce brings bold heat, tang, and subtle sweetness to this colorful, veggie-packed bowl. The fermented spice melds perfectly with every ingredient, creating a deeply satisfying Korean flavor journey.
Thai Guy
Our creamy Thai-style peanut sauce blends carrots, crushed peanuts, and micro cilantro into a rich, nutty symphony. It adds warmth and a smooth, spicy finish, transforming this bowl into a comforting flavor powerhouse.
Wiseman
Featuring our fiery Szechuan sauce, this bowl delivers layered flavors—sweet, spicy, and deeply savory. The bold heat and rich undertones elevate everyday veggies into an unforgettable meal.

You can get any of these bowls from our outlets across Ohio, including Toledo, Sylvania, Cleveland, and Perrysburg. And that’s just the beginning — explore our extensive menu of bowls, tacos, salads, and more, all bursting with unique sauces and fresh ingredients.
Why Sauce Selection Matters in Fast-Casual Pan-Asian Cuisine
Sauces are the soul of many Asian cuisines, and pan-Asian cooking wouldn’t be complete without them. At Balance Grille, we celebrate this rich heritage by putting an innovative spin on classic Asian sauces, crafting bold, fresh flavors you can enjoy in under 10 minutes.
Our sauces are made with natural oils, fermented bases, and real spices—never heavy cream—so every bite feels light, vibrant, and satisfying.
Try These Sauces Today at Balance Grille
Stop by Balance Grille to explore a diverse menu of bowls, tacos, and salads — including diet-friendly options — all elevated by our unique, inventive Pan-Asian sauces. Experience the exciting fusion of authentic Asian flavors with fresh, modern cooking.
Discover the magic that happens when tradition meets innovation. Discover the Balance.