Ready to make the most irresistible condiment you’ll ever bring to your table? This homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe hits every note—sweet, savory, just a kiss of tangy brightness, and a glossy texture that clings beautifully to anything you drizzle it on. Whether you’re pouring it over a steaming bowl of sticky rice or using it as a marinade for your next stir-fry, this sauce brings out bold, authentic flavors in a way that no bottled version ever could. If you’re searching for a trusted, all-purpose Teriyaki Sauce Recipe, look no further—this one instantly became a staple in my kitchen, and I can’t wait to share it with you!
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Teriyaki Sauce Recipe lies in its humble ingredients—each one plays a vital role in building rich umami, complex sweetness, and a satisfying finish. Don’t be fooled by the simplicity: get these right, and you’ll have a restaurant-quality sauce in minutes!
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The salty, savory backbone of teriyaki—using low-sodium keeps it balanced and prevents it from being too overpowering.
- Water: Thins the sauce just enough so it’s pourable and versatile, perfect whether you’re glazing or dipping.
- Rice vinegar: Adds brightness and a gentle tang, lifting the sauce and keeping it from tasting one-dimensional.
- Brown sugar: Delivers deep caramel notes and helps develop that characteristic teriyaki stickiness.
- Honey: Rounds out the sweetness and gives a gorgeous glossy finish—plus just a hint of floral flavor.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce to that perfect silky consistency; skip this and your sauce just won’t cling right.
- Cold water (for slurry): Essential for mixing with the cornstarch so you get a smooth sauce, not clumps.
- Minced garlic: Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth—always use fresh for the best results!
- Grated fresh ginger: Offers a spicy, zesty note that takes teriyaki from flat to fabulous.
- Sesame oil (optional): Just a drizzle imparts toasty, nutty complexity at the very end—highly recommended if you have it!
How to Make Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Assemble and Combine Ingredients
Start by measuring out all your ingredients—mise en place really does make things easier here. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add your low-sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger. Give everything a quick stir; you’ll already notice the incredible aroma filling your kitchen.
Step 2: Simmer the Mixture
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, not a boil. Stir occasionally to help the sugar dissolve and the flavors meld. This is where the base of your Teriyaki Sauce Recipe comes alive, allowing the garlic and ginger to infuse every drop with their signature warmth.
Step 3: Make and Add the Slurry
In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water to form a smooth slurry. This is key to giving your sauce that perfect, restaurant-style body—don’t skip or rush this part! Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce, and watch as it transforms almost instantly.
Step 4: Thicken and Finish the Sauce
Keep the sauce on low heat, stirring frequently as it thickens—it takes just about 3 to 5 minutes. When it’s ready, your spatula should leave a trail through the sauce, and the sweet-salty aroma should be fully developed. Remove it from the heat and, if you like, stir in sesame oil for a toasty finish. Let your homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe cool slightly before you use it so it doesn’t thin out whatever you pour it over.
How to Serve Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
Turn every dish into a showstopper with a few thoughtful garnishes. Sprinkle toasted sesame seeds over your finished teriyaki dishes for crunch and visual flair, or add a handful of chopped green onions for freshness and color. A few thinly sliced red chilis boost both heat and presentation if you’re craving a little extra excitement.
Side Dishes
The Teriyaki Sauce Recipe is endlessly versatile! Serve it over fluffy steamed rice, alongside pan-seared tofu, drizzled on grilled chicken or salmon, or tossed with steamed broccoli. For a weeknight feast, pair with crunchy vegetable stir-fry, classic fried rice, or a simple bowl of noodles to soak up every drop.
Creative Ways to Present
Get inspired and put your own twist on things: use your teriyaki sauce as a flavorful dip for potstickers or spring rolls, brush it over grilled vegetables at your next barbecue, or mix a spoonful into mayo for a quick teriyaki aioli perfect on sandwiches and burgers. The glossy sheen and delicious aroma turn even simple dishes into something special.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Leftover Teriyaki Sauce Recipe is like gold in the fridge! Just pour any extra sauce into an airtight jar or container and refrigerate for up to one week. You’ll love finding it ready to go for quick meals throughout the week, from last-minute marinades to dressing up plain veggies.
Freezing
Want to batch-prep? Let your sauce cool to room temperature first, then pour it into freezer-friendly containers or silicone ice cube trays. Freeze for up to three months—simply grab a portion whenever you need instant homemade teriyaki magic.
Reheating
To revive your Teriyaki Sauce Recipe, warm gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring to bring back that smooth consistency. If it thickened a bit too much in the fridge, whisk in a splash of water to loosen things up. The sauce rehabs beautifully, tasting just as bold and delicious as when you first made it.
FAQs
Can I make this Teriyaki Sauce Recipe sugar-free?
Absolutely! Substitute the brown sugar and honey with your preferred granular and liquid sugar replacements. Keep in mind, though, that the flavor and thickness may vary slightly. Taste and adjust as you go for a sauce that’s perfect for your preferences.
What’s the best way to use Teriyaki Sauce Recipe as a marinade?
This sauce shines as a marinade for everything from chicken skewers to tofu. Coat your protein or vegetables generously, cover, and let them marinate in the fridge for at least 30 minutes or up to overnight. The longer the marinade, the deeper the flavor!
Is it possible to make the Teriyaki Sauce Recipe gluten-free?
Yes! Just swap the regular soy sauce for a gluten-free tamari or coconut aminos. Double-check all ingredient labels to ensure they’re truly gluten-free, and follow the same directions for an equally fantastic result.
Can I add extra heat to my Teriyaki Sauce Recipe?
If you like a spicy teriyaki, try whisking in a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a small squirt of sriracha or chili paste to the sauce as it simmers. Start with just a little—teriyaki is usually mild, so even a small amount brings a surprising kick!
Does this sauce work for meal prep or batch cooking?
Definitely! Making a double or triple batch is a smart move for busy weeks. Store in separate containers to avoid introducing moisture or contaminants, and you’ll have homemade teriyaki sauce ready to elevate any meal at a moment’s notice.
Final Thoughts
Give this Teriyaki Sauce Recipe a try—you might never buy store-bought again! Its rich flavors and velvety texture bring excitement to any dish, and there’s something deeply satisfying about making your own sauce from scratch. I can’t wait for you to make it part of your kitchen favorites too!
Print
Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Learn to make your own delicious teriyaki sauce at home with this easy recipe. This versatile sauce is perfect for marinating, stir-frying, or glazing meats, tofu, or veggies.
Ingredients
Main Sauce Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
Additional Ingredients:
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon cold water for slurry
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a saucepan, mix soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and ginger. Simmer.
- Make Slurry: Mix cornstarch and water in a bowl. Add to sauce and cook until thickened.
- Finish: Remove from heat, add sesame oil (if desired), and cool before using or storing.
Notes
- Store leftover sauce in the fridge for up to 1 week.
- Use as a marinade, stir-fry sauce, or glaze.
- For extra heat, add red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 60
- Sugar: 10g
- Sodium: 520mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 12g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
