Teriyaki Sauce

Make homemade Teriyaki Sauce in just 15 minutes! The sweet, salty, and umami Japanese sauce is a tasty marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce.

Homemade teriyaki sauce is a game-changer for your kitchen. It’s easy to make, versatile, and far superior to anything you can buy in a store.

Teriyaki sauce is a versatile and beloved component in many Japanese-inspired dishes.

We love drizzling it over a steaming bowl of rice, using it as a marinade for our favorite proteins, or simply dipping our veggies. This sauce brings a rich, sweet, and savory punch to any meal.

Today, I’m excited to share our go-to straightforward, homemade teriyaki sauce recipe. We make it ALL THE TIME and I hope you will too. It’s quick, simple, and made from ingredients you likely already have in your pantry.

Making your own teriyaki sauce at home means you control the ingredients and the flavor profile. No preservatives, no artificial flavors – just pure, delicious goodness.

Plus, it’s incredibly versatile. Use it as a marinade, a glaze, or a dipping sauce.

Once you try homemade teriyaki sauce, you’ll never want to go back to the bottled stuff. It's a quick way to elevate any meal and impress your family or guests with a dish that’s bursting with authentic flavor.

If you love Asian-inspired sauces, be sure to also try Unagi Sauce, Teriyaki Marinade, Chinese Plum Sauce - or just whip up the sauce from this Korean Chicken Wings recipe and use it how you like!

Jump to:

• What is Teriyaki?
• What does Teriyaki Sauce taste like?
• Why You'll Love This Recipe
• Ingredients
• How to make Teriyaki Sauce
• Serving Suggestions
• Variations
• More Condiment Recipes
• Storage and Freezing Advice
• Make Ahead Information
• Recipe Tips
• 📖 Recipe
• 💬 Comments

What is Teriyaki?

Teriyaki is a Japanese cooking technique where foods are broiled or grilled with a glaze of soy sauce, sake or mirin, and sugar.

The word "teriyaki" derives from "teri," which means luster, and "yaki," which means to grill or broil. The sauce gives the food a glossy, flavorful coating, making it a popular choice for many dishes.

What does Teriyaki Sauce taste like?

Teriyaki sauce is a tasty blend of sweet, salty, and umami flavors, making it a versatile and beloved component in many dishes.

The soy sauce base provides a deep, savory umami taste, while the brown sugar and honey contribute a rich, caramel-like sweetness.

The addition of rice vinegar or mirin brings a subtle tanginess, balancing the sweetness and adding complexity.

Fresh garlic and ginger infuse the sauce with aromatic, slightly spicy undertones, creating a well-rounded flavor profile.

The sesame oil adds a delicate, nutty note, enhancing the overall depth and richness of the sauce.

The result is a glossy, flavorful glaze that can elevate a wide variety of foods, from grilled meats and vegetables to rice bowls and stir-fries.

Why You'll Love This Recipe

1. Control Over Ingredients: Making your own teriyaki sauce means you can use high-quality, fresh ingredients without preservatives or artificial additives.
2. Customizable Flavor: Adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and acidity to your preference, ensuring the sauce suits your taste perfectly.
3. Versatility: Use it as a marinade, glaze, stir-fry sauce, or dipping sauce, making it a multifunctional addition to your culinary arsenal.
4. Quick and Easy: This recipe comes together in just 15 minutes, making it a convenient option for busy weeknights.
5. Superior Flavor: Freshly made teriyaki sauce has a depth and richness that pre-packaged sauces simply can’t match.

Ingredients

You only need simple pantry ingredients for this recipe!

• Soy Sauce: The base of our sauce, providing a rich umami flavor. If you’re watching your sodium intake, opt for a low-sodium version.
• Water: Helps balance the saltiness of the soy sauce and allows the flavors to meld.
• Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and depth, balancing the savory elements. You can substitute with white sugar or a natural sweetener like maple syrup.
• Honey: Enhances the sweetness and provides a slight thickness to the sauce. Agave syrup works as a good substitute.
• Rice Vinegar or Mirin: Adds acidity and a slight tang. If you don’t have rice vinegar, apple cider vinegar can work in a pinch.
• Sesame Oil: Brings a subtle nutty flavor. A little goes a long way, so don’t skip this!
• Garlic: Freshly minced garlic adds a pungent and aromatic note.
• Fresh Ginger: Provides a spicy warmth that’s essential for authentic teriyaki flavor.
• Cornstarch mixed with Water: This slurry thickens the sauce to your desired consistency. Arrowroot powder can be used as an alternative.

See the recipe card for quantities and method.

How to make Teriyaki Sauce

Follow these step-by-step instructions, then scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.

Scroll down for the full ingredients list and method.

In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic and ginger. mirin, sake, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, and minced ginger.

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to make a slurry.

Gradually add the slurry to the sauce, stirring continuously, until the desired thickness is achieved.

Serving Suggestions

1. Marinade for Proteins: Perfect for chicken, beef, or tofu. Marinate for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
2. Stir-Fry Sauce: Toss with your favorite vegetables and protein in a hot skillet for a quick stir-fry.
3. Glaze for Grilled Items: Brush on meats or veggies during grilling for a glossy, flavorful finish.
4. Dipping Sauce: Ideal for dumplings, spring rolls, or even sushi.
5. Rice Bowl Topping: Drizzle over a bowl of steamed rice, along with some veggies and a protein of your choice. Try these Donburi Bowl Recipes.

Variations

1. Spicy: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a kick.
2. Citrus: Add a tablespoon of fresh orange juice and a bit of zest for a citrusy twist.
3. Pineapple: Replace the water with pineapple juice for a fruity, tropical flavor.
4. Garlic: Double the garlic for a more intense garlic flavor.
5. Vegan: Use maple or agave syrup instead of honey.

More Condiment Recipes

Storage and Freezing Advice

Store: Store your homemade teriyaki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Freeze: For longer storage, you can freeze the sauce in ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag and store for up to three months. This way, you can easily thaw and use small portions as needed.

Make Ahead Information

This sauce is perfect for making ahead. Prepare a large batch and store it in the fridge or freezer as mentioned above.

This ensures you always have delicious homemade teriyaki sauce on hand for quick meals during busy weeknights.

Recipe Tips

1. Taste as You Go: Adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and acidity to your preference.
2. Simmer Gently: Don’t rush the simmering process. Letting the sauce reduce slowly helps deepen the flavors.
3. Stir Continuously: When adding the cornstarch slurry, stir continuously to avoid lumps and achieve a smooth consistency.
4. Fresh Ingredients: Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor. Pre-minced versions can be convenient but often lack the same punch.

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