Homemade teriyaki sauce is a delightful blend of sweet and savory flavors that can elevate a variety of dishes, from simple stir-fries to grilled meats. Making this sauce from scratch not only allows you to control the ingredients and flavors but also ensures a fresher, more authentic taste than store-bought options. This versatile sauce is perfect for marinating, glazing, or simply drizzling over your favorite dishes.

Remember it later

Like this recipe? Pin it to your favorite board NOW!

Ingredients Overview

Each ingredient in this homemade teriyaki sauce plays a crucial role in building its rich and complex flavor profile. The base of the sauce is water, which helps to dissolve the brown sugar and soy sauce, creating a smooth and cohesive mixture. The light brown sugar provides a deep molasses-like sweetness, which balances the saltiness of the low sodium soy sauce. Using low sodium soy sauce is essential to prevent the sauce from becoming overly salty, allowing the other flavors to shine through.

Honey adds a natural sweetness and slight thickness to the sauce, giving it a luscious texture. The minced garlic and ground ginger are the heart of the sauce, infusing it with a warm, aromatic flavor that is both comforting and invigorating. Fresh garlic and ginger are preferable, as they offer a more robust and authentic taste. The cornstarch, dissolved in cold water, is the thickening agent that transforms the sauce into a silky glaze, perfect for coating your favorite dishes.

For substitutions, dark soy sauce can be used for a richer, deeper flavor, and maple syrup can replace honey for a different kind of sweetness. These adjustments can help tailor the sauce to your personal taste preferences.

Step-by-Step Instructions

Creating homemade teriyaki sauce is a simple process that yields delicious results. Begin by gathering all the ingredients. In a medium saucepan, combine the water, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Set the pan over medium heat and stir occasionally, allowing the ingredients to meld together as they warm up.

As the mixture heats, take a small bowl and whisk together the cornstarch with the cold water until it is completely dissolved. This step is crucial for avoiding any lumps in the final sauce. Once the saucepan mixture is heated through, slowly pour in the cornstarch mixture, stirring constantly to ensure a smooth texture.

Continue cooking the sauce over medium heat, stirring frequently. The sauce will gradually thicken as it cooks. If you prefer a thicker sauce, allow it to cook a bit longer, stirring continuously to prevent it from sticking to the pan. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a little more water, one tablespoon at a time, until you achieve the desired consistency.

For those who enjoy a hint of spice or extra sweetness, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or an additional tablespoon of honey during the cooking process. These optional steps can customize the sauce to suit your taste.

Recipe Tips & Frequently Asked Questions

Storing Leftover Sauce:
Store the leftover teriyaki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. For longer storage, freeze the sauce in ice cube trays for easy portioning later.
Adjusting Sweetness or Saltiness:
If the sauce is too sweet, add a bit more soy sauce or a splash of rice vinegar. Conversely, if it’s too salty, increase the honey or brown sugar.
Portion Adjustments:
To double the recipe, simply double each ingredient while maintaining the same cooking process. For smaller portions, halve the ingredients.
Gluten-Free and Vegan Options:
To make the sauce gluten-free, use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce. For a vegan version, ensure the sugar used is free from bone char processing, or opt for a vegan-certified sugar alternative.
Thickening Runny Sauce:
If the sauce is too thin, mix an additional teaspoon of cornstarch with a tablespoon of water and stir it into the sauce, cooking until it thickens further.
Using as a Marinade:
This teriyaki sauce can be used as a marinade for meats, vegetables, or tofu. Marinate for at least 30 minutes to allow the flavors to penetrate.
Shelf Life:
Homemade teriyaki sauce can be stored in the fridge for up to one week. For extended storage, consider freezing it in portions.
Reheating:
Reheat the sauce gently over low heat, stirring occasionally to maintain its smooth texture. Avoid microwaving, as it can cause uneven heating.

What to Serve With This Recipe

Teriyaki sauce is incredibly versatile, pairing well with a variety of dishes. It’s an excellent glaze for grilled chicken, beef, or salmon, adding a beautiful sheen and rich flavor to the meat. For a vegetarian option, try drizzling the sauce over stir-fried vegetables or tofu for a satisfying meal. The sauce also complements rice dishes, turning plain rice into a flavorful side dish.

Beyond traditional pairings, teriyaki sauce can be used creatively in dishes like teriyaki pizza, where it can replace traditional tomato sauce, or as a topping for burgers, adding a sweet and savory twist to a classic dish. Whether used as a marinade or finishing sauce, this homemade teriyaki sauce is sure to enhance your meals.

Variations and Customizations

The beauty of homemade teriyaki sauce is its adaptability. For a fruity twist, consider adding a splash of pineapple juice, which not only sweetens the sauce but also imparts a subtle tropical flavor. If you prefer a spicy kick, a dash of chili flakes or a spoonful of sriracha can elevate the sauce, making it perfect for those who enjoy a bit of heat.

For those watching their sugar intake, a low-sugar or sugar-free version can be achieved by using sugar substitutes like stevia or erythritol. Additionally, incorporating sesame oil or mirin can add depth to the sauce, giving it a more complex and authentic flavor profile. Experimenting with these variations can lead to a sauce that perfectly suits your taste.

Serving and Presentation Tips

Presentation is key when serving dishes with teriyaki sauce. When using it as a glaze, brush it generously over the meat or vegetables just before serving to create a glossy, appetizing finish. For a drizzle effect, pour the sauce in a thin stream over the dish, allowing it to cascade down in an elegant pattern.

Garnishing with sesame seeds, chopped green onions, or a sprinkle of red pepper flakes can add visual appeal and a burst of flavor. If using the sauce as a dip, serve it in a small, decorative bowl alongside your dish, making it easy for guests to enjoy. Whether drizzled, glazed, or served on the side, this homemade teriyaki sauce is sure to impress both in taste and presentation.

Ingredients

2 tablespoons cornstarch
1/4 cup (2 oz) cold water
1 cup (8 oz) water
1/4 cup (2 oz) low sodium soy sauce
5 tablespoons (67 g) packed light brown sugar
1-2 tablespoons honey
1 large clove garlic, minced
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the water, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Set the pan over medium heat, stirring occasionally until the mixture begins to warm through.

In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and cold water until fully dissolved. Once the saucepan mixture is heated, slowly add the cornstarch mixture, stirring continuously to avoid any lumps.

Continue to cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your preferred consistency. If you find the sauce is too thick, gradually incorporate more water, a little at a time, until you reach the desired texture.