There’s something incredibly satisfying about creating your own sauces at home, especially one as versatile and beloved as teriyaki sauce. Rich, glossy, and with just the right balance of sweet and savory, this homemade teriyaki sauce adds a special touch to any dish. Originating from Japan, teriyaki has become a favorite worldwide, and its combination of soy, sugar, and umami-rich flavors has stood the test of time. This homemade version brings out authentic flavors without any preservatives or overly processed ingredients, making it a wholesome option for everything from marinades to stir-fries.

Imagine drizzling this slightly sweet, perfectly balanced sauce over a steaming bowl of rice, or using it to marinate your favorite veggies or proteins. Whether you’re making a quick weeknight meal or adding some flair to your weekend cooking, this recipe will soon be one you reach for again and again!

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Quick and Easy: This teriyaki sauce comes together in just 10 minutes, making it ideal for busy weeknights.
Versatile: Use it as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce for a variety of dishes.
Homemade Goodness: Free from preservatives and made with simple ingredients you likely have in your pantry.
Flavorful and Balanced: The perfect blend of salty, sweet, and umami, with a hint of ginger and garlic.

Ingredients You’ll Need

1/2 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium): Provides the savory base for the sauce.
1/4 cup water: Adjusts the consistency without thinning out the flavor.
3 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds depth of sweetness, balancing the saltiness.
2 tablespoons honey: Gives a natural sweetness and a slight thickness to the sauce.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that rounds out the flavors.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a savory bite to complement the sweetness.
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Offers a subtle warmth and spiciness.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency.
2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry): Helps to incorporate the cornstarch smoothly.

How to Make Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Give everything a good stir to ensure the sugar begins to dissolve.
Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring as the mixture heats up, helping the sugar fully dissolve. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This step intensifies the flavors and allows them to meld together beautifully.
Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. This will act as the thickener for your sauce.
Thicken the Sauce: Once the sauce is simmering, pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan while stirring continuously. This prevents clumps from forming and ensures the sauce thickens smoothly. Continue stirring and cooking the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, until it reaches your desired consistency. You’ll notice the sauce turning glossy and rich, with a perfect thickness for coating.
Cool and Store: Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat. Allow the sauce to cool slightly, then it’s ready to use! You can drizzle it over your favorite dishes right away or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Helpful Tips

Adjust for Spice: If you love a bit of heat, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of hot sauce for a spicy teriyaki kick.
Consistency Tip: For a thicker sauce, simply add a bit more cornstarch slurry, 1/2 teaspoon at a time, until it reaches your desired thickness.
Serving Suggestions: Try this teriyaki sauce as a glaze for grilled chicken, beef, or roasted vegetables. It also works wonderfully as a stir-fry sauce or even a dipping sauce for spring rolls and dumplings!

Recipe Details

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 5 minutes
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: Makes approximately 3/4 cup (about 12 tablespoons)
Category: Sauce
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Japanese-inspired
Diet: Vegetarian

Nutritional Information

Approximate values per tablespoon:

Calories: 50 kcal
Carbohydrates: 11g
Protein: 1g
Fat: 0g
Sodium: 500 mg
Sugar: 6g

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use powdered ginger and garlic instead of fresh?
Yes, though fresh ingredients add a more vibrant flavor, you can substitute with 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder and 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger if that’s what you have on hand.

How long does homemade teriyaki sauce last?
Stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, this sauce will stay fresh for up to one week.

Can I make this sauce gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap the soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative like tamari, and you’re all set.

Can I use this sauce for marinating?
Yes, it works wonderfully as a marinade for tofu, chicken, or vegetables. Marinate for 30 minutes to an hour for the best flavor infusion.

Storage Instructions

Once cooled, transfer your homemade teriyaki sauce to a glass jar or airtight container. Keep it refrigerated, and it will remain fresh for up to one week. Give it a quick stir before using, as ingredients may naturally settle over time.

Related Recipes

If you liked this recipe, you’ll definitely enjoy these other Asian-inspired delights:

Teriyaki Chicken Casserole
Chicken Teriyaki Noodles

Conclusion

Making your own teriyaki sauce is such a rewarding experience, and it’s surprisingly simple! You’ll love how this sauce elevates your meals, infusing them with that unmistakable teriyaki flavor—sweet, savory, and perfectly balanced. Whether it’s drizzled over rice, used as a marinade, or added to stir-fries, this homemade teriyaki sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen. Enjoy the satisfaction of making this classic sauce from scratch and bringing that bold, delicious taste to your home-cooked dishes. Happy cooking!

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Author: Martha

Print Recipe

Description

Ingredients

Scale

1/2 cup soy sauce (preferably low sodium): Provides the savory base for the sauce.
1/4 cup water: Adjusts the consistency without thinning out the flavor.
3 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds depth of sweetness, balancing the saltiness.
2 tablespoons honey: Gives a natural sweetness and a slight thickness to the sauce.
1 tablespoon rice vinegar: Adds a gentle tang that rounds out the flavors.
2 cloves garlic, minced: Adds a savory bite to complement the sweetness.
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Offers a subtle warmth and spiciness.
1 tablespoon cornstarch: Essential for thickening the sauce to the perfect consistency.
2 tablespoons cold water (for cornstarch slurry): Helps to incorporate the cornstarch smoothly.

Instructions

Combine Ingredients: Begin by gathering all your ingredients. In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Give everything a good stir to ensure the sugar begins to dissolve.
Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Keep stirring as the mixture heats up, helping the sugar fully dissolve. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. This step intensifies the flavors and allows them to meld together beautifully.
Prepare the Cornstarch Slurry: In a separate small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. This will act as the thickener for your sauce.
Thicken the Sauce: Once the sauce is simmering, pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan while stirring continuously. This prevents clumps from forming and ensures the sauce thickens smoothly. Continue stirring and cooking the sauce for another 2-3 minutes, until it reaches your desired consistency. You’ll notice the sauce turning glossy and rich, with a perfect thickness for coating.
Cool and Store: Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat. Allow the sauce to cool slightly, then it’s ready to use! You can drizzle it over your favorite dishes right away or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.