Description

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!

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.