Description
This easy homemade teriyaki sauce recipe is made with simple pantry ingredients in just minutes. It delivers the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors, thickening into a smooth, glossy sauce perfect as a stir fry sauce, glaze for chicken or salmon, or a marinade.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar (more if desired, substitute coconut sugar)
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (substitute reduced sodium, coconut aminos, or Tamari)
- 1 teaspoon honey (more if desired)
- 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated or paste
- 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional)
Slurry
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup cold water (about 60℉)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium-high heat, add 1 cup water, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 4 tablespoons brown sugar, 1/2 cup soy sauce, 1 teaspoon honey, 2 teaspoons minced garlic, and 1 teaspoon ginger. Whisk to combine all ingredients.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a simmer, which will take approximately 7 to 8 minutes, allowing the flavors to meld together.
- Make Slurry: While the sauce simmers, prepare the cornstarch slurry by whisking together 2 tablespoons cornstarch and 1/4 cup cold water in a small bowl until fully combined.
- Thicken with Slurry: Once the sauce is simmering, maintain the same heat and slowly whisk in the slurry. Continue whisking and bring the sauce back to a simmer. The sauce will thicken within about 60 seconds.
- Let Cool: Remove the saucepan from heat once the sauce reaches your desired thickness. Note that it will thicken further as it cools slightly.
- Taste and Adjust: Taste the sauce and adjust the seasoning by adding more brown sugar or honey for sweetness, or add 1/2 teaspoon rice vinegar for brightness and acidity if desired.
- Serve or Save: Use the sauce immediately or transfer it to an airtight container and refrigerate for later use. This sauce is excellent on dishes like Teriyaki Salmon.
Notes
- Flavor: For a stronger sauce, add an additional tablespoon of brown sugar or soy sauce. A bold sauce works best as it mellows when cooked with your main dish.
- Gluten-Free: Substitute Tamari or coconut aminos for soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.
- Low-Sodium Option: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce sodium content.
- Marinade or Glaze: The sauce works well both as a marinade and a glaze. Ensure the sauce is fully cooled before marinating meat.
- Storage: Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- Freezing: Cool completely, then freeze in a freezer-safe, airtight container for 3-6 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator.
- Recipe Pairings: Perfect for use with Teriyaki Shrimp, Teriyaki Steak Bites, and Chicken Teriyaki Noodles.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
