The Ultimate Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: Sweet, Savory, and Effortlessly Delicious
Ditch the store-bought bottles and discover the unparalleled taste of the best homemade Teriyaki Sauce! This incredibly easy recipe yields a thick, glossy, sweet, and savory sauce that will revolutionize your Asian-inspired cooking. Perfect as a vibrant marinade, a luscious glaze, or a flavorful main sauce, it pairs beautifully with everything from succulent chicken and shrimp to flaky salmon and hearty vegetarian stir-fries.
Making your own condiments from scratch is not only simple but also incredibly rewarding. Once you experience the fresh, vibrant flavors of this homemade Teriyaki Sauce, alongside other kitchen staples like Sweet and Sour Sauce or Homemade Hoisin Sauce, you’ll wonder why you ever relied on pre-made options!
Why Homemade Teriyaki Sauce is a Game Changer
After countless requests, I’m thrilled to finally share my go-to recipe for the thickest, most flavorful Teriyaki Sauce you’ll ever make. This is truly one of the simplest and most essential condiments in my kitchen. I use it constantly – whether as a flavorful base for cooking, or drizzled generously over a finished dish to infuse it with authentic Asian notes. What makes it even better is that it relies on a handful of basic ingredients typically found in any well-stocked pantry.
My journey with this sauce began when I developed it for my ever-popular Quick Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowls. The response was overwhelming, with many readers asking if it could be prepared in advance and stored. This was a brilliant suggestion! Now, I always keep a batch on hand, making meal prep a breeze. With this delicious sauce ready, all I need to do is cook the protein, and a fantastic, flavorful meal is just minutes away. It’s a testament to how simple and incredibly tasty homemade can be!
This Homemade Teriyaki Sauce recipe is not just the easiest; it’s a genuine time-saver that elevates your home cooking. Forget about the overly sweet or thin store-bought varieties, often laden with artificial flavors and preservatives. Invest a few minutes in making your own jar of this rich, balanced teriyaki sauce, and taste the difference that fresh, quality ingredients make.
Essential Ingredients for Perfect Teriyaki Sauce
Crafting your own teriyaki sauce requires just a few staple ingredients, each playing a crucial role in creating that signature sweet and savory profile. Here’s what you’ll need:
- Low-Sodium Soy Sauce: This forms the foundational savory flavor of our teriyaki. I highly recommend using low-sodium soy sauce to give you precise control over the overall saltiness, ensuring a perfectly balanced taste without being overly salty.
- Brown Sugar: The key to teriyaki’s characteristic sweetness and a beautiful, caramelized hue. Brown sugar adds a deeper, more complex sweetness compared to white sugar, complementing the savory notes beautifully.
- Apple Cider Vinegar: A touch of apple cider vinegar (or rice vinegar) is essential to cut through the richness and sweetness, providing a subtle tang that brightens the entire flavor profile. It prevents the sauce from being cloyingly sweet.
- Garlic: Freshly minced garlic delivers an aromatic punch that is simply irresistible. While garlic powder can be used in a pinch, fresh garlic offers a superior depth of flavor that truly shines in this sauce.
- Ginger: Whether fresh and grated or in powdered form, ginger adds a warm, spicy, and distinctly Asian aromatic quality. I often opt for ginger powder for convenience, and it works wonderfully to infuse the sauce with its classic essence.
- Sesame Oil: This ingredient is a game-changer, imparting an unmistakable nutty aroma and flavor that is synonymous with authentic Asian cuisine. Just a small amount goes a long way due to its potent nature.
- Cornstarch: The secret to a perfectly thick, glossy, and smooth teriyaki sauce. Cornstarch is mixed with water to create a slurry, which then thickens the sauce as it cooks. It also keeps the sauce naturally gluten-free.
- Water: Used to create the cornstarch slurry, ensuring a lump-free thickening agent, and also helps adjust the consistency of the sauce if needed.
Crafting Your Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: A Simple Guide
Making this teriyaki sauce is incredibly straightforward and takes minimal time. Follow these simple steps for a perfect batch every time:
- Combine Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, whisk together the brown sugar, low-sodium soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, ground ginger, minced garlic, and sesame oil. This ensures all flavors are well integrated from the start.
- Bring to a Simmer: Place the saucepan over medium-low heat and gently bring the mixture to a simmer. Stir occasionally, allowing the sugar to fully dissolve and the flavors to meld together. Continue simmering for about 3 minutes.
- Thicken the Sauce: While the sauce is simmering, prepare your cornstarch slurry. In a small separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch with 4 tablespoons of cold water until smooth and lump-free. Pour this slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly. Continue to cook, stirring, for just a minute or two, until the sauce visibly thickens to your desired consistency. It should be thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
- Cool and Serve: Remove the saucepan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly. As it cools, it will thicken a bit more. Your homemade teriyaki sauce is now ready to use! Enjoy it immediately by adding it to cooked chicken in a skillet, or pouring it generously over baked salmon, shrimp, or chicken tenders.
Expert Tips for the Best Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
While this recipe is incredibly simple, a few expert tips can ensure your teriyaki sauce is consistently perfect:
- Cornstarch is Your Friend: Cornstarch is my preferred thickener for sauces because it creates a beautifully smooth, glossy, and clump-free result every single time. It also makes this sauce naturally gluten-free, which is a great benefit for those with gluten sensitivities. While you can use flour as a substitute, be aware that it might yield a slightly cloudier appearance and a different texture. Always mix cornstarch with cold water before adding it to hot liquid to prevent lumps.
- Mind Your Soy Sauce: As mentioned, using low-sodium soy sauce is crucial. This allows you to control the saltiness of the final sauce. If you only have regular soy sauce, you might consider reducing the amount slightly or tasting and adjusting the sweetness to balance the stronger salt profile.
- Don’t Skip the Sesame Oil: If you don’t have sesame oil on hand, you technically can omit it. However, I strongly recommend acquiring it for this recipe. It’s the key ingredient that provides that distinctive, deep, nutty, and authentic Asian flavor that truly defines teriyaki. While olive oil can be a substitute for cooking in general, it won’t replicate the unique essence of sesame oil in this specific context.
- Garnish with Sesame Seeds: While not essential for the sauce itself, a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds over your finished dish adds a lovely texture, visual appeal, and a subtle nutty crunch. We love them!
- Adjust Sweetness and Savory: Feel free to taste the sauce once it has simmered and before thickening. If you prefer it sweeter, add a little more brown sugar. If you like it more savory, a dash more soy sauce can be added, remembering to balance with a pinch more sugar if needed.
- Achieving Perfect Thickness: If your sauce isn’t as thick as you’d like after adding the cornstarch slurry, let it simmer for another minute or two, stirring continually. If it becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a tablespoon or two of water or chicken broth until it reaches your desired consistency.
Customizing Your Teriyaki Sauce: Delicious Substitutions
This recipe is wonderfully versatile, allowing for easy substitutions based on your dietary needs or what you have available:
- Soy Sauce Alternatives: For a gluten-free and less salty option, substitute soy sauce with coconut aminos. Tamari is another excellent gluten-free alternative that closely matches the flavor profile of soy sauce.
- Sweetener Swaps: Instead of brown sugar, you can use honey, maple syrup, or agave nectar for a different kind of sweetness. Adjust the amount to your taste, as these can be sweeter than brown sugar.
- Ginger and Garlic Options: If fresh garlic and ginger aren’t readily available, feel free to use their powdered counterparts. As a general rule, use about 1/4 teaspoon of garlic powder for every clove of fresh garlic, and 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger for every tablespoon of fresh grated ginger. Adjust to your taste preferences.
- Vinegar Variations: While I prefer apple cider vinegar for its subtle fruitiness in cooking, white vinegar can also be used here, although it may have a sharper, less nuanced flavor. Rice vinegar is another excellent option that adds an authentic Asian tang.
- Add a Kick: For those who love a bit of heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha to the sauce while it simmers.
- Citrus Brightness: A squeeze of fresh orange or lime juice at the end can add a lovely bright, citrusy note to your teriyaki sauce.
Frequently Asked Questions About Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
While cornstarch is highly recommended for a clear, smooth sauce, you can substitute it with other thickeners. Flour can work, though it might make the sauce a bit cloudier. Readers have also found success using tapioca starch or potato starch as alternatives.
Absolutely! This homemade teriyaki sauce makes an incredible marinade. Simply place cubed raw chicken, salmon fillets, or even tofu into a resealable bag, pour in the sauce, seal tightly, and refrigerate for at least 30 minutes, or even overnight for deeper flavor. You can also freeze marinated proteins for future quick meals. When ready, thaw and cook in a skillet, bake, or grill. Remember to use all of the marinade by cooking it thoroughly with the meat to ensure food safety and maximize flavor.
The most effective way to thicken teriyaki sauce is by using a cornstarch slurry. Mix cold water with cornstarch until it forms a smooth paste. Then, gradually whisk this slurry into your simmering sauce over low heat, stirring constantly, until it reaches your desired thickness. The sauce will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
Store your homemade teriyaki sauce in an airtight glass jar or container with a lid in the refrigerator. When properly stored, it will remain fresh and delicious for up to 2 weeks.
Yes, absolutely! Making this sauce in advance is highly encouraged. It saves time during busy weeknights and ensures you always have a delicious Asian-inspired condiment at your fingertips. Just prepare it according to the instructions, allow it to cool completely, and then transfer it to an airtight container for refrigeration.
Generally, yes! When you make teriyaki sauce at home, you have complete control over the ingredients. This means you can avoid high-fructose corn syrup, excessive sodium, artificial flavors, and unnecessary preservatives often found in commercial brands. Using low-sodium soy sauce and natural sweeteners allows for a fresher, healthier, and more balanced flavor profile.
Delightful Ways to Use Your Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
This versatile sauce is a cornerstone of many fantastic Asian-inspired dishes. Here are some of my favorite ways to incorporate it into meals, transforming simple ingredients into extraordinary flavors:
- Quick and Easy Teriyaki Chicken Rice Bowl: Marinate chicken pieces, cook them until tender, then toss with the sauce and serve over fluffy rice with your favorite vegetables. The perfect weeknight meal!
- Baked Teriyaki Salmon: Brush generous amounts of teriyaki sauce over salmon fillets before baking. The sauce creates a beautiful, caramelized glaze that locks in moisture and flavor.
- 10-Minute Teriyaki Shrimp: Quickly sauté shrimp and then coat them in the rich teriyaki sauce for a speedy, flavorful dish that’s perfect over noodles or rice.
- Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry: A classic application! Use the sauce to coat your stir-fried chicken and an assortment of crisp vegetables, creating a vibrant and satisfying meal.
- Vegetarian Tofu or Tempeh Bowls: Marinate cubes of tofu or tempeh, then bake or pan-fry until crispy. Toss with the sauce and serve with grains and fresh greens for a wholesome vegetarian option.
- Glaze for Grilled Meats: Brush the sauce onto grilled chicken, pork, or beef during the last few minutes of cooking for a glossy, flavorful finish.
- Dipping Sauce: Serve it alongside spring rolls, potstickers, or even chicken nuggets for a delicious dipping experience.
- Noodle Dishes: Toss cooked noodles with a bit of teriyaki sauce and your choice of protein and vegetables for a quick and easy Asian-inspired noodle dish.
Explore More Homemade Asian Sauce Recipes
If you loved making this teriyaki sauce, you’ll enjoy venturing into other homemade Asian condiments. Preparing your own sauces at home guarantees fresh flavors and control over ingredients. Here are some other fantastic recipes to try:
- Homemade Hoisin Sauce
- Sweet and Sour Sauce
- Homemade Stir Fry Sauce
- Yum Yum Sauce
If you like this recipe and make it, let me know in the comments below! Don’t forget to rate it if you enjoyed it!
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
Author: Anna
This Homemade Teriyaki Sauce is the best and easiest sauce for Asian dishes! It’s thick, sweet and savory, and delicious used as a marinade, glaze, or as main sauce. Great with chicken, shrimp, salmon, and vegetarian stir fry!
Pin Recipe
Ingredients
- ½ cup packed brown sugar
- 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar
- ½ teaspoon ground ginger (optional)
- 4 teaspoons minced garlic
- 3 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoon cornstarch
- 4 tablespoons water
Instructions
- In a medium saucepan, whisk together brown sugar, soy sauce, vinegar, ginger, garlic and oil. Heat up until it starts to simmer.½ cup packed brown sugar, 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce, 2 tablespoons apple cider vinegar or rice vinegar, ½ teaspoon ground ginger optional, 4 teaspoons minced garlic, 3 teaspoon sesame oil
- Reduce heat to low.
- In a small bowl, whisk together water and cornstarch. Add to soy sauce mixture and whisk constantly until the sauce thickens.3 tablespoon cornstarch, 4 tablespoons water
- Remove from heat and let cool. Use right away or store for later.
Notes
- Keep in glass jar with lid in the fridge for up to 2 weeks.
- This recipe can be halved to make a smaller amount, good for one meal for 4 people.
- Please note, that the nutrition value can vary depending on what product you use. The information below is an estimate.
Nutrition
This recipe was originally published on April 25th, 2018 and updated on October 28th, 2019.