Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
Introduction
Homemade teriyaki sauce is a simple and delicious way to elevate your meals with a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors. This easy recipe uses common pantry ingredients to create a glossy, flavorful sauce that’s great for glazing meats, stir-fries, or dipping.
Ingredients
- 1 cup (8 oz) water
- 5 tablespoons (67 g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (2 oz) low sodium soy sauce
- 1-2 tablespoons honey
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup (2 oz) cold water
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the 1 cup water, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ground ginger in a medium saucepan. Place the pan over medium heat and stir to mix.
- Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 1/4 cup cold water until fully dissolved.
- Step 3: Slowly add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan while stirring continuously.
- Step 4: Continue heating the sauce, stirring often, until it thickens to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, gradually add more water to thin the sauce as needed.
Tips & Variations
- Use low sodium soy sauce to better control the saltiness of the sauce.
- Adjust the honey amount to make the sauce sweeter or more balanced according to your taste.
- Add a splash of rice vinegar or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a tangy or spicy twist.
- For a richer flavor, substitute half of the water with pineapple juice or apple juice.
Storage
Store the cooled teriyaki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently in a saucepan or microwave before using, stirring well to recombine if it has separated.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make teriyaki sauce without cornstarch?
Yes, you can use alternative thickeners like arrowroot powder or flour, but cornstarch gives the clearest, glossy finish typical of teriyaki sauce.
Is homemade teriyaki sauce gluten-free?
It can be if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Always check the labels of your soy sauce to ensure it’s gluten-free.
PrintHomemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
This homemade teriyaki sauce recipe offers a simple, flavorful, and versatile sauce perfect for glazing meats, drizzling over vegetables, or enhancing stir-fries. Made with a harmonious blend of brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger, it thickens to a glossy finish using cornstarch, providing the perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: About 1 1/2 cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients
Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients
- 1 cup (8 oz) water
- 5 tablespoons (67 g) packed light brown sugar
- 1/4 cup (2 oz) low sodium soy sauce
- 1–2 tablespoons honey
- 1 large clove garlic, minced
- 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup (2 oz) cold water
Instructions
- Combine Base Ingredients: In a medium saucepan, mix the 1 cup of water, brown sugar, low sodium soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Place the saucepan over medium heat to begin warming the mixture.
- Prepare Thickening Mixture: While the base is heating, whisk together the cornstarch and 1/4 cup cold water in a small bowl until fully dissolved, creating a slurry to thicken the sauce later.
- Add Thickener: Pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan with the heated sauce mixture. Stir well to combine evenly.
- Cook Until Thickened: Continue to heat the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, add a bit more water to thin it out and maintain a glossy, smooth texture.
Notes
- Adjust honey amount based on your preferred sweetness level.
- Use low sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness.
- Serve immediately or store in the refrigerator for up to a week.
- Great as a marinade or dipping sauce.
Keywords: teriyaki sauce, homemade sauce, Japanese sauce, glaze, stir-fry sauce, easy teriyaki recipe
