Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
This homemade teriyaki sauce recipe combines a perfect balance of soy sauce, sweetness from brown sugar and honey, and aromatic garlic and ginger to create a flavorful glaze. Finished with toasted sesame seeds and rice vinegar for a tangy kick, it’s quick to prepare and ideal for enhancing stir-fries, grilled meats, or as a dipping sauce.
- Author: Lena
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 3 servings 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup soy sauce
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
- Combine Soy Sauce and Sweeteners: In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, and honey. Stir continuously until the mixture begins to simmer, ensuring the sugar dissolves completely.
- Add Aromatics: Stir in the minced garlic and grated fresh ginger. Allow the sauce to simmer gently for another 2 to 3 minutes to infuse the flavors.
- Prepare Cornstarch Slurry: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with water until smooth, ensuring no lumps remain. This slurry will thicken the sauce.
- Thicken the Sauce: Gradually stir the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue to simmer for 2 to 4 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Finish with Vinegar: Remove the saucepan from heat, then stir in the rice vinegar carefully to add a subtle tang and balance the sweetness.
- Add Sesame Seeds and Serve: Finally, mix in the toasted sesame seeds for added texture and flavor. Serve immediately or store in an airtight container for later use.
Notes
- This sauce thickens further as it cools; add a little water if it becomes too thick when reheated.
- Adjust sweetness or saltiness by varying brown sugar and soy sauce quantities according to taste.
- Use fresh ginger and garlic for best flavor; powdered versions will alter the taste.
- Store leftover sauce in the refrigerator for up to one week.
- For a gluten-free option, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
Keywords: homemade teriyaki sauce, teriyaki sauce, easy teriyaki sauce, Japanese sauce, soy sauce glaze, cooking sauce, stir-fry sauce