Ultimate Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: Easy, Flavorful, and Better Than Store-Bought
If there’s one sauce that can instantly elevate any dish, it’s teriyaki sauce. Its rich, savory-sweet balance makes it a staple for everything from stir-fries to marinades, and once you learn how easy it is to make from scratch, you’ll never go back to store-bought again.
I love homemade teriyaki sauce because it’s customizable, fresher, and free from unnecessary preservatives. Whether I’m drizzling it over rice bowls, glazing grilled chicken, or using it as a dipping sauce, this recipe delivers that authentic Japanese-inspired flavor every single time.
Let’s break down the simple steps to making your own thick, glossy, and irresistible teriyaki sauce at home!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Quick & Easy – Ready in under 10 minutes with simple pantry ingredients.
- Versatile – Perfect as a glaze, marinade, or dipping sauce.
- Healthier than Store-Bought – No artificial additives or excess sodium.
- Make It Your Way – Adjust sweetness, saltiness, or spice to taste.
Ingredients You’ll Need
(Yields 1 cup | Prep Time: 2 mins | Cook Time: 5-7 mins)
- ½ cup soy sauce – Use low-sodium for a lighter taste.
- ¼ cup brown sugar – Adds deep caramel-like sweetness.
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – Brings balance with a touch of acidity.
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil – Enhances the richness.
- 1 clove garlic, minced – For an aromatic depth.
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced – A warm, spicy kick.
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce.
- 2 tablespoons water – To dissolve the cornstarch smoothly.
How to Make Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
1. Mix the Sauce Ingredients
In a small saucepan, combine:
✅ Soy sauce
✅ Brown sugar
✅ Rice vinegar
✅ Sesame oil
✅ Minced garlic
✅ Minced ginger
Give it a good stir to help dissolve the sugar before turning on the heat.
2. Heat Until the Sugar Dissolves
Place the saucepan over medium heat and cook for about 2-3 minutes, stirring occasionally. The goal is to melt the sugar completely and let the flavors blend.
3. Thicken with Cornstarch Slurry
In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth.
Slowly pour this mixture into the saucepan while stirring constantly. This will thicken the sauce into a glossy, rich consistency.
4. Simmer to Perfection
Let the sauce simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring continuously. As it thickens, you’ll notice that classic teriyaki shine start to appear!
5. Cool and Store
Remove from heat and let the sauce cool before using. Store it in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Pro Tips for the Best Teriyaki Sauce
- For a Thinner Sauce – Use less cornstarch or skip it entirely for a lighter consistency.
- For Extra Umami – Add 1 teaspoon of mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine) or a dash of fish sauce.
- For a Spicy Kick – Mix in ½ teaspoon of red pepper flakes or a drizzle of sriracha.
- For a Smokier Flavor – Use dark soy sauce or add a hint of toasted sesame seeds.
- For a Gluten-Free Version – Swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos.
Ways to Use Teriyaki Sauce
Homemade teriyaki sauce is super versatile. Here are some of my favorite ways to enjoy it:
🔥 Glaze for Grilled Meats – Brush it over chicken, steak, or salmon for a sweet-savory crust.
🍚 Drizzle Over Rice Bowls – A perfect finishing touch for teriyaki chicken, shrimp, or tofu bowls.
🥦 Stir-Fry Sauce – Toss it with veggies, noodles, or fried rice for a quick meal.
🍗 Marinade – Let meats or tofu soak up the flavors before cooking.
🍟 Dipping Sauce – Use it with dumplings, egg rolls, or fries for a fun twist.
FAQs
Q: How long does homemade teriyaki sauce last?
A: Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it stays fresh for up to 2 weeks.
Q: Can I freeze teriyaki sauce?
A: Yes! Pour it into an ice cube tray, freeze, and transfer the cubes to a ziplock bag for easy portioning. It lasts 3 monthsfrozen.
Q: My teriyaki sauce is too thick—what can I do?
A: Simply whisk in a bit of warm water or more soy sauce until you reach the desired consistency.
Q: Can I make this without cornstarch?
A: Absolutely! The sauce will be thinner, but you can reduce it by simmering longer. Alternatively, use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch as a thickener.
Why You’ll Never Buy Store-Bought Again
Once you make this homemade teriyaki sauce, you’ll wonder why you ever bought the bottled stuff. It’s more flavorful, fresher, and completely customizable to your taste preferences. Whether you love it thick and sticky or light and savory, this easy recipe is a game-changer.
So go ahead—whip up a batch, drizzle it over your favorite dish, and enjoy the best teriyaki sauce you’ve ever tasted. If you try it, let me know how it turned out!
Rich, Sweet, and Savory: The Only Teriyaki Sauce Recipe You’ll Ever Need
Ingredients
- 1 cup soy sauce
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar – Brings balance with a touch of acidity
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil – Enhances the richness
- 1 teaspoon ginger, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch – Helps thicken the sauce
- 1 tablespoon of water (to mix with cornstarch)
- 1 teaspoon of mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine) or a dash of fish sauce
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, ginger, mirin (or fish sauce), and water.
- Heat over medium heat until it begins to simmer.
- In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with water to create a slurry.
- Once the sauce is simmering, stir in the cornstarch slurry and continue to cook until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool before using.
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