Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Teriyaki sauce is a classic Japanese glaze known for its savory, sweet, and tangy flavors. This homemade recipe is easy to prepare and perfect for stir-fries, grilled meats, or as a dipping sauce. With simple ingredients, you can elevate any dish in just 20 minutes.

Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 5 tablespoons brown sugar (packed)
• 1/4 cup soy sauce (reduced-sodium)
• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
• 4 cloves garlic (finely minced)
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground ginger
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• 1/4 cup water (cold)

Instructions

1. Step 1: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup water, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir and bring to a simmer.
2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 1/4 cup cold water until fully dissolved.
3. Step 3: Add the cornstarch mixture to the saucepan.
4. Step 4: Heat the sauce while stirring until it thickens to your desired consistency. If it becomes too thick, add a little water gradually to thin it out.

Tips & Variations

• For a richer flavor, substitute honey with maple syrup or add a splash of mirin.
• If you prefer a spicier sauce, increase the red pepper flakes slightly.
• You can add toasted sesame seeds or chopped green onions as a garnish when serving.
• Use tamari instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option.

Storage

Store the teriyaki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently in a small saucepan or microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens after cooling, whisk in a little water to loosen it before reheating.

How to Serve

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make teriyaki sauce without cornstarch?

Cornstarch is used as a thickening agent to achieve the glossy texture of teriyaki sauce. Without it, the sauce will be thinner but still flavorful. You can substitute with arrowroot powder or reduce the sauce longer to thicken.

Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?

Yes, this teriyaki sauce recipe is vegetarian and vegan-friendly, using plant-based ingredients like soy sauce, honey or maple syrup, and seasonings.

Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

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★★★★★

4.9 from 67 reviews

• Author: Harper
• Total Time: 20 minutes
• Yield: 4 servings 1x

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Description

This simple and flavorful Teriyaki Sauce recipe features a perfect balance of sweet, savory, and tangy notes, ideal for glazing meats, drizzling over vegetables, or enhancing stir-fries. Made with common pantry ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger, it thickens beautifully with cornstarch for a glossy finish in just 20 minutes.

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Ingredients

Scale 1x2x3x

Liquid Ingredients

• 1 cup water
• 1/4 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar (or white wine vinegar)
• 2 tablespoons honey (or maple syrup)
• 1/4 cup cold water

Dry and Aromatic Ingredients

• 5 tablespoons packed brown sugar
• 4 cloves garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ground ginger
• 1/8 teaspoon red pepper flakes
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch

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Instructions

1. Combine the base ingredients: In a medium saucepan over medium heat, mix together 1 cup water, brown sugar, soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, minced garlic, fresh ground ginger, and red pepper flakes. Stir the mixture well and bring it to a gentle simmer to meld the flavors.
2. Prepare cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 1/4 cup cold water until the cornstarch is fully dissolved, ensuring there are no lumps.
3. Thicken the sauce: Slowly add the cornstarch slurry to the simmering sauce in the saucepan, stirring continuously to combine.
4. Simmer until thickened: Continue heating and stirring until the sauce reaches your desired thickness. If it becomes too thick, gradually add a little more water to thin it to your preferred consistency.

Notes

• Use reduced-sodium soy sauce to control saltiness or adjust to taste.
• Maple syrup is a great vegan alternative to honey.
• Adjust red pepper flakes to vary the spiciness level.
• Use fresh garlic and ginger for the best flavor impact.
• The sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
• Perfect as a glaze for grilled meats, stir-fry sauce, or dipping sauce.

• Prep Time: 5 minutes
• Cook Time: 15 minutes
• Category: Sauce
• Method: Stovetop
• Cuisine: Japanese

Keywords: teriyaki sauce, homemade teriyaki, Japanese sauce, easy teriyaki, stir-fry sauce, glaze, sweet soy sauce