There’s absolutely nothing like homemade teriyaki to transform a simple meal into something unforgettable, and this truly is the BEST Teriyaki Sauce Recipe you’ll ever try. Rich, silky, sweet, and savory—it’s impossibly easy, bursting with flavor, and ready in minutes. Once you taste how vibrant and authentic it is, you’ll never want to buy bottled again.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Lightning-Fast: This teriyaki sauce is ready in just 10 minutes from start to finish—perfect for busy weeknights or sudden cravings.
- Perfectly Balanced Flavor: Just the right combination of salty, sweet, and umami, with gentle notes of ginger and garlic in every bite.
- Customizable for Any Diet: Easily tweak the sweetness, switch out the sweetener, or make it gluten-free to suit your needs.
- No Preservatives or Additives: You know exactly what goes in, so every spoonful is pure, fresh, and preservative-free.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every element in this recipe has a purpose—each ingredient adds an essential note to create the bold, glossy, irresistible sauce you love. Here’s what makes this the BEST Teriyaki Sauce Recipe, and why you shouldn’t skip a single one!
- Tamari (or low sodium soy sauce): Tamari brings deep, complex umami flavor with less sodium and a fuller, rounder taste than regular soy sauce. Choose tamari for a gluten-free option!
- Brown Sugar: Adds mellow sweetness and rich caramel undertones that balance the salty and tangy notes. For a lower-sugar approach, check the brown sugar alternative below.
- Fresh Ginger (minced): The zingy freshness of minced ginger perks up the sauce, preventing it from feeling too heavy or sweet.
- Garlic (minced): Aromatic garlic is a must—don’t be shy! It gives warmth and depth to the finished sauce.
- Honey: Lends natural sweetness and beautiful shine; swap for agave nectar or your go-to vegan sweetener as needed.
- Sesame Oil: Even just a teaspoon infuses the sauce with toasty, nutty fragrance.
- Mirin: This sweet Japanese rice wine amps up complexity and silkiness, giving the sauce its signature flavor layer. If you don’t have mirin, see variations below!
- Cornstarch + Water: Whisked together, this duo thickens the sauce to that luscious, glossy consistency teriyaki lovers crave.
Variations
One of the best things about making the BEST Teriyaki Sauce Recipe from scratch? You can effortlessly adapt it to match your pantry staples, taste preferences, or dietary needs. Here are some fun ways to switch it up and truly make it your own.
- Low Sugar: Replace brown sugar with a granulated monk fruit sweetener or cut the added sweetener in half for a lighter version—taste as you go!
- Vegan: Use agave nectar, maple syrup, or coconut nectar instead of honey to keep things 100% plant-based and totally delicious.
- No Mirin? Try a splash of dry sherry, sake mixed with a bit of extra sugar, or even a touch of apple cider vinegar with a little extra sweetener to mimic the tangy note.
- Extra Spicy: Stir in a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a small squeeze of sriracha for a zippy kick.
How to Make BEST Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Mix the Base Ingredients
In a small saucepan, combine tamari (or soy sauce), brown sugar, minced ginger, minced garlic, honey, sesame oil, and mirin. Stir well to combine and dissolve the sugar before any heat is applied—this helps everything meld smoothly as it cooks.
Step 2: Simmer for Flavor
Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat slightly and simmer for about 4 minutes. The aroma will draw everyone into the kitchen! This short simmer allows the flavors to bloom and start to concentrate.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
While the sauce simmers, whisk together water and cornstarch in a small bowl to create a slurry with no lumps. Pour this into the saucepan and continue stirring over low heat. In about a minute, your teriyaki will turn glossy and thick—just like the irresistible sauces at your favorite Japanese spot!
Step 4: Cool and Store
Remove the pan from heat, give your sauce a final stir, and let it cool for a few minutes before transferring to a clean jar or container. It will thicken further as it cools. Your homemade BEST Teriyaki Sauce Recipe is now ready to use—dip, brush, or drizzle to your heart’s content!
Pro Tips for Making BEST Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
- Ginger and Garlic Freshness: Always mince your ginger and garlic fresh for the brightest, most aromatic flavor—pre-minced jarred versions just don’t pack the same punch.
- Smooth Slurry Secret: Mix your cornstarch and water until completely smooth before adding—this prevents lumps and results in that trademark glossy finish.
- Control the Thickness: For a thinner sauce (great for marinating), simply reduce the amount of cornstarch; for a stickier, clingy glaze, let it simmer a bit longer after adding the slurry.
- Mirin Matters: If you find real mirin (not “aji-mirin” or “seasoned sake” from the grocery store), use it! The depth and aroma make the BEST Teriyaki Sauce Recipe unforgettable.
How to Serve BEST Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
No teriyaki dish is complete without a scattering of toasted sesame seeds and a flurry of sliced green onions on top—these garnishes add crunch, freshness, and just a hint of nutty flair to every bite. For even more color, try a sprinkle of red pepper flakes or thin ribbons of nori.
Side Dishes
Serve your teriyaki creations with steamed jasmine rice or fluffy short grain Japanese rice so it soaks up every luscious drop. Lightly sautéed greens like bok choy, snap peas, or broccoli add color and balance, while a simple cucumber salad keeps things bright and refreshing.
Creative Ways to Present
Try using this BEST Teriyaki Sauce Recipe as a glossy glaze on roasted salmon, grilled tofu, or veggie kebabs for a showstopping dinner. Or set out a dipping bowl for crispy chicken bites, egg rolls, or tempura veggies and watch them disappear. Drizzle it artfully over poke bowls or use it as a surprise ingredient in fusion tacos!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Let your teriyaki sauce cool completely, then transfer it to a clean jar or airtight container. Store in the fridge for up to 1 week—the bold flavors actually deepen as it sits, making leftovers even more irresistible for quick meals all week long.
Freezing
Yes, this sauce freezes beautifully! Portion it out into small freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays, cover tightly, and freeze for up to 3 months. Simply thaw overnight in the refrigerator for a quick flavor boost anytime.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm your BEST Teriyaki Sauce Recipe in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring often until smooth and glossy. If it’s extra thick after chilling, add a splash of water to loosen it back up—it’ll be as good as new!
FAQs
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Can I use regular soy sauce instead of tamari?
Absolutely! While tamari gives the sauce a slightly richer, less salty profile (and keeps it gluten-free), low sodium soy sauce is a great substitute. If using regular soy sauce, keep an eye on overall saltiness and maybe dial back just a touch.
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What if I don’t have mirin? Is there a substitute?
If you can’t find mirin, use dry sherry, sake with a dash of sugar, or apple cider vinegar plus a bit of extra sweetener. The sauce will still be delicious, but the real mirin adds that unmistakable teriyaki complexity!
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How do I make this sauce thicker or thinner?
For a thicker sauce, let it simmer a little longer after adding the cornstarch slurry, or use a bit more cornstarch. For a thinner sauce, add less cornstarch or stir in another tablespoon of water at the end.
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Can I use this teriyaki sauce as a marinade?
Yes! The BEST Teriyaki Sauce Recipe is fantastic as a marinade for chicken, beef, tofu, or veggies. For marinating, consider leaving the sauce a bit thinner by reducing the cornstarch slightly, which will help it soak in beautifully.
Final Thoughts
I can’t wait for you to taste how life-changing homemade teriyaki can be. With the BEST Teriyaki Sauce Recipe in your back pocket, every meal gets a little extra sparkle—whether it’s a quick stir-fry, a special dinner, or just a craving for something bold and satisfying. Dive in, customize it to your heart’s content, and enjoy every drizzly, glossy bite!
Print
BEST Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: 1 1/4 cups 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Learn how to make the BEST Teriyaki Sauce at home with this easy and delicious recipe. Perfect for marinating meats or as a sauce for stir-fries, this homemade teriyaki sauce beats store-bought versions any day.
Ingredients
Teriyaki Sauce:
- 1/2 cup tamari or low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey (agave nectar for vegans)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons mirin
- 1/4 cup water mixed with 3 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, mix all ingredients. Bring to a boil.
- Simmer: Reduce heat and simmer for about 4 minutes.
- Cool: Remove from heat and let it cool.
- Store: Refrigerate the teriyaki sauce for up to a week. Makes about 1 1/4 cups.
Notes
- For a lower-sugar option, consider using a brown sugar alternative.
- Adjust sweetness to taste based on preference.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 570mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 8g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
