Teriyaki Sauce Recipe (2024)

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This Teriyaki Sauce Recipe is so easy to make and tastes a million times better than anything you’ll get at the store. Made with simple ingredients like soy sauce, sesame oil, ginger, honey, and brown sugar, learn how to make easy homemade teriyaki sauce at home in less than 15 minutes and use it on all your favorite recipes, including this baked teriyaki chicken recipe.

Teriyaki sauce is one of my go-to condiments for just abouteverything. Sweet, salty, and thick, this is the very best teriyaki sauce you’ll ever make. Ready in just 15 minutes, it’s also one of the easiest things you can make in your very own kitchen and better than any store-bought version, guaranteed!

What is Teriyaki?

Teriyaki sauce is a Japanese sauce that is typically used as a marinade or glaze for a variety of dishes. The word “teriyaki” is a combination of two Japanese words: “teri,” which means luster, and “yaki,” which means to grill or broil.

It is traditionally made by combining and heating soy sauce, sake (or mirin), and sugar (or honey). The sugar in the mix creates a glaze-like consistency when heated and gives dishes a shiny, glossy finish. In some variations, ginger or garlic might be added for extra flavor.

The combination of sweet and salty flavors in teriyaki sauce makes it versatile – perfect for enhancing the taste of various foods, particularly grilled or broiled meats and vegetables.

Note: that commercially produced teriyaki sauces (the kinds you’ll find sold in grocery stores) may contain other ingredients or preservatives, and these recipes can differ substantially from the traditional Japanese version.

How to Use Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

This easy teriyaki recipe is actually two recipes in one and can be used in one of two ways-

As a marinade: To use this recipe as a marinade, prepare as instructed but stop before adding the cornstarch. Without the added cornstarch, your sauce will be less thick and glossy but just as flavorful. Use to marinate chicken breasts or chicken thighs, pork chops, and salmon!
As a sauce: The real magic of this recipe comes when you slather all your favorite recipes in its sweet, shiny, thick deliciousness. The secret is to thicken it with cornstarch. Brush onto grilled meats orgrilled veggie skewers, and toss with noodles and rice.

^{For the full list and amounts of ingredients in this easy homemade teriyaki sauce, scroll down to the recipe card at the bottom of the page.}

What’s in Teriyaki Sauce?

Soy Sauce– I used regular soy sauce, but feel free to use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer. You may also substitute with an equal amount ofcoconut aminosorliquid aminos if you’re avoiding soy products.
Brown Sugar and Honey– Teriyaki sauce needs to be sweet. In this version, I add both brown sugar and honey. Feel free to ditch the honey for only brown sugar to keep this recipe vegan.
Apple Cider Vinegar– A little acidity is always important in Asian cooking. Substitute with rice vinegar or mirin (a type of rice wine similar to sake) if preferred. If using mirin, remember that it is somewhat sweeter and less acidic. While mirin is traditionally used in traditional Japanese teriyaki, I find that apple cider vinegar is a great substitute for this Japanese-American version.
Garlic and Ginger– In this recipe, I added fresh ginger and garlic, but feel free to substitute with garlic powder and ground ginger if easier. As a general rule, always add less of the ground stuff when compared to fresh. For this teriyaki sauce recipe, add 1/2-1 teaspoon ground ginger and one teaspoon garlic powder. Adjust seasoning as needed.
Sesame Oil– Sesame oil adds wonderful flavor. If you don’t have any sesame oil on hand, omit it from the recipe.
Cornstarch– Cornstarch is used to thicken your sauce.

How to Make Teriyaki Sauce

1. Simmer the ingredients: In a small saucepan over medium-high heat, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, minced ginger, sesame oil, garlic, and water. Bring it just to a simmer.

Tip: Looking for just a marinade? Stop here.

Immediately reduce heat to low. Allow mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring often.

2. Thicken: As your sauce simmers, whisk together 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with four tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl. Slowly add to the teriyaki sauce mixture, whisking continuously until the sauce starts to thicken. Once thickened, immediately remove from heat and garnish with 1-2 teaspoons sesame seeds, if desired.

What is the Difference Between Teriyaki and Soy Sauce?

There are two main differences. The first is that soy sauce is a key ingredient in teriyaki sauce. Naturally salty on its own, soy sauce is often used in many Asian sauces and recipes as part of the recipe. When added to teriyaki sauce, its saltiness is lessened due to the addition of other ingredients such as brown sugar, apple cider vinegar, and aromatics like garlic and ginger.

The second is its consistency. Teriyaki sauce (at least the kind we have come to love here in the States) is thick and sweet. Soy sauce, on the other hand, is thin and watery.

How to Thicken Teriyaki Sauce

The easiest way to thicken teriyaki sauce is by making a “cornstarch slurry.” To do this, whisk together a little cornstarch withcold water and whisk it into the simmering sauce. After 1-2 minutes, you’ll have a delicious, beautiful homemade teriyaki sauce.

To thicken your sauce without cornstarch, use all-purpose flour or arrowroot powder instead of the cornstarch. Follow the same method by mixing with cold water to create a slurry before whisking into the simmering sauce.

Is Teriyaki Gluten-Free?

This recipe, as written, is not gluten-free. Why? Because soy sauce is made from wheat and this sauce is made with a lot of soy sauce.

How can we make it gluten-free?

Replace soy sauce with an equal amount of coconut aminosorliquid aminos.
Find a store-bought soy sauce that is gluten-free such as this San-J Tamari Gluten-Free Soy Sauce.

More Asian Recipes,

Easy Egg Drop Soup Recipe
Orange Chicken Recipe
Shrimp and Asparagus Stir Fry
Kung Pao Chicken Recipe
Moo Goo Gai Pan Recipe
Sweet and Sour Chicken

If you try making this Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe, please leave me a comment and let me know!I always love to hear your thoughts.

RECIPE CARD

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

4.82 from 98 votes

Ingredients

▢ 1¼ cups soy sauce
▢ ½ cup brown sugar
▢ 2 tablespoon honey
▢ 3 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
▢ 1 tablespoon fresh grated ginger
▢ 2 tablespoon sesame oil
▢ 4 cloves garlic - minced
▢ ½ cup water
▢ 3 tablespoon cornstarch - mixed with 4 tbsp cold water

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, apple cider vinegar, grated ginger, sesame oil, garlic, and water over medium heat. Bring it just to a simmer.
Immediately reduce heat to low. Allow mixture to simmer for 3-4 minutes, stirring often.
Meanwhile, whisk together 3 tablespoons of cornstarch with 4 tablespoonscoldwater. Add to the soy sauce mixture, whisking continuously until the sauce starts to thicken.
Remove from heat and garnish with 1-2 teaspoons sesame seeds, if desired. Use immediately or allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before storing it in the refrigerator for later use.

Jessica’s Notes

If you prefer not to thicken your sauce, simply omit the cornstarch.
Keep leftover teriyaki sauce stored in a sealed container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Nutritional Information

(Nutrition information provided is an estimate and will vary based on cooking methods and specific brands of ingredients used.)

Keyword Teriyaki Sauce, Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

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FAQs

What is teriyaki sauce made of? ›

Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients

Authentic Japanese teriyaki sauce combines soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake to create a distinctively sharp taste, with Westernized versions incorporating honey, garlic, and ginger for added edge. Cornstarch is often added to teriyaki sauce as a thickener.

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How to make teriyaki sauce taste better? ›

Brown sugar in place of white granulated sugar.

1 Tablespoon cornstarch.
1 Tablespoon cold water.
1/2 Cup sugar. (Brown sugar can add a depth to the flavor too.)
1/2 Cup low sodium soy sauce.
(1/2 teaspoon of MSG)
1/4 Cup apple cider vinegar.
1/2 teaspoon ground ginger.
1 garlic clove, minced.

More items...

Mar 15, 2023

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How to fix teriyaki sauce that's too sweet? ›

3) Too Sweet: Counter sweetness with acidic or sour flavors such as vinegar or lemon juice. Fats like olive oil or butter can rectify “too sweet” flavors as well. 4) Too Bitter: Counter bitterness with a little salt and even less amount of sugar.

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How long will homemade teriyaki sauce last? ›

The best part about this recipe is that it keeps in the fridge for up to two weeks. I'll make Teriyaki Chicken a few time with it and will even brush it on some veggies and throw them on the grill.

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How to make teriyaki sauce thicker? ›

The easiest way to thicken teriyaki sauce is by making a “cornstarch slurry.” To do this, whisk together a little cornstarch with cold water and whisk it into the simmering sauce. After 1-2 minutes, you'll have a delicious, beautiful homemade teriyaki sauce.

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What to use instead of sake in teriyaki sauce? ›

Teriyaki Sauce Variations

If you don't have sake: you could use more mirin and reduce the honey. You could also substitute dry sherry or white wine. If you don't have mirin: you could use more sake and add a more honey.

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Is homemade teriyaki sauce better? ›

You know how the irresistibly sweet-salty teriyaki-slathered grilled meat you get at a Japanese restaurant is infinitely more delicious than the stuff you make at home? Well, the reason is simple: Homemade teriyaki sauce is just always better than the sickly sweet store-bought stuff.

What tastes good with teriyaki? ›

What to serve with Teriyaki Chicken. This goes really well with rice and green vegetables on the side, such as broccoli. Mangetout, green beans or carrots also work.

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Is teriyaki sauce supposed to be sour? ›

What does teriyaki sauce taste like? Teriyaki sauce has a complex flavour; a mixture of sweet and savoury, tangy and salty.

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How to tell if teriyaki sauce is bad? ›

One of the first signs to look out for is changes in color, smell, and texture. If your teriyaki sauce has changed in color significantly, developed an off-putting odor, or its texture has become clumpy or slimy, these are clear indications of spoilage.

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Can I freeze Homemade teriyaki sauce? ›

How to Store: Cover and keep in the refrigerator for up to 4 weeks. You can freeze this covered for up to 3 months. The sauce will need to be brought to a boil before using if you freeze it. You can add garlic, ginger, onion, and/or rice vinegar to this recipe to further enhance the flavor.

What happens if you don't refrigerate teriyaki sauce? ›

The USDA agrees, stating that shelf-stable soy sauce and teriyaki sauce are safe when stored at room temperature after opening and that quality, not safety, is why these products suggest refrigeration after opening.

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Is teriyaki sauce basically soy sauce? ›

Ingredients: Soy sauce is simpler, primarily made from soybeans and wheat, whereas teriyaki sauce includes additional ingredients like brown sugar, garlic, and ginger.

Is teriyaki sauce unhealthy? ›

Is Teriyaki sauce healthy? A. While the low amount of calories in teriyaki sauce makes it healthy, the presence of sodium in the sauce in abundance makes it unhealthy. Therefore, the amount of sauce consumed daily determines whether the sauce will prove to be beneficial or not.

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Is teriyaki sauce Sweet or Bitter? ›

Teriyaki sauce has a complex flavour; a mixture of sweet and savoury, tangy and salty. The sweetness comes from the sweet wine and the caramelisation of the sugar, honey or syrup, which also gives the sauce its shiny glaze.