There’s nothing quite like the aroma of a savory sauce bubbling on the stove, inviting everyone into the kitchen. This 3 Ingredient Homemade Teriyaki Sauce comes together in just minutes, making it a perfect choice for a weeknight dinner. Its simplicity shines through, leaving you with a thick, luscious sauce that elevates any dish.
This recipe is great for busy home cooks who crave the rich flavor of teriyaki without the added preservatives found in store-bought versions. Perfect for quick stir-fries, grilled meats, or as a dipping sauce, you can whip this up ahead of time; it stores beautifully in the fridge for up to five days.
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- It takes just 10-15 minutes from start to finish.
- The sauce thickens beautifully, creating a rich texture.
- You control the sweetness level by adjusting the sugar.
- Minimal ingredients mean fewer trips to the grocery store.
What You’ll Need
Here’s everything you need to make this delicious sauce.
For the Sauce
- ⅓ cup low sodium soy sauce
- ⅓ cup mirin
- ⅓ cup sugar
Mirin can be substituted with a mixture of white wine and sugar if needed.
Substitutions & Swaps
- Low sodium soy sauce for regular soy sauce
- Mirin with white wine or apple cider vinegar
- Granulated sugar with brown sugar or honey
How to Make It
Follow these simple steps to create your homemade teriyaki sauce.
Boil
Add all the ingredients to a saucepan and heat over medium-high heat uncovered. Once it comes to a boil, lower to medium heat and let it gently boil until it’s thickened and reduced to your liking. Keep an eye on it as it can burn due to the high sugar content.
Check thickness
To test that it’s thickened properly, drop a small amount of sauce onto a plate and let it cool. Check to see if it’s reduced enough to your liking by running a spoon or finger through it. If it’s too thin, boil for longer. If it’s too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time.
Store
Allow the sauce to cool then store in an airtight container in the fridge. Use within 5 days. This makes about ⅔ cup of sauce.
How to Store It
Fridge: Use within 5 days in an airtight container.
Freezer: No, the sauce may separate.
Reheat: Microwave for 15-30 seconds to warm.
Tips for Best Results
- Watch closely as the sauce boils to prevent burning.
- Adjust sugar based on your sweetness preference.
- Always let the sauce cool before storing for best results.
Serving Suggestions
- Drizzle over grilled chicken or steak for a flavorful glaze.
- Use as a marinade for stir-fried vegetables.
- Serve alongside sushi or as a dipping sauce for appetizers.




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