Best Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

The aroma of rich, sweet, and savory sauce bubbling on the stovetop can transport you to a bustling izakaya in Japan. This Best Homemade Teriyaki Sauce recipe comes together in just 15 minutes and delivers a deliciously balanced flavor that enhances everything it touches. It’s a versatile sauce that works beautifully for marinating meats, glazing vegetables, or as a dipping sauce.

This recipe is perfect for home cooks looking to elevate their stir-fry dishes, grill recipes, or even everyday meals. It’s an excellent choice for a quick weeknight dinner or when hosting friends for a casual get-together. Make it ahead of time and store it in the fridge for up to a week.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• This sauce comes together in just 15 minutes.
• It’s thick and glossy, making your dishes visually stunning.
• The blend of sweet and savory flavors is irresistible and comforting.
• It’s incredibly versatile for meats, veggies, and more.

What You’ll Need

Gather these simple ingredients to create your teriyaki sauce.

For the Sauce

• 1/2 cup soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 2 tablespoons honey
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 2 cloves garlic, minced
• 1 teaspoon ginger, minced

For Thickening

• 2 teaspoons cornstarch
• Use arrowroot powder as a swap.

For Flavor

• 2 tablespoons sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
• Skip seeds if you prefer a smoother sauce.

This sauce is also gluten-free if a gluten-free soy sauce is used.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
• Replace brown sugar with coconut sugar.
• Honey can be substituted with maple syrup.
• Rice vinegar can be swapped for apple cider vinegar.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to whip up your homemade teriyaki sauce.

Combine ingredients

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, and rice vinegar. Stir until sugar is dissolved.

Add aromatics

Add minced garlic and ginger.

Thicken the sauce

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a few tablespoons of cold water to create a slurry. Add to the saucepan, stirring continuously until the sauce thickens.

Stir in sesame oil

Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil.

Cool before using

Let it cool before using. Optionally, sprinkle with sesame seeds before serving.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store for up to 1 week in an airtight container.
Freezer: No, it may not retain its texture.
Reheat: Warm on the stovetop over low heat for 5 minutes.

Tips for Best Results

• Always stir the sauce while heating to prevent sticking.
• Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of honey or brown sugar.
• For a spicier kick, add a dash of red pepper flakes during cooking.

Serving Suggestions

• Use it to marinate chicken or tofu before grilling.
• Drizzle over steamed vegetables for added flavor.
• Serve as a dipping sauce for sushi or rice balls.