Easy Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

The aroma of freshly cooked garlic mingling with the sweet and savory notes of homemade teriyaki sauce fills the kitchen, creating an irresistible invitation to gather around the table. This Easy Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe comes together in just 20 minutes, and it’s a game-changer thanks to its rich flavor and versatility in various dishes.

This recipe is perfect for busy home cooks looking to elevate their weeknight meals. Whether you’re prepping for a quick stir-fry or marinating some grilled chicken, you can easily make this sauce ahead of time and store it for later use.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

• The homemade flavor outshines store-bought options.
• It takes only 20 minutes to prepare.
• The sauce has a rich, glossy texture that clings beautifully to food.
• It offers a perfect balance of sweetness and savory depth.

What You’ll Need

Gather the following ingredients to create this delightful sauce:

For the Base

• 6 cloves garlic, minced
• 1/2 tbsp ground ginger
• 1 tsp ground black pepper
• 1/4 cup brown sugar
• 1 cup white sugar
• 1 1/2 cups low sodium soy sauce
• 1 tsp sesame oil

For Thickening

• 2 tbsp water
• 3 1/2 tbsp cornstarch

For Garnish (Optional)

• 1 tsp sesame seeds

Use light brown sugar for a less intense sweetness.

Substitutions & Swaps

• Use fresh ginger instead of ground for more flavor.
• Coconut aminos can replace soy sauce for a gluten-free option.
• Maple syrup is a great alternative for sweeteners.
• Use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch for thickening.

How to Make It

Follow these simple steps to whip up your teriyaki sauce:

Sauté

In a small saucepan, add minced garlic, sesame oil, and ground ginger and cook over medium heat until the garlic is fragrant, about 1-2 minutes.

Combine

Add soy sauce, brown sugar, white sugar, and ground black pepper to the saucepan and bring to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and let simmer for 10 minutes.

Whisk

While the sauce is simmering, add cornstarch and water to a small bowl and whisk together. The mixture will be very thick, so make sure to combine it well.

Thicken

After 10 minutes, add the cornstarch/water mixture to the saucepan and stir to combine. Let simmer for an additional 5 minutes, stirring occasionally.

Final Touches

Once the sauce has thickened, stir in the sesame seeds. Use it with your recipe of choice or store any leftovers.

How to Store It

Fridge: Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.
Freezer: Yes, for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container.
Reheat: Microwave on medium for 30-60 seconds, stirring until smooth.

Tips for Best Results

• Use low sodium soy sauce to control saltiness.
• Customize the sweetness by adjusting the sugar levels.
• Stir occasionally while simmering to ensure even cooking.
• For a deeper flavor, let it sit overnight before using.

Serving Suggestions

• Drizzle over grilled chicken or pork for a delicious main dish.
• Use as a marinade for tofu or vegetables before stir-frying.
• Serve with steamed rice and vegetables for a complete meal.