Condiment Sauce

Teriyaki Sauce – Great Meal Recipes

Name: Teriyaki Sauce – Great Meal Recipes
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Yield: 12
Ingredients: 1 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger; Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy kick, elevating the sauce to the next level.; 1 teaspoon minced garlic; Garlic gives depth and complexity to the sauce.; 1/2 cup tamari sauce; Tamari is richer in flavor and lower in sodium than regular soy sauce. This is the backbone of your sauce.; 1/4 cup packed brown sugar; This sweet element balances the saltiness of the tamari. You can also use coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.; 1 tablespoon honey; It adds a touch of sweetness. Vegans can swap it for agave nectar or their preferred liquid sweetener.; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil; This oil gives a nutty undertone, providing richness to the sauce.; 3 tablespoons mirin; Mirin, a sweet rice wine, adds depth. You can use rice wine if you’re in a pinch.; 1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes; Just a dash brings a hint of heat; adjust to your preference.; 1 teaspoon rice vinegar; Rice vinegar brightens the flavors and adds some tang.; 1/4 cup water mixed with 3 teaspoons cornstarch; This thickening agent helps achieve that desirable glossy texture.

Barbara Brito September 1, 2025

Servings: 12 Total Time: 10 mins Difficulty: Intermediate

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Before we dive into the juicy details of crafting your very own teriyaki sauce, let’s talk about some delicious pairings. Imagine dripping that sweet and savory glaze over grilled chicken, or tossing it with stir-fried veggies.

Think about marinating salmon, or drenching your tofu before sliding it on the grill. The possibilities are endless! Continue down the road of versatility with rice, quinoa, and even your favorite noodle dishes. Teriyaki sauce isn’t just a condiment; it’s a game changer.

Did you know that making your own teriyaki sauce is as easy as pie? Seriously! You can whip it up in minutes, and it’s so much tastier than store-bought options. This recipe is a culmination of years spent tinkering and tasting, like a home chef’s secret weapon.

It fits seamlessly into healthy meals, festive dinners, and even casual weeknight dinners. So, if you’re ready to spice up your meals with a homemade teriyaki sauce that’ll make your taste buds dance, keep reading!

What Is Teriyaki Sauce?

Originating from Japan, teriyaki sauce is a savory blend predominantly made of soy sauce and sugar, giving it that mouthwatering, glossy finish. It’s often used as a marinade or a glaze for meat, seafood, and vegetables. Probably, it’s the star of your sushi dreams or the reason you can’t resist that teriyaki chicken at your favorite restaurant. The magic of teriyaki lies in balancing sweet, salty, and umami flavors — it’s a classic for a reason.

Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Now, let’s get to the heart of why you’ll absolutely adore this teriyaki sauce recipe. First off, it’s quick—seriously, you can make this sauce in about 10 minutes! Second, it’s customizable. Want it sweeter? Toss in more brown sugar. Prefer a kick? Amp up the garlic and ginger. It’s flexible, fun, and allows you to create a dish that speaks to your taste.

Also, you might be surprised to learn that this homemade version is healthier than most pre-made sauces. You control the ingredients, meaning you can lower the sodium levels and opt for natural sweeteners. Plus, it’s free from preservatives and additives. Talk about a win-win!

Lastly, the flavor! A rich depth washes over your dish that you simply can’t replicate. It’s like tasting a piece of delicious Japanese tradition with every bite.

The Ingredients You Will Need to Make Teriyaki Sauce

Here’s what you’ll need to make a delightful batch of your own teriyaki sauce:

1 1/2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
Fresh ginger adds a warm, spicy kick, elevating the sauce to the next level.
1 teaspoon minced garlic
Garlic gives depth and complexity to the sauce.
1/2 cup tamari sauce
Tamari is richer in flavor and lower in sodium than regular soy sauce. This is the backbone of your sauce.
1/4 cup packed brown sugar
This sweet element balances the saltiness of the tamari. You can also use coconut sugar for a different flavor profile.
1 tablespoon honey
It adds a touch of sweetness. Vegans can swap it for agave nectar or their preferred liquid sweetener.
1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
This oil gives a nutty undertone, providing richness to the sauce.
3 tablespoons mirin
Mirin, a sweet rice wine, adds depth. You can use rice wine if you’re in a pinch.
1/2 teaspoon crushed red pepper flakes (optional)
Just a dash brings a hint of heat; adjust to your preference.
1 teaspoon rice vinegar (optional)
Rice vinegar brightens the flavors and adds some tang.
1/4 cup water mixed with 3 teaspoons cornstarch
This thickening agent helps achieve that desirable glossy texture.

Directions

Step 1: Combine Ingredients

Start by gathering all your ingredients. In a small saucepan, mix the tamari sauce, brown sugar, honey, grated ginger, minced garlic, sesame oil, mirin, and crushed red pepper flakes over medium heat. Stir gently to get all those flavors mingling beautifully.

Step 2: Heat and Stir

Allow the mixture to heat, but don’t let it boil. Stir occasionally until the brown sugar dissolves fully. This should take about 3-4 minutes. The aroma at this point is simply irresistible!

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

Once your sauce is blended, bring it to a slight simmer. Now, add the cornstarch-water mixture to the pan. This will thicken your sauce, giving it that needed glaze. Keep stirring until it thickens, which usually takes about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Taste and Adjust

Here’s where the fun begins! Give it a taste test. Need more sweetness? Add a dash of brown sugar. Prefer it spicier? Toss in some extra red pepper flakes. This is your sauce; adjust it to your liking!

Step 5: Cool and Store

Once you’re satisfied with the flavor, remove it from heat. Allow it to cool. The sauce will thicken a bit more as it cools. Store it in an airtight container, and you’re ready to unleash some culinary magic!

Notes

Here are five tips to help you get the best results with your teriyaki sauce:

Use Fresh Ingredients: Fresh ginger and garlic give a vibrant flavor that powdered versions can’t compete with. Plus, they’re just more fun to work with!
Experiment: Don’t hesitate to play with the balance of flavors. Each change can create a different profile.
Quality over Quantity: Using a high-quality tamari or soy sauce makes all the difference. Splurge a little for better taste.
Storage: Store your teriyaki sauce in a jar in the fridge. It lasts for about two weeks. But let’s be real; it won’t stick around that long!
Marination: Consider marinating chicken, tofu, or veggies in this sauce for at least 30 minutes before grilling or cooking for a flavor explosion.

Storage Tips

Once you’ve made this teriyaki sauce, you’ll want to find the best way to keep it fresh:

Refrigerate: Store in an airtight container in the fridge, where it’ll keep for up to two weeks.
Freeze: For longer storage, pour it into ice cube trays, freeze, and then transfer to a freezer bag. Perfect for quick single servings later!
Label and Date: Always label your jars with the date you made the sauce. It’s a handy reminder for freshness.

Nutrition Information

Understanding the nutrition behind your dish can be empowering. This homemade teriyaki sauce yields:

Calories: Approximately 80 calories per 1 tablespoon serving
Carbohydrates: Roughly 15g of carbs, mainly from sugar
Protein: Approximately 1g of protein per serving
Fat: About 1g of fat, mainly from sesame oil

Keep in mind, nutritional profiles may vary based on exact ingredients and portion sizes.

Serving Suggestions

Let’s take that homemade teriyaki sauce and elevate it to the next level. Here are some serving suggestions to get your culinary juices flowing:

Grilled Chicken: Nothing beats a juicy piece of grilled chicken coated in this sauce! Let it marinate for a few hours, and grill it for a scrumptious dinner.
Tofu Stir-fry: Sauté cubes of tofu in this rich sauce and toss with your favorite veggies. You’ll create a satisfying plant-based meal that’s bursting with flavor!
Salmon Fillets: Brush on some teriyaki sauce before baking salmon. It creates a glaze that makes each bite melt-in-your-mouth.
Vegetable Skewers: Thread bell peppers, mushrooms, and zucchini onto skewers, brush with sauce, and grill. You’ll impress your guests at your next BBQ!
Fried Rice: Stir a few tablespoons into your fried rice for that extra zing. It’ll elevate a simple dish into an unforgettable meal.

What Other Substitutes Can I Use in Teriyaki Sauce Recipe?

If you find yourself in need of alternatives, here are five substitutes that work well and can alter the flavor profile beautifully:

Coconut Aminos: Often a favorite for those avoiding soy, coconut aminos are sweeter and less salty than tamari. It’s a great choice for those on a keto diet too.
Liquid Aminos: Similar to soy sauce but slightly less salty, liquid aminos deliver a similar umami flavor. They’re also gluten-free!
Maple Syrup: If you’re out of honey, maple syrup offers a wonderful sweetness to balance the salty notes of the soy sauce.
Agave Nectar: For a vegan sweetener, agave is a perfect substitute for honey, providing sweetness without the animal product.
Ponzu Sauce: This citrus-based sauce can be a unique alternative. It can brighten the flavors, particularly delicious with seafood.

Conclusion

Now that you have the recipe and knowledge at your fingertips, you’re all set to dazzle your friends and family with your homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s easy, delicious, and versatile. This sauce is more than just an ingredient; it’s a bridge to many flavorful dishes. From glazing grilled meats to drenching veggies, the uses are endless.

So fire up your kitchen, gather those ingredients, and create a sauce that’s sure to please. Your taste buds will thank you, and perhaps your friends will crown you the teriyaki sauce maestro! Enjoy every lick of that spoon and every bite that follows. Happy cooking!

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Print Recipe

Teriyaki Sauce – Great Meal Recipes

Author: Barbara Brito Cuisine: Asian, Japanese Courses: Condiment, Sauce

Difficulty: Intermediate Prep Time 5 mins Cook Time 5 mins Total Time 10 mins

Servings: 12 Calories: 80

Best Season: Suitable throughout the year

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