Homemade Teriyaki Sauce That’s Sweet, Savory, & Perfectly Balanced: Elevate Any Dish with This Sauce

This homemade teriyaki sauce is a must-have recipe that adds a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes. With the perfect balance of sweet and savory, this sauce can be used for marinating, glazing, or dipping. Made with simple ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, and ginger, it’s thickened to just the right consistency with cornstarch to create a luscious sauce that clings to everything from grilled meats to stir-fried vegetables. Plus, it’s so easy to make in just minutes!

Scroll down for the recipe!

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The Inspiration Behind Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

This teriyaki sauce is inspired by classic Japanese flavors but with a homemade touch that makes it even better. Store-bought versions often contain preservatives and high amounts of sodium, but this homemade version gives you complete control over the ingredients, allowing you to adjust the sweetness, saltiness, and thickness to your liking. Whether you’re using it as a marinade for chicken or drizzling it over rice bowls, this sauce will add depth and richness to any dish with its bold, umami-packed flavors.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

This teriyaki sauce is incredibly versatile, making it a go-to recipe for busy weeknights or meal prep. The combination of brown sugar and honey gives it a perfect sweetness that’s balanced by the saltiness of soy sauce and the slight heat from ginger and garlic. It’s thick, glossy, and clings beautifully to whatever you’re cooking. Plus, it can be made ahead and stored in the fridge, making it super convenient for last-minute meals. Use it to elevate stir-fries, grilled meats, seafood, or even veggies!

Nutritional Information (Per Serving, Based on 4 Servings):

• Calories: 80 kcal
• Fat: 0g
• Carbohydrates: 18g
• Protein: 1g
• Sodium: 440mg
• Fiber: 0g

This homemade teriyaki sauce is a healthier alternative to store-bought versions, allowing you to control the ingredients and customize it to your dietary needs.

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Serving Suggestions and Pairings

Homemade teriyaki sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in a variety of ways. Use it as a marinade for chicken, beef, or salmon before grilling or broiling. Drizzle it over steamed vegetables or rice bowls for a quick burst of flavor. You can also use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or dumplings, or toss it with noodles for a quick and easy stir-fry. For a more complete meal, pair your teriyaki-glazed protein with a side of jasmine rice and sautéed vegetables.

Storage and Reheating Tips

This homemade teriyaki sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. If the sauce thickens too much while stored, simply reheat it in a saucepan over low heat, stirring in a little water until it reaches your desired consistency. The sauce can also be frozen in ice cube trays for quick single-serving portions—just thaw in the refrigerator and reheat before using.

Fun Fact: Teriyaki’s Origins

Teriyaki is a cooking technique commonly used in Japanese cuisine, where food is grilled or broiled with a glaze made from soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar. While the sauce has evolved over time and been adapted in Western cuisine, the key elements—sweetness, saltiness, and a glossy finish—remain central to its flavor profile.

Cooking Tips

Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer your teriyaki sauce sweeter, add more honey or brown sugar. For a less sweet version, reduce the amount of sugar or omit the honey altogether.

Customize the Thickness: If your sauce becomes too thick, simply add a bit more water to thin it out to your desired consistency. Alternatively, if you want a thicker sauce, let it simmer a bit longer.

Use Fresh Ginger and Garlic: For the best flavor, use freshly minced garlic and ginger rather than powdered versions. They’ll give your sauce a brighter, more vibrant flavor.

Optional Variations

• Spicy Teriyaki: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick.
• Citrus Teriyaki: Add a splash of fresh orange juice or pineapple juice for a fruity twist.
• Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce to make this recipe gluten-free.

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Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1 cup water
• 5 tablespoons light brown sugar (packed)
• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1-2 tablespoons honey (to taste)
• 1 large clove garlic (minced)
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 tablespoons cornstarch
• ¼ cup cold water

Instructions:

1. Combine Ingredients:In a medium saucepan over medium heat, combine 1 cup of water, brown sugar, soy sauce, honey, minced garlic, and ground ginger. Stir to combine and heat the mixture.
2. Make the Cornstarch Slurry:In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and ¼ cup of cold water until dissolved. This slurry will help thicken the sauce.
3. Thicken the Sauce:Once the sauce mixture in the saucepan comes to a low simmer, slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry. Continue cooking, stirring frequently, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. This should take about 3-5 minutes. If the sauce becomes too thick, simply add a bit more water to thin it out.
4. Serve or Store:Once thickened, remove the sauce from the heat. Use immediately for marinating, glazing, or dipping, or allow it to cool before storing it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

This homemade teriyaki sauce is an easy and delicious way to elevate your favorite meals. The balance of sweet and savory flavors, combined with the rich thickness of the sauce, makes it perfect for glazing grilled meats, tossing with stir-fried veggies, or simply drizzling over rice. It’s a versatile sauce that you can whip up in minutes, and it tastes so much better than anything you’ll find in a bottle at the store! Enjoy experimenting with this recipe and making it your own.