Name: Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 7 min
Total time: 12 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1/2 cup water; 1/3 cup soy sauce; 1 tbsp cornstarch; 1 garlic clove, minced; 1/2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced or grated; 1/3 cup brown sugar; 1 tbsp honey; 1/4 tsp sesame oil; 1 tbsp rice vinegar

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Introduction

Teriyaki sauce is a classic Japanese condiment that adds a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors to any dish. This easy homemade version is thick, glossy, and made with simple ingredients you likely have on hand.

A close-up image shows a single layer of thick, dark reddish-brown honey dripping slowly from a silver spoon into an open clear glass jar filled with the same honey; the rich honey has a smooth and glossy texture with some tiny light bubbles inside. The jar sits on a white marbled surface and some honey is dripping over the jar’s side, pooling slightly on the surface below. The spoon is held just above the jar’s mouth, and the honey forms a thin stream between them. Photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

1/2 cup water
1/3 cup soy sauce
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 garlic clove, minced
1/2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced or grated
1/3 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp honey
1/4 tsp sesame oil
1 tbsp rice vinegar

Instructions

Step 1: In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water, stirring until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
Step 2: In a medium saucepan, add the soy sauce, minced garlic, ginger, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and the cornstarch mixture.
Step 3: Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir frequently as the mixture heats. Bring it to a simmer.
Step 4: Continue stirring and cook until the sauce thickens to a glossy, dark brown consistency. This usually takes a few minutes.
Step 5: Once thickened, remove the sauce from heat immediately to prevent burning. Use the sauce warm or let it cool before storing.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, substitute tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a spicy kick.
Use dark brown sugar for a richer flavor.
If you want a thinner sauce, add a little more water and adjust the cornstarch accordingly.
Fresh grated ginger can be replaced with 1/2 tsp ground ginger if needed.

Storage

Store leftover teriyaki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwave briefly before serving, stirring to restore its smooth texture.

How to Serve

The image shows six skewers of grilled chicken satay placed on a large white oval plate. Each skewer has multiple pieces of golden-brown, slightly charred chicken with a glossy surface, showing the glaze and grill marks. Between some chicken pieces, there are slices of green bell pepper adding a touch of bright green color. The plate sits on a white marbled texture surface, and the chicken is sprinkled with a few sesame seeds and small green herbs for garnish. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make teriyaki sauce without cornstarch?

Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce, but you can substitute it with arrowroot powder or flour. If you skip a thickener, the sauce will be thinner.

How long does homemade teriyaki sauce last?

When properly stored in the refrigerator, it keeps well for up to one week. Always give it a smell and taste check before using.