Easy Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
Teriyaki sauce is pure umami. Its flavor concentration is such that wherever you use it, it can turn an ordinary meal into a perfect dish.
To make this homemade teriyaki sauce, we use ingredients that are easy to find in most grocery stores.
First, soy sauce — use the type you prefer, but if you can find Japanese soy sauce, even better. It has a milder flavor and less salt than Chinese soy sauces.
Another key ingredient is mirin, a Japanese rice wine used for cooking. It is very mild and adds a subtle sweetness. If you can’t find mirin, you can substitute it with Muscat wine or a similar sweet white wine.
Many recipes include sake, the Japanese alcoholic beverage made from fermented rice. We didn’t add it here, but if you have some at home, you can add a splash for a slightly different flavor profile.
For ginger, you can use powdered ginger, as we did, to keep the sauce smooth and lump-free. If you prefer, you can use the same amount of freshly grated ginger.
Some recipes also include garlic; if you add it, make sure it is finely chopped so it doesn’t taste raw in the final sauce.
As mentioned, this sauce has a strong, concentrated flavor, so you can use it as a sauce, a glaze, or even as part of a salad dressing, depending on your preference.
Table of Contents
Tips for Obtaining & Preserving Teriyaki Sauce
- Homemade teriyaki sauce can last up to one week in the refrigerator when stored in an airtight container.
- Authentic Japanese teriyaki sauce combines soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake, which gives it a stronger and more distinctive flavor than many Western-style versions that include honey, garlic, and ginger.
How to Make Teriyaki Sauce?
Time: 30 minutes
Difficulty: Low
Ingredients
| Ingredient | Quantity |
|---|---|
| Soy sauce | 1/4 cup |
| Garlic cloves | 2 |
| Rice vinegar | 2 tablespoons |
| Ground ginger | 2 teaspoons |
| Brown sugar | 2 tablespoons |
| Cornstarch | 2 tablespoons |
| Water | 1/4 cup |
| White wine | 1/4 cup |
| Sesame oil (optional) | 1 teaspoon |
Steps to Follow
- Before starting, prepare all the ingredients. If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can use white vinegar. Sesame oil is optional but adds a distinct aroma. The same applies to white wine — you can omit it, but it adds extra flavor. If you don’t have ground ginger, whole ginger works just as well.
- Finely chop the garlic cloves and ginger if you are not using the powdered version. Take a pot large enough to hold all the ingredients and add the soy sauce, water, vinegar, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, white wine, cornstarch, and sesame oil.
- Heat the mixture over high heat, stirring constantly until it reaches a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes. This will slightly thicken the sauce. Cornstarch is essential here; without it, the sauce would be too thin. If needed, add a little more cornstarch.
- When the sauce reaches the desired texture and consistency, remove it from the heat and let it rest. Do not use it immediately, as resting allows the flavors to fully meld.
- After about 10–15 minutes, the sauce is ready to use. It’s a simple, quick, and delicious recipe. You can even season sushi rice with it to create a spectacular dish.
Video Guide 📽️
Nutritional Value (Per Dinner)
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 26 kcal |
| Protein | 8.5 g |
| Fats | 0.3 g |
| Carbohydrates | 58 g |
| Fiber | 2 g |
How to Thicken Teriyaki Sauce?
To thicken teriyaki sauce, you will need two tablespoons of cornstarch or cornflour.
- Heat a small amount of water, about 1/4 cup, either on the stove or in the microwave.
- Dissolve the cornstarch in the warm water, stirring well until there are no lumps.
- Once fully dissolved, add the mixture to the sauce.
- Stir continuously until everything is fully incorporated and the sauce thickens.
What Can You Do with Teriyaki Sauce?
Teriyaki sauce is extremely versatile and works well in many dishes:
- Use it as an alternative to soy sauce when preparing sushi, especially for sushi rice.
- It’s perfect for teriyaki chicken and works beautifully with various meats, either as a coating or a glaze.
- It’s also ideal for teriyaki skewers, including chicken or beef.
- Pair it with spring rolls for an extra layer of flavor.
- It tastes amazing with fish and seafood, such as white fish, shrimp, or grilled salmon.
- Use it as a dressing for vegetables like mushrooms, carrots, or grilled zucchini.
- It’s excellent in stir-fries, including vegetable stir-fry, chicken wok, or noodle wok dishes.
FAQs
Can I make teriyaki sauce without alcohol?
Yes. You can omit the white wine or sake entirely. The sauce will still be flavorful, though slightly less complex.
How long does homemade teriyaki sauce last?
When stored properly in an airtight container in the refrigerator, it can last up to one week.
Can I freeze teriyaki sauce?
Freezing is possible, but the texture may change slightly due to the cornstarch. Stir well after thawing.
Conclusion
Homemade teriyaki sauce is easy to prepare, highly versatile, and packed with rich umami flavor.
With simple ingredients and minimal effort, you can create a sauce that enhances meats, fish, vegetables, and even rice dishes.
Whether used as a glaze, dressing, or marinade, this teriyaki sauce is a reliable staple that brings Asian-inspired depth to everyday cooking.
