Name: Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 10 min
Total time: 15 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1 tablespoon cornstarch; ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce; ¼ cup sake (or Shaoxing wine); ¼ cup mirin; ½ cup brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; ¼ cup water

This Teriyaki Sauce is a versatile and flavorful condiment that’s perfect for adding a delicious touch to grilled meats, stir-fries, noodles, and more. This homemade version is easy to make with simple ingredients and tastes far better than store-bought options.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Flavorful and Versatile: This teriyaki sauce has a perfect balance of sweet, salty, and savory flavors, making it a delicious addition to a wide variety of dishes.
Easy to Make: With just a few pantry staples and 15 minutes, you can whip up a batch of this homemade teriyaki sauce.
Homemade Goodness: Making your own teriyaki sauce allows you to control the ingredients and avoid any unnecessary additives or preservatives.

Ingredients

Here’s what you’ll need to make this Teriyaki Sauce:

Cornstarch: Acts as a thickening agent for the sauce.
Soy sauce: Low sodium, provides the salty and umami base of the sauce.
Sake or Shaoxing wine: Adds depth of flavor and a hint of sweetness.
Mirin: A sweet Japanese rice wine that adds sweetness and complexity.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and a hint of molasses flavor.
Garlic: Minced, adds a fragrant aroma and flavor.
Fresh ginger: Grated, adds a warm and spicy kick.
Water: Helps to create the desired consistency.

Note: You’ll find the complete list of ingredients, along with their exact measurements, in the printable recipe card at the bottom of this post.

How to Make Teriyaki Sauce

Step 1: Combine and Cook

In a small saucepan, combine the cornstarch, soy sauce, sake (or Shaoxing wine), mirin, brown sugar, minced garlic, grated ginger, and water. Whisk well to ensure the cornstarch is fully dissolved.

Bring the mixture to a boil over medium-high heat, then reduce the heat to medium and simmer for 5-10 minutes, or until the sauce thickens and reduces by about half. Make sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning.

Step 2: Strain and Serve

Once the sauce has thickened, strain it through a fine-mesh sieve to remove the garlic and ginger pieces. This will create a smooth and glossy sauce.

Set the teriyaki sauce aside to cool slightly before using. You can also store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

Pro Tips for Making the Recipe

Use fresh garlic and ginger: For the best flavor, use fresh garlic cloves and ginger root. It makes a huge difference in the final taste of the sauce.
Make a smooth sauce: Whisk the teriyaki sauce ingredients together thoroughly before cooking to ensure that the cornstarch is fully dissolved and the sauce is smooth.
Watch it cook: Keep a close eye on the sauce as it simmers to prevent it from reducing too much or burning.

How to Serve

Marinade: Use this Teriyaki Sauce as a marinade for chicken, beef, pork, or tofu.
Glaze: Brush it over grilled meats or vegetables for a delicious glaze.
Stir-fry Sauce: Add it to your favorite stir-fry recipes for a flavorful sauce.
Dipping Sauce: Serve it as a dipping sauce for dumplings, spring rolls, or potstickers.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Store leftover teriyaki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 7 days or freeze it for up to 3 months.

FAQs

Can I use regular soy sauce?

Yes, you can use regular soy sauce, but you may want to reduce the amount of brown sugar to balance the saltiness.

Can I omit the alcohol?

Yes, you can omit the sake or Shaoxing wine if you prefer. You can substitute it with an equal amount of water or chicken broth.

Can I make this sauce spicier?

Yes, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha sauce to the teriyaki sauce for extra heat.

How can I thicken the sauce further?

If you want a thicker sauce, you can add a bit more cornstarch mixed with water to the sauce while it simmers.