Name: Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Asian
Ingredients: 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup honey (or brown sugar); 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (or 1/2 tsp ground); 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water

Sweet, savory, and full of umami, this Homemade Teriyaki Sauce is your ticket to transforming everyday meals into crave-worthy creations. Made with pantry staples in under 10 minutes, it’s far more flavorful and customizable than store-bought versions. Whether you’re glazing salmon, drizzling over stir-fry, or using it as a dipping sauce, this versatile blend adds a perfect balance of salty and sweet with a kick of garlic and ginger.

What sets this teriyaki sauce apart is the bold richness from soy sauce and sesame oil, balanced by the mellow sweetness of honey or brown sugar. It thickens beautifully to a glossy finish thanks to cornstarch—ideal for coating meats, veggies, or rice bowls.

Why You’ll Love This Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Quick & Easy: Ready in 10 minutes using everyday ingredients.
Versatile: Use it as a marinade, glaze, dip, or stir-fry sauce.
Make-Ahead Friendly: Stores well in the fridge for up to a week.
Healthier Than Store-Bought: No preservatives or excess sodium.
Adjustable Sweetness: Customize it with your choice of sweetener.

What Kind of Soy Sauce Should I Use?

For a classic teriyaki profile, regular soy sauce works perfectly—it’s rich in umami and gives the sauce a deep savory base. If you’re looking to reduce sodium, go for low-sodium soy sauce. For gluten-free needs, tamari is a fantastic substitute. Avoid dark soy sauce, as it can overpower the flavor with extra bitterness and saltiness.

Ingredients for the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Each component of this sauce plays a crucial role in achieving that signature teriyaki flavor:

Soy Sauce: The salty, umami base that defines teriyaki sauce.
Honey or Brown Sugar: Adds natural sweetness and creates that sticky glaze.
Rice Vinegar: A touch of acidity for balance.
Garlic (minced): Brings sharp, savory depth.
Ginger (fresh or ground): Adds warmth and zing.
Sesame Oil: Just a little for toasty aroma and flavor.
Cornstarch + Water (slurry): Thickens the sauce to a glossy, clingy texture.

How To Make the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Step 1: Create the Base

In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, honey (or brown sugar), rice vinegar, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil. Stir to combine and place over medium heat.

Step 2: Simmer for Flavor

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, letting the flavors meld together for about 3-4 minutes.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together cornstarch and water to make a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly.

Step 4: Cook Until Glossy

Continue cooking for 2-3 more minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly before using.

How to Store and Use Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

This recipe yields about 1 cup of sauce, which can generously serve 4 people as a glaze or stir-fry sauce. To store, pour the cooled sauce into a jar or airtight container and refrigerate for up to 7 days. Reheat on the stovetop or microwave and stir before serving.

For longer storage, you can freeze it in silicone cubes or freezer bags—just thaw and stir before use.

What to Serve With Homemade Teriyaki Sauce?

Grilled Chicken Skewers

Perfectly charred chicken skewers are a match made in heaven with this sticky-sweet glaze.

Teriyaki Salmon

Brush it over baked or pan-seared salmon for a restaurant-worthy dinner.

Stir-Fried Veggies

Toss broccoli, bell peppers, and carrots in the sauce for a vibrant side.

Fried Rice

Use it to flavor fried rice with scrambled eggs, peas, and your favorite protein.

Tofu Bowls

A fantastic plant-based pairing for crispy or baked tofu.

Beef Teriyaki

Thin strips of beef stir-fried and coated in this sauce are a classic takeout-style delight.

Noodle Dishes

Drizzle it over lo mein or soba noodles for a flavor boost.

Want More Sauce and Marinade Ideas?

If you love this teriyaki sauce, you’ll want to check out these flavorful favorites:

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest sauces or dinner board so you can find it whenever you need a quick flavor upgrade.

Tried this Homemade Teriyaki Sauce? Let me know in the comments how you used it! Did you brush it on grilled meats or stir it into noodles? Your feedback helps everyone get creative in the kitchen.

Explore beautifully curated sauces and healthy dinner inspiration on Nora Nosh Recipes on Pinterest and discover your next go-to flavor booster.

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Author: Nora
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 cup

Print Recipe

Description

Ready in just 10 minutes, this Homemade Teriyaki Sauce is a sweet and savory classic that’s incredibly easy to make with pantry staples. Whether you’re looking for a quick stir-fry enhancer, a glaze for grilled meats, or a dipping sauce for your favorite appetizers, this versatile sauce delivers big flavor with little effort. Thick, glossy, and packed with garlic and ginger, it beats any bottled version and is a perfect go-to for easy dinner ideas, healthy snacks, and bold food ideas. A must-have recipe in your collection of easy recipes for busy nights.