Name: Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 8 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients: 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/2 cup water; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 teaspoons minced garlic; 1 teaspoon grated ginger; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons cold water; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (optional)

Skip the store-bought bottles and elevate your cooking with this Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce. It’s sticky, savory, slightly sweet, and bursting with umami flavor—just like your favorite Japanese takeout. The beauty of this sauce lies in how incredibly simple and versatile it is. You can whip it up in under 10 minutes with pantry staples, and it works magic on everything from grilled chicken to stir-fried veggies.

This sauce brings depth and shine to your dishes, thanks to a balance of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and a hint of honey. Whether you’re prepping a weeknight dinner or marinating meat for the grill, having this homemade teriyaki sauce in your back pocket means bold, rich flavor is always within reach.

Why You’ll Love This Teriyaki Sauce

Quick & Easy: Ready in less than 10 minutes with basic ingredients.
Versatile: Works as a marinade, glaze, stir-fry sauce, or dipping sauce.
Customizable: Easily adjust sweetness, saltiness, or heat to suit your taste.
Healthier: No preservatives or excess sugar compared to store-bought versions.

What Kind of Soy Sauce Should I Use?

For the best flavor, use a regular (not low-sodium) soy sauce if you want a bolder, saltier base. If you’re watching sodium intake or prefer a lighter taste, go with low-sodium soy sauce. You can even experiment with tamari for a gluten-free option, or coconut aminos if you’re avoiding soy entirely.

Ingredients for the Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Each component plays a role in layering the classic teriyaki flavor you crave:

Soy Sauce: This is the savory base of the sauce, bringing deep umami flavor.
Water: Balances the saltiness and helps the sauce simmer smoothly.
Brown Sugar: Adds that signature sweetness and a hint of molasses richness.
Honey: Rounds out the flavor with a natural, floral sweetness and glossy texture.
Garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with bold, aromatic flavor.
Ginger (grated or ground): Brings a warm, zesty bite that lifts the whole sauce.
Cornstarch + Water (slurry): Thickens the sauce to that perfect, clingy consistency.
Toasted Sesame Seeds (optional): Adds texture and a nutty finish.

How To Make the Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together soy sauce, water, brown sugar, and honey until well mixed.

Step 2: Add Aromatics

Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Let the mixture simmer for 3-4 minutes to allow the flavors to meld.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Slowly pour it into the saucepan while whisking continuously.

Step 4: Simmer and Finish

Simmer the sauce for another 2-3 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Stir in toasted sesame seeds if using.

How to Serve and Store This Teriyaki Sauce

This recipe makes about 1 cup of sauce and easily serves 4 to 6 people, depending on how it’s used. Use it as a glaze for grilled meats, a stir-fry finishing sauce, or even a flavorful drizzle over rice bowls.

To store: Let the sauce cool completely and pour it into an airtight container. Refrigerate for up to 7 days. For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays and pop one out whenever needed!

What to Serve With Teriyaki Sauce?

Teriyaki Chicken Skewers

Grill or bake chicken pieces with this sauce for a crowd-pleasing appetizer or main dish.

Stir-Fried Vegetables

Use it as a stir-fry sauce for broccoli, bell peppers, carrots, or any veggie mix you like.

Teriyaki Glazed Salmon

Brush over salmon before baking or broiling for a rich, sticky finish.

Rice Bowls

Layer rice with your favorite proteins and veggies, then drizzle with warm teriyaki sauce.

Chicken Wings

Toss crispy wings in this sauce for a sweet and savory game-day treat.

Tofu or Tempeh

A great option for plant-based eaters—this sauce transforms tofu into something crave-worthy.

Asian Lettuce Wraps

Add a splash of teriyaki sauce to ground meat or veggie filling for that extra punch.

Want More Sauce & Dip Ideas?

If you loved this homemade teriyaki sauce, here are some other flavor-boosters from our collection:

Shut Yo Mouth Sauce when you want heat and attitude.
Spicy Sailor’s Dip for a fiery creamy twist.
Creamy Irresistible Crack Dip that disappears at every party.
Easy Asian Slaw with a punchy dressing perfect for BBQ sides.
Garlic Ritz Snacks to serve as an addictive crunchy companion.

Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest sauce board so you can come back to it any time.

And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add extra garlic or sesame oil? Maybe even a splash of pineapple juice?

I love seeing your kitchen creativity come to life. Got questions? Drop them below!

Explore beautifully curated health-boosting drinks and more flavorful inspirations on Nora Nosh Recipes!

Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

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

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Description

Skip the store-bought stuff and whip up this Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce in under 10 minutes! It’s rich, glossy, and perfectly balanced with sweet, savory, and umami flavors. Perfect for drizzling over rice bowls, basting grilled meats, or tossing into stir-fries. If you need a quick dinner solution, easy recipe for marinades, or flavorful sauce to jazz up healthy snacks or weeknight meals, this is it! Great for anyone hunting tasty food ideas with minimal fuss.