Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

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Sweet, savory, and packed with umami – this Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce is the game-changer your meals have been missing. Whether you’re glazing grilled chicken, tossing it with stir-fried veggies, or using it as a marinade, this rich, glossy sauce brings bold Asian-inspired flavor with minimal effort. Made with pantry staples and ready in under 10 minutes, it’s the perfect blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, brown sugar, and a touch of sesame.

Unlike store-bought sauces that often come loaded with preservatives and extra sodium, this homemade version gives you total control over taste and ingredients. It’s thicker, fresher, and customizable to your liking—make it spicier, sweeter, or add a splash of citrus. Once you make this teriyaki sauce from scratch, you may never reach for the bottled kind again.

Why You’ll Love This Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

• Ready in just minutes with everyday ingredients
• Versatile for meats, vegetables, tofu, and rice dishes
• Customizable sweetness, saltiness, and spice levels
• No additives or artificial preservatives
• Stores well for quick meals during the week

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

To whip up this sauce, you’ll need just a few basic tools:

• Small saucepan: Essential for simmering and thickening the sauce evenly.
• Whisk: Helps combine ingredients smoothly and prevents clumps, especially when adding cornstarch.
• Measuring spoons and cups: For accurate flavor balance.
• Garlic press or grater: Makes prepping garlic and ginger faster and more efficient.

These simple tools make the whole process smooth and mess-free, allowing you to focus on dialing in the perfect flavor.

Preparation Tips

Start by measuring out all your ingredients before heating the pan—this makes the cooking process quicker and avoids burning. Use fresh garlic and ginger for the most vibrant taste. If you prefer a spicier sauce, add red pepper flakes or a touch of sriracha. To thicken the sauce, dissolve cornstarch in cold water before adding to the hot mixture. Stir continuously as it simmers to avoid sticking and ensure the sauce reaches a silky texture. Once thickened, remove from heat immediately to prevent over-reduction.

Ingredients for this Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

• 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (light or dark)
• 1 tablespoon honey (optional for extra sweetness)
• 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (optional)
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons cold water (to mix with cornstarch)
• 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds (for garnish, optional)
• 1 tablespoon chopped green onions (for garnish, optional)

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Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir well to combine all the flavors.

Step 2: Heat and Simmer

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer while stirring occasionally. Allow it to simmer for 2–3 minutes so the garlic and ginger infuse the sauce with flavor and the sugar fully dissolves.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

In a separate small bowl, mix 1 tablespoon cornstarch with 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the saucepan while whisking continuously.

Step 4: Continue Cooking Until Thickened

Let the sauce simmer for another 2–4 minutes, stirring constantly. It will begin to thicken and turn glossy. Once it reaches your desired thickness, remove it from the heat.

Step 5: Final Touches and Serving

Taste the sauce and adjust as needed—add a touch more honey for sweetness or a splash of vinegar for tang. Garnish with sesame seeds and chopped green onions if using. Use immediately or let it cool and store for later.

Notes

This Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce is a wonderfully flexible base for countless dishes. You can use it as a marinade, dipping sauce, stir-fry glaze, or even as a drizzle over rice or roasted veggies. For a gluten-free version, swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos. If you’re making a large batch, the sauce scales easily—just adjust the cornstarch slurry proportionally to maintain thickness.

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Watch Out for These Mistakes While Cooking

• Skipping the cornstarch slurry: Adding cornstarch directly without mixing it in cold water can cause lumps.
• Overcooking the sauce: Boiling too long after adding the cornstarch can cause the sauce to become too thick or even burn.
• Using high-sodium soy sauce: It can make the sauce overly salty—always go for low sodium if available.
• Neglecting to stir: Once the slurry is added, constant stirring is crucial to prevent clumping and achieve a smooth texture.
• Using dried garlic/ginger instead of fresh: The fresh versions provide a richer, more authentic flavor.

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Storage Instructions

Once cooled, store the teriyaki sauce in an airtight glass jar or container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to 7–10 days. If it thickens too much in the fridge, simply reheat it with a splash of water to loosen the consistency. You can also freeze it in an ice cube tray for easy portioned use in stir-fries or meal prep.

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Estimated Nutrition

• Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
• Calories: 50
• Total Fat: 1g
• Saturated Fat: 0g
• Sodium: 580mg
• Total Carbohydrates: 10g
• Sugars: 7g
• Fiber: 0g
• Protein: 1g

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Frequently Asked Questions

What can I use instead of soy sauce?

You can use tamari for a gluten-free option or coconut aminos for a soy-free, lower-sodium alternative.

Can I use this as a marinade?

Yes! This sauce works wonderfully as a marinade for chicken, beef, tofu, or seafood.

How do I make it spicier?

Add more red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha or chili paste.

Is it possible to make this sauce sugar-free?

You can substitute the sugar and honey with a sugar-free sweetener like stevia, monk fruit, or erythritol. Adjust amounts to taste.

Can I freeze this teriyaki sauce?

Absolutely. Pour it into ice cube trays, freeze, and store in a zip-top bag for convenient use.

What dishes go best with teriyaki sauce?

It’s great on stir-fries, grilled meats, roasted vegetables, rice bowls, or even as a dipping sauce for dumplings.

Why did my sauce turn too thick?

You may have added too much cornstarch or cooked it too long. Thin it with a bit of warm water while reheating.

Can I double the recipe?

Yes, just scale up the ingredients and adjust the cornstarch-water slurry proportionally to keep the same consistency.

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Conclusion

Making your own Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce is not only easy and fast but also far more flavorful and wholesome than store-bought versions. With just a handful of ingredients and a few minutes of your time, you get a versatile sauce that’s ideal for countless meals. Whether you’re planning a stir-fry dinner or prepping for the week, this teriyaki sauce will quickly become a favorite go-to in your kitchen.

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