Every great home cook has a few “secret weapon” recipes they keep in their back pocket, and homemade teriyaki sauce should be at the top of that list. This simple-to-make sauce is a flavor powerhouse, offering a perfect blend of bold, sweet, and savory notes with a sticky, glossy finish. Forget the store-bought bottles; once you discover how quick and easy it is to whip up this versatile sauce from common pantry staples, you’ll never go back.
The beauty of a great teriyaki sauce is its incredible versatility. It’s the ideal finishing touch for a variety of dishes, transforming a simple meal into something extraordinary. Drizzle it over a bowl of steamed rice with stir-fried vegetables for a quick and satisfying dinner. Use it as a marinade for chicken, beef, or tofu, allowing the rich flavors to penetrate the protein and create a tender, juicy result. Or, use it as a glaze for grilled salmon or vegetables, creating a beautiful caramelized exterior that’s as delicious as it is visually appealing.
Creating this sauce is a straightforward process. The base typically consists of soy sauce, a sweetener like brown sugar or honey, and a liquid like water. You can then customize the flavor profile with ingredients like fresh minced garlic and ginger for a pungent kick, or a splash of rice vinegar to add a touch of tanginess. To achieve that signature glossy, thick consistency, a cornstarch slurry is added at the end, transforming the sauce into a glaze that clings to your food perfectly.
This particular recipe, brought to you by our friends at Jersey Girl Cooks, is a testament to how simple ingredients can yield truly incredible results. Making your own teriyaki sauce not only gives you complete control over the flavor and sweetness but also avoids the preservatives often found in commercial versions. It’s a healthier, more flavorful option that will elevate your cooking and become a staple in your kitchen.
Here are the ingredients and instructions:
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce recipe is a Jersey Girl Cooks Recipe!
Prep Time: 5 mins Cook Time: 5 mins Course: Condiment/Extra, Sauce Servings: 16 tablespoons Calories: 17kcal
Ingredients:
- ½ cup (4 fl oz | 120 ml) soy sauce
- ¼ cup (2 fl oz | 60 ml) water
- 2 tablespoons brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 2 garlic cloves, minced
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch + 2 tablespoons water for thickening
Instructions:
- In a small saucepan, add the soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Stir to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
- In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry.
- Stir the slurry into the sauce in the saucepan.
- Simmer for 1-2 minutes, stirring constantly until the sauce is thick and glossy.
- Remove from heat. Let the sauce cool slightly before using, or transfer to an airtight jar and store in the fridge.
This video from a different user shows how to make a similar teriyaki sauce at home from scratch. Easy Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
For this recipe and many others that will inspire your next meal, visit our recipes section. This video provides a recipe and instructions for making an authentic Japanese teriyaki sauce. A Jersey Girl Cooks Recipe!
