Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

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If you’ve ever wished your favorite takeout teriyaki could be bottled up and stored in your kitchen, you’re in for a treat. This Homemade Teriyaki Sauce is glossy, garlicky, sweet, and savory with a tiny kick of heat. It’s perfect for glazing chicken, drizzling over rice bowls, or tossing with stir-fried noodles. Best of all, it takes less than 10 minutes to make and tastes better than anything from the store.

The flavor depth in this sauce comes from a well-balanced blend of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and brown sugar—all simmered to a sticky, silky perfection. Whether you’re marinating salmon or jazzing up leftovers, this versatile sauce transforms simple dishes into something crave-worthy.

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What Kind of Soy Sauce Should I Use?

For the most balanced flavor, use a regular (not low-sodium) soy sauce. It brings the bold umami depth needed to anchor the sweet and tangy notes of the sauce. If you want to reduce salt, you can use low-sodium, but you may find the sauce needs an extra dash of vinegar or spice to round it out.

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Ingredients for the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Soy Sauce: The base of the sauce—rich, salty, and full of umami. It sets the tone for everything else.

Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create that signature glossy finish when simmered.

Garlic: Fresh minced garlic boosts the savoriness with a sharp, aromatic punch.

Ginger: A touch of grated fresh ginger or ground ginger balances the sweetness with warm spice.

Rice Vinegar: Adds acidity that lightens the sauce and keeps it from being overly sweet.

Honey: Rounds out the flavor and gives the sauce a smoother, stickier texture.

Cornstarch & Water (Slurry): Essential for thickening the sauce to that perfect pourable glaze.

Red Pepper Flakes (optional): Just a pinch gives a gentle kick that keeps the sauce from tasting too sweet.

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How To Make the Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Stir frequently to help dissolve the sugar and bring the mixture to a low simmer.

Step 2: Make the Slurry

In a separate small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until smooth. This slurry will be your thickening agent.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce while whisking. Continue to stir until the sauce thickens to a glossy consistency. This usually takes about 1–2 minutes.

Step 4: Adjust Flavor

Taste the sauce. If you want more heat, stir in red pepper flakes. For extra sweetness, a little more honey does the trick.

Step 5: Cool and Store

Let the sauce cool slightly, then transfer to a jar or bottle. It will continue to thicken a bit as it cools. Store in the fridge for up to two weeks.

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Serving and Storing Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

This sauce is incredibly versatile! Spoon it over grilled chicken, salmon, tofu, or vegetables. Toss it with noodles or fried rice for a quick weeknight dinner. It also makes a fantastic dipping sauce for potstickers or spring rolls.

Store leftovers in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 14 days. If it thickens too much, just whisk in a splash of water or warm it briefly before using.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I use this sauce as a marinade?

Absolutely! Just don’t add the cornstarch slurry if you’re using it as a marinade. Keep it thin for better absorption.

How can I make it gluten-free?

Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of regular soy sauce. Double-check your other ingredients, especially the vinegar.

Can I freeze the sauce?

Yes, freeze it in a small airtight container. Thaw in the fridge and reheat gently.

Is it spicy?

Only if you add red pepper flakes. You can leave them out if you prefer it mild.

Can I double the recipe?

Definitely! Just double all ingredients and increase the simmer time slightly to ensure it thickens evenly.

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Want More Sauce Ideas?

If you love this Homemade Teriyaki Sauce, you might enjoy these flavor-packed recipes too:

• Garlic Butter Chicken with Creamy Ricotta Alfredo Pasta
• Classic Homemade Bolognese Sauce
• Cajun Ranch Shrimp and Sausage Pasta Skillet
• Garlic Chicken Lo Mein
• Panda Express Chow Mein Copycat

Save This Pin + Share Your Results

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

And let me know in the comments how you used it! Did you glaze salmon or toss it with stir-fry? Did you sneak in extra spice?

I love hearing your twists on my recipes. Feel free to ask questions or swap tips—we’re all about sharing flavor inspiration here.

Looking for more quick and easy recipes? Check out my Pinterest: Life with Nina

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