Teriyaki Sauce
A classic sweet and savory Japanese-style sauce, perfect for glazing grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu. This homemade version is far superior to store-bought alternatives, offering rich, authentic flavor and coming together in just 15 minutes.
For 8 servings
5 steps. 10 minutes total.
- 1
Step 1
- a.In a small saucepan, combine the low sodium soy sauce, 1/4 cup of water, packed brown sugar, mirin, rice vinegar, grated ginger, and minced garlic. Whisk everything together.
- 2
Place the saucepan over medium heat
- a.Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until the brown sugar has completely dissolved. This should take about 3-4 minutes.
- 3
Step 3
- a.In a separate small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of cold water until you have a smooth, lump-free slurry.
- 4
Step 4
- a.While continuously whisking the simmering sauce, slowly pour in the cornstarch slurry. Continue to whisk and simmer for another 1-2 minutes as the sauce thickens to a consistency that coats the back of a spoon.
- 5
Remove the saucepan from the heat
- a.If using, stir in the sesame oil for extra aroma. Allow the sauce to cool for at least 10 minutes before using; it will thicken further as it cools.
What to keep in mind.
6 tips from the recipe — small details that make a real difference to the final dish.
- 1For a gluten-free version, substitute the soy sauce with an equal amount of tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.
- 2Always use cold water for the cornstarch slurry. Warm or hot water will cause the cornstarch to clump instantly.
- 3The sauce can be stored in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
- 4For a more authentic Japanese flavor, add 1-2 tablespoons of sake along with the other liquids in step 1.
- 5Adjust sweetness to your liking. You can start with less sugar and add more if needed.
- 6This sauce is an excellent marinade. Marinate chicken, beef, or tofu for at least 30 minutes before cooking for a deeper flavor.
Adapt it for your goals.
Spicy Teriyaki
Add 1-2 teaspoons of sriracha, a pinch of red pepper flakes, or a dash of chili garlic sauce to the saucepan in step 1 for a spicy kick.
Pineapple TeriyakiPineapple Teriyaki
Replace the 1/4 cup of water with 1/4 cup of pineapple juice for a sweet and tangy tropical twist. This is especially delicious with pork or chicken.
Honey Ginger TeriyakiHoney Ginger Teriyaki
Substitute the brown sugar with an equal amount of honey for a different flavor profile. The sauce may be slightly thinner, so simmer for an extra minute if needed.
Why this is on our healthy list.
Homemade Advantage
Making teriyaki sauce at home allows you to control the amount of sodium and sugar, and avoid the preservatives and high-fructose corn syrup often found in commercial brands.
Ginger's Digestive Aid
Fresh ginger is well-known for its anti-inflammatory properties and its ability to aid digestion and soothe an upset stomach.
Garlic's Immune Support
Garlic contains compounds like allicin, which have been studied for their potential to boost the immune system and support cardiovascular health.
Frequently asked questions
One serving of this teriyaki sauce (approximately 2 tablespoons) contains about 55-65 calories, primarily from the brown sugar and mirin.