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Easy Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe for Sweet and Savory Meals

easy homemade teriyaki sauce - featured image

A quick and easy homemade teriyaki sauce that balances sweet honey with savory soy, fresh ginger, and garlic for a comforting and versatile sauce perfect for glazing, drizzling, or marinating.

Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup (120 ml) low-sodium soy sauce
  • ¼ cup (85 g) honey (or maple syrup for vegan option)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
  • 1 teaspoon (5 ml) toasted sesame oil (optional)
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon (6 g) freshly grated ginger
  • 1 tablespoon (8 g) cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
  • 2 tablespoons (30 ml) cold water
  • Pinch of red pepper flakes or dash of sriracha (optional for heat)
  • Chopped green onions or cilantro for garnish (optional)

Instructions

  1. Gather all ingredients: Measure out soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil (optional), minced garlic, and freshly grated ginger.
  2. In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Stir gently until honey dissolves and mixture warms, about 2 minutes.
  3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until fully dissolved to create a slurry.
  4. Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the warm soy mixture while whisking continuously. Stir for 3-4 minutes as sauce thickens and becomes glossy. Add a splash of water if sauce becomes too thick.
  5. Remove from heat and stir in toasted sesame oil for added depth and nuttiness. Taste and adjust sweetness or acidity by adding more honey or vinegar if desired.
  6. Let sauce cool completely before transferring to a clean jar or bottle. Store in refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

Use fresh ginger for best flavor; add cornstarch slurry slowly while whisking to avoid lumps. Keep heat medium or medium-low to prevent bitterness. Sauce thickens more as it cools; whisk in warm water if too thick after refrigeration. Can be customized with red pepper flakes for spice or maple syrup for vegan sweetness.

Nutrition

Keywords: teriyaki sauce, homemade teriyaki, easy sauce, sweet and savory, gluten-free teriyaki, vegan teriyaki, quick sauce, marinade