This teriyaki sauce was born out of pure laziness. I wanted something sweet and savory to pour over dinner, realized I didn’t have a bottle in the fridge, and absolutely did not want to go to the store.
So I stared at my pantry like it owed me money and started throwing things in a saucepan.
Five minutes later, I had sauce. Real sauce. The kind that makes plain rice suddenly feel important.
I’ve been making it this way ever since, partly because it’s easy, and partly because it makes me feel like I outsmarted grocery shopping.
Why I Keep Making This Dish (The Real Reasons)
- Faster than delivery: Ten minutes and it’s done.
- No mystery ingredients: I know exactly what’s in it.
- Better than bottled: Thicker, richer, more balanced.
- Adjustable: Sweeter, saltier, thicker, thinner. You’re in charge.
- Multi-use: Sauce, glaze, marinade, drizzle.
- Fridge staple: Always useful, never ignored.
- Low effort flex: People assume you planned ahead.
Tips I Learned the Hard Way
- Watch the boil: It thickens fast once it starts bubbling.
- Whisk the cornstarch well: Lumps are not part of the plan.
- Don’t skip the ginger: It adds warmth you’ll miss.
- Taste before cooling: Flavors mellow as it cools.
- Simmer, don’t scorch: High heat turns sugar bitter.
- Tamari vs soy sauce: Tamari has more flavor, less salt.
- Cool before storing: Hot sauce + fridge = condensation mess.
Variations You Can Mess Around With
- Low Sugar: Reduce brown sugar or use a substitute.
- Spicy Mood: Add chili flakes or sriracha.
- Extra Garlic: Double it. No regrets.
- Orange Twist: Add a splash of orange juice.
- Thicker Glaze: Simmer one extra minute.
- Thinner Sauce: Add a little water after cooking.
- Vegan-Friendly: Use agave instead of honey.
How To Make Teriyaki Sauce?
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup tamari or low sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced
- 1 teaspoon garlic, minced
- 1 tablespoon honey (use agave for vegan option)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 tablespoons mirin
- 1/4 cup water mixed with 3 teaspoons cornstarch
Instructions
Step 1:
Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and stir well to combine.
Step 2:
Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
Step 3:
Once the sauce has thickened slightly, remove it from the heat and let it cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan and stir well to combine.
- Bring the mixture to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat and let it simmer for about 4 minutes, stirring occasionally.
- Once the sauce has thickened slightly, remove it from the heat and let it cool. It will continue to thicken as it cools.
Notes
Nutritional Information
| Nutrition | Value |
| Calories | 48 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 10 gm |
| Fat | 0 gm |
| Protein | 1 gm |
Note: Nutritional values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient size, quality, brand, location, and the proportions used. All nutritional information is calculated on a per-serving basis.
If you are following a medically restrictive diet, please consult your doctor or registered dietitian before preparing this recipe for personal consumption.
How I Like to Serve This
- Over stir-fry: Instant upgrade.
- On grilled chicken: Brush it on at the end.
- With rice bowls: Pour generously.
- As a dipping sauce: Dumplings love this.
- On roasted veggies: Especially broccoli.
- Marinade moment: Short soak, big flavor.
Storage, Leftovers, and Next-Day Thoughts
- Fridge life: Keeps well for up to 1 week.
- Container choice: Airtight is your friend.
- Reheat gently: Microwave or stovetop both work.
- Thickness check: Add water if it tightens too much.
- Flavor next day: Even better and more balanced.
- Batch cooking: Doubles easily.
FAQs (Real Questions People Actually Ask)
Can I use soy sauce instead of tamari?
Yes, just use low sodium if possible.
Is mirin necessary?
It adds sweetness and depth, but you can substitute with a little rice vinegar and sugar.
Why is my sauce too thick?
Add a splash of water and stir.
Why is it too thin?
Simmer it another minute.
Can I freeze it?
Yes, in small portions.
Is this gluten-free?
Yes, if you use tamari.
Can I use powdered ginger or garlic?
Fresh is better, but powdered works in a pinch.
