Go Back Email Link
–+ servings

Easy Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

homemade teriyaki sauce in bowl dripping from spoon
Who needs store-bought teriyaki sauce when you can whip up a batch of your homemade teriyaki sauce with ingredients you likely have in your pantry right now?
Inna
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 5 minutes

Equipment

Ingredients

  • ½ Cup Soy Sauce
  • 3 Tablespoons Rice Wine
  • 1 ½ Teaspoons Sesame Oil
  • 3 Tablespoons Brown Sugar
  • 2 Teaspoons Minced Fresh Ginger
  • 1 Teaspoon Minced Fresh Garlic
  • 2 Tablespoons Honey
  • 1 Tablespoon Cornstarch
  • ¼ Cup Water

Instructions

  • In a medium bowl combine the soy sauce, rice wine, sesame seed oil, minced fresh garlic, minced fresh ginger, brown sugar and honey together. Mix we
  • Transfer the mixture to a saucepan and boil for about 2 minutes.
  • Meanwhile, mix well together the cornstarch and water.
  • Pour the cornstarch with water in the boiling mixture and mix well. Boil for another minute or so. The mixture should thicken.
  • Use it immediately or pour it in a sauce glass container for storage in the refrigerator.

Notes

  • Whisk before heating: Make sure the sugar is fully dissolved, as this ensured the sauce thickens smoothly.
  • Always make a cornstarch slurry: never add the cornstarch directly into the hot liquid. I've made this mistake more than one time and The result is a clumpy texture that no-one likes. In hot liquid, the outer granules of cornstarch gelatinize instantly, leaving powder granules inside. Always mix cornstarch with cold liquid until it dissolves and only after that pour it slowly into the hot liquid.
  • Don't overcook it: the sauce thickens quickly once you pour cornstarch. It might look thin at first but then it will thicken very rapidly when cornstarch is activated by the heat.
  • Adjust for the dish you'll use the sauce for: if you will be using this sauce as a marinade, make it thinner by reducing the cornstarch amount. If you're glazing salmon, meat, or vegetables with it a thick consistency is better.
  • Taste as You Go: Don’t be shy to adjust the flavors as you mix. Want more honey? Go for it. Want less ginger? That’s fine, too.
  • Low Sodium Option: Use tamari instead of soy sauce to reduce the sodium content without losing flavor. This also makes this sauce gluten-free.
  • Sweetness Adjustment: Opt for simple sugar if you prefer a sweeter taste.
  • Microwave method: For those preferring a quicker method, combine all but cornstarch and water in a microwave safe bowl then microwave for about 1 minute. Add the cornstarch with water mixture and mix well, microwaving for 30 seconds more after that.
  • Make it Gluten-Free: Use tamari sauce or certified gluten-free soy sauce