Name: Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
Prep time: 3 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 9 min
Ingredients: 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce; 1/4 cup water; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 1 tablespoon honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced or grated; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 1 tablespoon sesame oil; 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons cold water; 1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds; 1 tablespoon chopped green onions

If you’re looking to add a burst of flavor to your meals, look no further than this Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce. Packed with rich umami flavors and made using pantry staples like soy sauce, garlic, and ginger, this sauce is the perfect way to elevate simple dishes in minutes. Whether you’re marinating your favorite protein for a stir-fry, using it as a glaze, or dipping your snacks, this easy-to-make recipe should be a staple in every kitchen.

With just a handful of ingredients, you can create a delicious sauce that enhances the taste of various meals. Imagine drizzling this teriyaki sauce over grilled chicken, tossing it into vegetable stir-fries, or using it as a dip for fresh spring rolls. It not only satisfies your taste buds but also allows for versatility in your cooking. What’s more, this recipe takes only about nine minutes from start to finish, making it perfect for those busy weeknights or unexpected guests. You’ll soon find it as one of your favorite go-to recipes!

Why You’ll Love This Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Fast & Easy: This recipe is ready in under 10 minutes, making it ideal for quick meal prep.
Versatile: Use it as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce — the possibilities are endless!
Healthier Option: Made with low sodium soy sauce and natural sweeteners for a guilt-free flavor boost.
Natural Ingredients: No preservatives, just fresh ingredients that provide authentic taste.
Customizable: Adjust the sweetness or tanginess to fit your personal taste.

Preparation Phase & Tools to Use

Before you dive into making your Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce, it’s a good idea to prepare your kitchen. Begin by gathering all your ingredients — low sodium soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, red pepper flakes, cornstarch, and garnishes. It’s also essential to have measuring spoons and cups handy for precise measurements.

For cooking, grab a small saucepan to combine the sauce ingredients and a separate bowl for mixing the cornstarch slurry. Using a whisk is also helpful for ensuring everything blends smoothly. If you have a spatula, it can assist in scraping down sides and stirring. With all tools at the ready, you’ll be able to make this sauce quickly and effectively.

Ingredients

1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup water
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tablespoon honey
2 cloves garlic, minced or grated
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon sesame oil
1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water
1 teaspoon toasted sesame seeds
1 tablespoon chopped green onions

Instructions

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

Start by placing your small saucepan on the stove over medium heat. Pour in the low sodium soy sauce, followed by 1/4 cup of water. Add the rice vinegar, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and red pepper flakes. Stir all these together, ensuring they are well-blended. Heating these ingredients allows the flavors to meld beautifully, creating a robust base for your teriyaki sauce.

Step 2: Simmer the Mixture

Bring the combination to a gentle simmer. This should take about 2–3 minutes. During this time, occasionally stir to prevent any sticking at the bottom. Allowing it to simmer helps dissolve the sugar completely and lets the garlic and ginger infuse into the mixture. This is the key to achieving a sauce rich in flavor.

Step 3: Create the Slurry

While the sauce is simmering, take a separate small bowl and mix 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water. This slurry acts as a thickening agent that will give your sauce a glossy finish. Combine thoroughly until the cornstarch is dissolved completely, which prevents any clumping later on.

Step 4: Thicken the Sauce

Once your sauce has simmered and the flavors are nicely blended, slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan while whisking continuously. This ensures that the mixture remains smooth and creamy. Continue stirring as the sauce simmers for another 2–4 minutes. You will notice it begin to thicken and turn glossy, signifying it’s ready to be removed from the heat.

Step 5: Final Touches

After achieving your desired thickness, taste the sauce. Here’s where you can make it uniquely yours! If you prefer a touch of sweetness, consider adding a bit more honey. Alternatively, if you want a tangier kick, feel free to splash a bit of vinegar. Finally, if you wish, garnish with toasted sesame seeds and chopped green onions before using. This sauce can be used immediately or stored for later use.

Variations

Protein: Swap honey for maple syrup and use this teriyaki sauce as a marinade for tofu or tempeh to keep it vegetarian-friendly.
Vegetables: Drizzle over grilled asparagus, broccoli, or bell peppers for extra flavor.
Spices: Experiment with adding hoisin sauce or sriracha for a unique flavor twist.

Cooking Notes

Using fresh garlic and ginger ensures the best taste; powdered alternatives will not result in the same flavor depth.
Always mix cornstarch with cold water before introducing it to hot liquids; this prevents lumps from forming.
The sauce can be refrigerated for up to a week. For longer storage, freeze in ice cube trays and defrost as needed.

Serving Suggestions

Use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or dumplings.
Glaze grilled meats, such as chicken or beef, before serving for a flavor punch.

Tips

Adjust the spice level by varying the amount of red pepper flakes.
For an extra layer of flavor, consider adding a splash of rice wine for a gourmet touch.

Prep Time, Cook Time, Total Time

Prep Time: 3 minutes
Cook Time: 6 minutes
Total Time: 9 minutes

Nutritional Information

Calories: 50
Protein: 1g
Sodium: 580mg

FAQs

Can I make teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

Yes! This teriyaki sauce can be made in advance and stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.

How can I thicken teriyaki sauce without cornstarch?

You can use arrowroot powder or a reduction method by simmering the sauce until it thickens naturally.

What is the best way to store teriyaki sauce?

Store in an airtight container in the fridge or freeze in ice cube trays for longer longevity.

Can I use this sauce for grilling?

Absolutely! It works perfectly as a glaze for grilled meats, giving a nice caramelization as it cooks.

Conclusion

In conclusion, this Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce is a stunning addition to your culinary repertoire, proving that you can create delicious, high-quality sauces without requiring time-consuming methods or hard-to-find ingredients. The vibrant flavors achieved through shifting careful pantry items together open up a world of culinary exploration. Don’t hesitate to add this sauce to your meals, and remember, it can be customized perfectly to suit your preferences. Please feel free to share your feedback, try various combinations, and enjoy sharing this easy recipe with friends and family!