Easy Homemade Teriyaki Sauce (Better Than Store-Bought!)
If you’ve ever found yourself wishing for a teriyaki sauce that’s not too salty, not too sweet, and free from preservatives—you’re in the right place. This easy homemade teriyaki sauce recipe comes together in minutes using simple, real-food ingredients you probably already have in your pantry. Whether you’re marinating chicken, glazing salmon, or tossing it into a quick veggie stir-fry, this rich and flavorful sauce is about to become a staple in your kitchen. Say goodbye to store-bought bottles and hello to the perfect balance of sweet and savory—made right at home! In this blog post, we will discuss the reasons why you will love this recipe, tips for success, storage, and more!
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Why You Will Love This Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
- Easy and quick to make (under 10 minutes!)
- Made with pantry staples
- Free from preservatives or mystery ingredients
- customizable saltiness or sweetness
- Perfect for meal prepping
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
| Ingredient | Purpose in Sauce | Substitutions |
|---|---|---|
| Soy Sauce | Base umami flavor | Tamari or coconut aminos for gluten-free |
| Brown Sugar | Sweetness & depth | Honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar |
| Garlic & Ginger | Bold, warm flavors | Use fresh or ground |
| Rice Vinegar | Balancing acidity | Apple cider vinegar works in a pinch |
| Cornstarch + Water | To thicken | Arrowroot powder or flour slurry |
How To Make Homemade Teriyaki Sauce (Step by Step)
Gather Your Ingredients
In this recipe, you will need the following:
- 1/2 Cup Water
- 1/3 Cup Soy Sauce
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 garlic clove- Minced
- 1/2 teaspoon fresh ginger– Grated
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
Mix Together the Cornstarch and Water in a Small Bowl.
Combine Remaining Ingredients in a Sauce Pan. Add Corn Starch Slurry.
Bring Sauce To Simmer. Stir Frequently.
Cook until the sauce turns darker brown and thickens.
Serve
Once the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and serve.
How To Use Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
Stir Fry Vegetables
Chicken and Salmon Marinade
Teriyaki Noodles
Dipping Sauce for Potstickers and Egg Rolls
Glaze for Grilled Meats
Storage and Shelf Life
This homemade teriyaki sauce can be stored in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. I personally use these pint sized Mason Jars. I literally use them for EVERYTHING! Make sure to give the container a good shake if the sauce separates. You may also freeze for a longer period of time. One clever way I read to store this homemade sauce is by freezing it in ice cube trays for more individual portions. It will thaw more quickly and is perfect for when you just need a small amount!
Recipe FAQs
Q: Can I make this ahead of time?
A: Absolutely! It stores well and reheats beautifully.
Q: Is this sauce gluten-free?
A: Use tamari or coconut aminos to make it gluten-free.
Q: Can I reduce the sugar?
A: Yes, but keep in mind it may affect the thickness and flavor balance.
Tips for the Best Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
- Simmer gently to avoid burning the sugars.
- Use fresh ginger for more depth.
- Taste and tweak—this is your signature sauce!
I really hope that you enjoy this recipe for Homemade Teriyaki Sauce. I would love to hear how it goes! If you would, please let me know in the comments below. I also invite you to share this recipe with your friends! If you do, please give me a tag on social media @ourmanoronmain.
If you like this sauce, you might also want to try these:
The Perfect Cilantro Lime Crema
Made From Scratch Sweet and Zesty BBQ Sauce
The Ultimate Blue Cheese Sauce
Easy Homemade Teriyaki Sauce (Better Than Store-Bought!)
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup Soy Sauce
- 1 TBSP Corn Starch
- 1 Garlic Clove minced
- 1/2 TBSP Fresh Ginger grated
- 1/3 cup Brown Sugar
- 1 TBSP Honey
- 1/4 tsp Sesame oil
- 1 TBSP Rice Vinegar
Instructions
- Mix Together the Cornstarch and Water in a Small Bowl.
- Add remaining ingredients into a sauce pan. Add in the cornstarch and water mixture and stir.
- Bring to a gentle simmer on medium heat stirring frequently. Cook until the sauce thickens and is a darker brown.
- Once the sauce has thickened, remove from heat and serve. Sauce will continue to thicken as it cools.
