Oh my goodness, if you’re looking for a delicious teriyaki sauce, you’ve come to the right place! This recipe is super special to me because it’s become a staple in our house. Anytime we have a busy week ahead, I whip up a batch of this teriyaki sauce to keep on hand. It’s perfect for drizzling over grilled chicken, stir-fry veggies, or even just some plain rice. Plus, it’s really versatile, and I love that you can adjust the sweetness or saltiness to your taste!
What I adore about this sauce is its balance of flavors—it’s sweet, savory, and just a bit tangy, which makes everything it touches so much better. The smell while it simmers on the stove? Absolutely heavenly! It’s also super easy to make, taking just a few minutes, which means you’ll have a homemade sauce to elevate your weeknight dinners without the fuss. If you love this teriyaki sauce, you might also enjoy my homemade fried rice recipe that pairs perfectly with it! Let’s dive into this delightful flavor explosion!
Why You’ll Love This Best Easy Teriyaki Sauce
- Sweet and savory balance from brown sugar and soy sauce
- Made with accessible ingredients, all easily found in your pantry
- Quick to prepare in just a few simple steps
- Customizable thickness to suit your preference
- Perfect for marinating, glazing, or drizzling over any dish
- Garnish with sesame seeds and green onions for a pop of flavor
- Leftovers can be stored for up to a week, making it meal prep-friendly
This teriyaki sauce offers a delightful homemade touch to your dishes and is significantly healthier than store-bought options!
How to Make the Best Easy Teriyaki Sauce
This teriyaki sauce is super simple to whip up and brings a sweet, savory flavor that enhances everything from grilled meats to stir-fries. Perfect for a quick weeknight dinner or when you want to impress guests without putting in too much effort!
What You’ll Need:
- Soy sauce – 1/2 cup. I always opt for low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness while still getting that deep flavor.
- Water – 1/4 cup, to help balance the intensity of the soy sauce.
- Brown sugar – 1/4 cup. Using packed dark brown sugar adds a lovely caramel-like depth.
- Honey – 2 tablespoons. I use local honey when I can; it adds a nice floral note!
- Rice vinegar – 1 tablespoon. This is key for that tangy brightness; stick with a trustworthy brand for best results.
- Cornstarch – 1 tablespoon, to help thicken the sauce just right.
- Cold water – 2 tablespoons (for slurry). This will mix with the cornstarch to create a smooth thickening agent.
- Garlic powder – 1 teaspoon, for that essential umami flavor.
- Ginger powder – 1 teaspoon, adding warmth and spiciness.
- Sesame seeds – for garnish, optional but highly recommended for that classic teriyaki presentation.
- Chopped green onions – for garnish, providing a lovely crunch and color.
The Directions:
- In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, garlic powder, and ginger powder. Stir it all together until the sugar is dissolved.
- Bring this mixture to a gentle simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally.
- While it’s simmering, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl to make a slurry.
- Once your sauce is simmering, whisk in the cornstarch slurry slowly. Cook for an additional 2–3 minutes or until the sauce has thickened to your liking. It should coat the back of a spoon nicely!
- Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool slightly before using it on your dishes.
- Drizzle your teriyaki sauce over grilled meats, stir-fried veggies, or tofu. Don’t forget to sprinkle on sesame seeds and chopped green onions for that extra pop!
- If you have leftovers, store them in an airtight container in the fridge for up to one week. It’s great to have on hand for quick meals!
Enjoy creating countless delicious meals with your homemade teriyaki sauce. It’s bound to become a staple in your kitchen!
Can I Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce?
Absolutely! Low-sodium soy sauce is a great substitute and will work perfectly in this teriyaki sauce. Just keep in mind that it might require a little more brown sugar to balance the flavors, so taste as you go!
What If I Don’t Have Rice Vinegar?
No worries! If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute it with apple cider vinegar or white vinegar. Both options will still provide a nice tang to the sauce, so use the same amount as the recipe calls for.
How to Store Leftover Teriyaki Sauce
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. If you want to keep it longer, you can freeze it in ice cube trays. Just pop out a cube whenever you need to use some!
Can I Make This Sauce Spicy?
Definitely! To add some heat, simply stir in a teaspoon of chili flakes or a dash of sriracha while the sauce is simmering. Adjust the amount according to your spice preference for the perfect kick!
