My homemade teriyaki sauce is the perfect balance of sweet and savory! The end result is a thick, flavorful sauce that tastes far better than anything store-bought. Plus, it’s nice to know where all the ingredients came from.
Everything comes together in just a few minutes on the stovetop, and the cornstarch slurry thickens the sauce to that classic, silky consistency. It’s easy to adjust, too – add red pepper flakes for a little heat or leave them out for a milder version the whole family can enjoy. Want it sweeter? Add a little more brown sugar!
This teriyaki sauce is incredibly versatile. Use it as a marinade for chicken, salmon, or beef, toss it with stir-fried vegetables or noodles, or brush it over grilled meats for a glossy glaze. It also makes a delicious drizzle for rice bowls or a dipping sauce for appetizers. Once you make it from scratch, you’ll want to keep a jar in your fridge at all times.
Ingredients:
- Soy Sauce: Forms the savory, umami-rich base of the sauce and provides its classic deep color.
- Mirin: Adds a mild sweetness and subtle tang that balances the saltiness of the soy sauce.
- Brown Sugar: Brings warm sweetness and helps create that glossy, caramelized finish.
- Fresh Ginger: Be sure to use fresh ginger for this! It is so inexpensive and arguably one of the biggest flavor additions to teriyaki sauce. It adds brightness and a gentle spice that keeps the sauce from tasting too heavy.
- Garlic: Gives bold, aromatic depth and enhances the overall savory flavor.
- Sesame Oil: Contributes a rich, nutty undertone that rounds out the sauce.
- Sesame Seeds: Add light texture and an extra layer of nutty flavor.
- Water + Cornstarch Mixture: Thickens the sauce to achieve that smooth, silky, restaurant-style consistency.
- Red Pepper Flakes (Optional): Provide a subtle kick of heat for those who enjoy a little spice.
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce (Takes 5 Minutes!)
- Total Time: 5 minutes
Description
This homemade teriyaki sauce is a rich, glossy blend of sweet and savory flavors with garlic, ginger, and sesame that’s perfect for glazing, marinating, or drizzling over your favorite dishes.
Ingredients
- 4 cloves garlic, minced
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (tamari for gluten-free option)
- 1/3 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1/4 cup water mixed with 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
- Optional: 1/2 tablespoon roasted sesame seeds and 1/2 teaspoon red pepper flakes (omit if you don’t like spice)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, and red pepper flakes (if using).
- In a separate bowl, mix the water and cornstarch until smooth. Slowly pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan while stirring continuously. Simmer for 4 – 5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add sesame oil and sesame seeds.
- Remove from heat and store in an airtight container or jar for 1 – 2 weeks.
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
Nutrition
- Serving Size: ~1¼ cups of sauce
Oh my goodness just made and oh so good! I loved the fresh ginger. Going to be using in so many dishes!
Hi Jillian – thanks for sharing your kind words! So glad you loved it!