Teriyaki Sauce

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce is SO worth it. This simple recipe comes together in a snap, with common pantry ingredients. It’s a versatile sauce that’ll jazz up everything from grilled chicken to weeknight stir-fries!

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce is my favorite teriyaki sauce. Once I realized how truly simple it is to make, I tested and re-tested, until I had just the perfect flavor and consistency. This truly is the best teriyaki sauce recipe, perfect for dipping, drizzling, marinating, and glazing – sure to become a staple in your fridge!

What You’ll Need

As mentioned, most of these ingredients are ones you probably have on hand. Scroll to the printable recipe card at the bottom of the post for exact ingredient amounts.

• Soy sauce – You can swap in tamari sauce if you need to make gluten-free teriyaki sauce. We’ve also been experimenting more with coconut aminos, and have been really liking it! We use Target’s own store brand.
• Honey – This adds both sweetness and a lovely flavor; it also contributes to the sticky consistency.
• Brown sugar – Either light or brown sugar will work here, depending on your preference.
• Sesame oil – I like to use toasted sesame oil, which has a rich, nutty flavor. If the bottle is labeled only “sesame oil,” it will have a neutral flavor.
• Rice vinegar – Look for unseasoned rice vinegar, which has a clean, bright flavor without added sweetener and other flavorings.
• Garlic and ginger – Fresh is a must! They pack more punch than garlic powder and dried ginger. Just trust me – they make this recipe shine!
• Water – To make the cornstarch slurry, which thickens the sauce.
• Cornstarch – To thicken the teriyaki sauce so it coats meats and veggies perfectly, and sticks to all the things you want to dip in it!

How to Make Teriyaki Sauce

Homemade teriyaki sauce is easy as can be! Scroll to the bottom of the post for the full recipe card.

• Simmer the sauce. Whisk together all the ingredients through the garlic and ginger in a pan; bring to a boil over medium heat, then reduce the heat to a simmer. 
• Make the slurry. Whisk the water and cornstarch in a small bowl. 

• Thicken the sauce. Pour the slurry into the sauce, whisking constantly. 
• Finish and cool. Continue to simmer the teriyaki sauce until it reaches your desired consistency. Remove from heat, cool, then serve or store.

Tips & Variations

You simply cannot go wrong with this recipe! 

• Adjust the sweetness. If you prefer a less-sweet sauce, use less honey and brown sugar. 
• Don’t thicken it too much. Keep in mind that as the sauce cools, it will continue to thicken, so don’t simmer it too long. Once it cools, if it’s thicker than you’d like, thin it out by whisking in additional water a splash at a time.
• Add some heat. A pinch or two of red pepper flakes will add some heat to your teriyaki sauce.

My Favorite Ways to Use Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

The options for using this sauce? Endless! 

• Glazing meat. Brush it over chicken thighs, salmon, or pork chops during the last few minutes of grilling or roasting. That’s how I use it in this recipe for Teriyaki Chicken Poke Bowls.
• Stir-fries. Stir-fry veggies and meat in oil, then add the teriyaki sauce near the last few minutes of cooking time. These Blistered Teriyaki-Ginger Green Beans are a favorite around here!
• Marinades. Use it as a marinade for chicken, beef, pork, and more.
• Dipping sauce. Serve it as a dipping sauce with Potstickers, Wonton Chips, Shrimp Shumai, or Shrimp Chips. Offer it with your Egg Roll in a Bowl meal or simple steamed veggies. Or ANY other food that could use a little somethin’-somethin’!

How to Store

Store teriyaki sauce in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. The sauce will thicken when chilled, but it will loosen up when you take it out of the refrigerator and let it sit at room temperature a bit, and even faster when heated.