Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
Introduction
This homemade teriyaki sauce is a perfect blend of sweet and savory flavors that can elevate any dish. It’s easy to make with simple ingredients and is great for glazing meats, drizzling over vegetables, or using as a dipping sauce.

Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 garlic clove (minced)
- 1/2 tbsp fresh ginger (minced or grated)
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
Instructions
- Step 1: Combine the cornstarch and water in a small bowl until the cornstarch is fully dissolved.
- Step 2: In a medium saucepan, add the soy sauce, minced garlic, fresh ginger, brown sugar, honey, sesame oil, rice vinegar, and the cornstarch-water mixture.
- Step 3: Stir the mixture frequently and bring it to a simmer over medium heat. Continue cooking until the sauce thickens and turns a dark brown color.
- Step 4: Once thickened, remove the saucepan from heat immediately to prevent over-thickening or burning. Serve warm or let it cool for later use.
Tips & Variations
- For a spicier kick, add a pinch of crushed red pepper flakes or a small amount of sriracha.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the sauce.
- Adjust the sweetness by varying the brown sugar and honey amounts according to your taste.
- Add a splash of orange juice for a citrus twist.
Storage
Store leftover teriyaki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to restore its smooth consistency.
How to Serve
Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.
FAQs
Can I make teriyaki sauce without cornstarch?
Cornstarch is used as a thickener to give the sauce its glossy texture. If you prefer, you can substitute with arrowroot powder or flour, but the consistency may vary slightly.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
This sauce can be gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari instead of regular soy sauce, which often contains wheat.
PrintHomemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
A simple and flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce that combines savory soy sauce, sweet brown sugar and honey, fresh garlic and ginger, and a hint of sesame and rice vinegar. Perfect for glazing meats, drizzling over vegetables, or as a dipping sauce, this teriyaki sauce is easy to make on the stovetop and thickens to a rich, glossy finish.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 3/4 cup 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Ingredients
Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/3 cup soy sauce
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 garlic clove, minced
- 1/2 tbsp fresh ginger, minced or grated
- 1/3 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp honey
- 1/4 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
Instructions
- Prepare the cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, combine 1 tablespoon of cornstarch with 1/2 cup of water. Stir until fully dissolved. This slurry will help thicken the sauce later.
- Combine ingredients in saucepan: In a medium saucepan, pour in 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1 minced garlic clove, 1/2 tablespoon fresh grated ginger, 1/3 cup brown sugar, 1 tablespoon honey, 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil, and 1 tablespoon rice vinegar. Add the cornstarch and water mixture into the saucepan as well.
- Simmer and thicken: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir frequently to mix the ingredients thoroughly and prevent sticking. Bring the sauce to a gentle simmer. Continue cooking and stirring until the sauce thickens and darkens to a rich brown color, about 3-5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and serve: Once thickened, promptly remove the saucepan from heat to avoid overcooking or burning. Use the teriyaki sauce immediately as a glaze, marinade, or dipping sauce, or allow to cool and store for later use.
Notes
- Adjust sweetness by varying the amount of brown sugar and honey to taste.
- For a gluten-free version, use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce.
- Fresh ginger adds brightness but ground ginger can be substituted in a pinch.
- This sauce thickens as it cools; reheat gently with a splash of water to loosen if necessary.
- Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Keywords: teriyaki sauce, homemade teriyaki, Japanese sauce, soy sauce glaze, easy teriyaki recipe

