Name: Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
Prep time: 2 min
Cook time: 6 min
Total time: 8 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1/2 cup water; 1 teaspoon sesame oil; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 1 tablespoon cold water (for slurry); Pinch red pepper flakes (optional); Chopped green onions and sesame seeds for garnish (optional)

This quick homemade teriyaki sauce is a bold and savory-sweet flavor bomb that takes less than 10 minutes to whip up. Whether you’re glazing salmon, drizzling over stir-fried veggies, or dipping dumplings, this glossy, thick sauce clings perfectly and delivers just the right balance of umami, sweetness, and a hint of spice.

Made with pantry staples, this teriyaki sauce is an easy go-to for weeknight dinners and meal prep. It’s free from artificial thickeners and overly salty bases you find in many store-bought versions, and the flavor is fresher and more customizable. Once you make this from scratch, you’ll never reach for the bottle again.

What Kind of Soy Sauce Should I Use?

For the richest depth, go for a regular or dark soy sauce. Light soy sauce works if you prefer a saltier, thinner flavor, but regular soy sauce offers that signature umami backbone. If you’re gluten-free, opt for tamari instead—it mimics the flavor profile closely.

Ingredients for the Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Soy Sauce – The essential base for that deep umami flavor. Regular or dark soy sauce gives the richest color and depth.

Brown Sugar – Balances the saltiness with a subtle molasses sweetness and helps with caramelization.

Garlic and Ginger – Fresh minced garlic and grated ginger infuse bold aromatics that make this sauce taste restaurant-quality.

Rice Vinegar – Adds acidity to cut through the richness, brightening the sauce.

Sesame Oil – A tiny splash adds nuttiness and depth.

Cornstarch Slurry – Thickens the sauce to a glossy glaze perfect for coating.

Red Pepper Flakes (Optional) – For those who like a hint of heat, just a pinch goes a long way.

Green Onion & Sesame Seeds (for garnish) – These finish the sauce beautifully if using as a dipping sauce or topping.

How To Make the Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Step 1: Sauté the Aromatics

In a small saucepan over medium heat, add a splash of oil, then stir in freshly minced garlic and grated ginger. Sauté for 1–2 minutes until fragrant—this unlocks the aromatics and gives the sauce its bold base.

Step 2: Add the Liquids and Sweetener

Pour in the soy sauce, water, and rice vinegar. Stir in brown sugar and sesame oil, allowing everything to combine. Let the mixture come to a light simmer so the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk it into the simmering sauce. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens and becomes glossy—this usually takes about 2 minutes.

Step 4: Add Heat (Optional)

If you like your teriyaki sauce with a little kick, sprinkle in a pinch of red pepper flakes at this stage. Let it simmer for another 30 seconds.

Step 5: Finish and Serve

Remove from heat. You can strain out the garlic and ginger for a smoother texture or leave them in for extra flavor. Garnish with chopped green onions and sesame seeds if desired.

Use immediately or let it cool and store in the fridge for up to a week. The sauce thickens slightly more as it cools, making it ideal for glazing or dipping.

How to Serve and Store This Sauce

Quick homemade teriyaki sauce is incredibly versatile. Drizzle it over grilled chicken or salmon, toss it with stir-fried veggies and rice, or use it as a marinade for tofu and meats. It’s also a delicious dipping sauce for dumplings, spring rolls, and even crispy wings.

For storing, let the sauce cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or jar. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 7 days. If it thickens too much in the fridge, just add a splash of water and reheat gently on the stovetop to restore its silky consistency.

You can also freeze this sauce in a sealed freezer-safe container or silicone ice cube trays. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer bag—perfect for single-serve portions you can thaw as needed.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does homemade teriyaki sauce last?

It lasts up to one week in the fridge in a sealed container. You can also freeze it for up to 3 months.

Can I make this sauce gluten-free?

Yes! Swap out the soy sauce for tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.

Is this sauce spicy?

Not unless you add red pepper flakes. It’s totally customizable to your heat preference.

What if I don’t have fresh garlic or ginger?

You can use 1/4 teaspoon each of garlic powder and ground ginger as a quick substitute, though the flavor won’t be quite as vibrant.

Can I double the recipe?

Absolutely. Just make sure to simmer it a bit longer when thickening to ensure even texture.

Want More Sauce Ideas?

If this quick homemade teriyaki sauce hit the spot, you’ll want to try these other bold and flavor-packed recipes from Life with Jam:

Louisiana Remoulade Sauce – Creamy, tangy, and full of Cajun spice.
Shut Yo Mouth Sauce – A fiery blend with serious personality.
Bold and Spicy Homemade Slap Ya Mama Seasoning – Not a sauce, but a seasoning worth adding to your pantry.
Grilled Peach and Honey Mustard Dressing – Sweet and smoky, ideal for summer salads.
Spicy Sailor’s Dip – Rich, spicy, and perfect for parties.

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Let me know in the comments how you used this teriyaki sauce! Did you drizzle it over salmon, toss it with noodles, or use it as a dipping sauce for dumplings?

I love hearing the creative ways you bring these recipes to life. Have questions or a twist you tried? Drop it below—we’re all learning from each other in the kitchen.

Looking for even more recipes? Check out my Pinterest page, Life with Jam where I share new favorites daily.