Description
This quick homemade teriyaki sauce is a savory, sweet, and slightly tangy glaze that’s perfect for stir-fries, grilled meats, noodles, and more. Made in under 10 minutes with pantry staples, it’s bold, glossy, and customizable—way better than store-bought!
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)
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan over medium heat, add a splash of oil. Sauté garlic and ginger for 1–2 minutes until fragrant.
2. Stir in soy sauce, water, rice vinegar, brown sugar, and sesame oil. Bring to a light simmer.
3. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water to make a slurry.
4. Slowly pour the slurry into the sauce while whisking continuously. Let it simmer for 2 minutes, until thick and glossy.
5. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes if desired. Simmer another 30 seconds.
6. Remove from heat. Strain for smooth texture or leave as is.
7. Garnish with green onions and sesame seeds. Serve warm or let cool and store.
Notes
For gluten-free: Use tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce substitute.
No fresh garlic or ginger? Use 1/4 tsp garlic powder and 1/4 tsp ground ginger instead.
Thicker sauce tip: Let it simmer slightly longer after adding the slurry for a stickier glaze.
- Prep Time: 2 minutes
- Cook Time: 6 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 25
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 430mg
- Fat: 0.5g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.4g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 4g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg