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Easy Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: Better Than Bottled

Close-up of rich, dark homemade teriyaki sauce topped with toasted sesame seeds in a small glass bowl.

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Make this quick homemade teriyaki sauce in under 15 minutes. It creates a thick, glossy glaze with the perfect sweet and savory balance, ideal for marinades or stir-fries.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 1/2 cup packed brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons cold water (slurry)

Instructions

  1. Combine the soy sauce, brown sugar, water, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil in a small saucepan.
  2. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly until the brown sugar dissolves completely and the sauce begins to simmer.
  3. Once simmering, slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry.
  4. Continue to cook, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 1 to 2 minutes. This creates your thick teriyaki recipe.
  5. Remove the sauce from the heat immediately. It will thicken slightly more as it cools.
  6. Use as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce for chicken, salmon, or tofu.

Notes

  • For a deeper umami flavor, substitute 1 tablespoon of the soy sauce with oyster sauce if you have it.
  • If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the brown sugar to 1/3 cup.
  • Store leftover teriyaki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

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