Learn how to make an easy teriyaki sauce recipe using six ingredients and a single pot. Sweet, salty, and easy to customize, it’s the best way to add flavor to all your favorite recipes and is far better than any store-bought option you’ll find!
Although it’s technically a Japanese recipe, I first fell in love with teriyaki sauce when working at a Chinese restaurant in California. The sweet, salty, umami flavors had me hooked from the beginning!
As a result, I’ve tested a LOT of teriyaki sauces over the years, trying to find the perfect balance of flavors without a clumpy consistency. Unfortunately, no store-bought options meet my standards. So, I created the perfect homemade teriyaki sauce recipe at home instead.
Why you’ll love this recipe
- Rich umami flavor – With just a handful of ingredients, my version always turns out sweet, tangy, and savory with just the right amount of salty, umami flavor.
- Easy pantry recipe – Just combine the ingredients in a pot, simmer, and serve. This recipe is ready to use in just 10 minutes!
- Versatile sauce – Add more honey for a sweeter taste, use more soy sauce if you prefer a stronger salty flavor, and simmer to adjust the consistency. No matter how you’re planning to serve this sauce, you can customize it to suit your needs.
Use this sauce to make teriyaki chicken wings or teriyaki salmon meatballs, and keep extra on hand for dipping! Trust me when I tell you you’ll find yourself pairing it with everything.
Key Ingredient Notes
- Soy Sauce – I use regular Japanese soy sauce. You could probably also substitute tamari or coconut aminos, if needed.
- Mirin – This is a type of Japanese sweet rice wine. On its own, it has a fairly mild taste, but it balances the sweet and salty flavors nicely. Find it in the Asian or vinegar sections of your local grocery store.
- Raw honey – Processed honey will also work. However, raw honey is usually sweeter. So, give your sauce a taste test, and add more as needed!
- Ginger – I prefer to use fresh grated ginger for a tangy taste, but you can also substitute ginger paste.
- Cornstarch – This acts as a thickening agent, allowing us to achieve a smooth consistency.
How to make homemade teriyaki sauce
- Combine the water, soy sauce, Mirin, honey, and ginger in a small saucepan.
- Boil over medium-high heat, whisking occasionally, until the honey is melted.
- Mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water in a small bowl until smooth.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry into the boiling sauce, and cook until it reaches your desired thickness. This only takes about 3 minutes!
Adjust to your taste
Don’t be afraid to taste your sauce as you go, and adjust the ingredients as needed to suit your preferences.
Tips for Success
- Use high-quality honey. If possible, go for raw or local honey. It has a much sweeter, richer taste than processed varieties. Because there are so few ingredients in this hot honey recipe, you’ll really notice a difference!
- Add spice. If you prefer a sweet and spicy flavor, try adding a dash of red pepper flakes.
- Achieve the perfect consistency. If your sauce seems too thin, don’t worry! Just let it simmer a little longer. If it still doesn’t thicken, you can add a bit more cornstarch slurry. Start with a tablespoon or so at a time to avoid making your teriyaki sauce too thick.
Storing Tips
Let your homemade teriyaki sauce cool to room temperature. Then, transfer it to a jar or container with a lid, and store it in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Any longer than that, and the honey tends to crystallize!
FAQs
Traditional teriyaki sauce is made with soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar. Some versions also contain garlic and ginger for a little extra flavor.
Yes! When using this recipe as a marinade, I often make it a little thinner. It’s an excellent way to infuse meat and veggies with lots of flavor.
You can use this recipe as a glaze, marinade, or dipping sauce. It’s delicious with chicken, seafood, veggies, stir-fries, or even vegetable fried rice.
More Sauces and Condiments
Honey Teriyaki Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup (120 ml) water
- ¼ cup (60 ml) soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons Mirin sweet rice wine
- 2 tablespoons raw honey
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the water, soy sauce, Mirin, honey, and ginger.
- Bring it to a boil over medium-high heat, whisking it occasionally, until the honey is melted.
- In a small dish, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth.
- Pour the cornstarch slurry into the boiling sauce and cook for about 3 minutes or until desired thickness.
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Tips & Notes
– Store leftover honey teriyaki sauce in an airtight container or jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
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