Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

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There’s something so satisfying about making your own sauces from scratch, and this quick homemade teriyaki sauce is no exception. It brings bold, savory-sweet flavor that clings perfectly to meats, veggies, and noodles, all made in under 10 minutes with pantry staples. Whether you’re planning a quick stir fry or glazing grilled chicken, this sauce elevates your dish with a depth that bottled versions just can’t match.

Thickened just right and bursting with umami, this sauce is incredibly versatile. It balances the salty kick of soy with the sweetness of brown sugar and honey, rounded out with a gentle zing from garlic and ginger. Whether you’re after a marinade, a finishing glaze, or a dipping sauce, this teriyaki is about to become a staple in your kitchen.

Why You’ll Love This Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

This teriyaki sauce is the weeknight hero of your kitchen. You can whip it up faster than it takes to boil rice, and it turns even the simplest dishes into something crave-worthy. No mystery ingredients, no preservatives, just honest flavor. It stores well, tastes better the next day, and you control how sweet, salty, or garlicky it gets. It’s budget-friendly and better than takeout.

What Makes a Great Teriyaki Sauce?

A good teriyaki sauce should strike a perfect balance: salty, sweet, savory, and just a little tangy. The thickness should coat your spoon without being gloopy. Fresh garlic and ginger really make a difference, and a little cornstarch helps bring it all together with that classic glossy finish. You can use low-sodium soy sauce if you prefer, and add red pepper flakes for heat or pineapple juice for fruity sweetness.

Ingredients for the Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

This sauce is built from simple ingredients that you probably already have on hand. Together, they create a deep, sticky-sweet glaze that feels restaurant-level.

• Soy Sauce
• Brown Sugar
• Honey
• Garlic (minced)
• Ginger (grated)
• Cornstarch
• Water
• Rice Vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• Sesame Oil (optional)

You need soy sauce as the salty base that brings umami depth. Brown sugar gives the sauce its signature sweetness with a caramelized edge, while honey adds smoothness and richness. Garlic and ginger are essential for aromatic flavor. Cornstarch thickens the sauce quickly, and water helps dilute and balance everything. A touch of vinegar adds brightness, and a few drops of sesame oil deepen the flavor with a toasty finish.

How To Make the Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Step 1: Mix the Sauce Base

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, minced garlic, grated ginger, and vinegar. Stir to dissolve the sugar completely.

Step 2: Create a Slurry

In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch and cold water until smooth. This helps prevent lumps in your sauce.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan while stirring. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, then reduce to a simmer, stirring continuously until thickened and glossy. This usually takes about 3 minutes.

Step 4: Finish and Cool

Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil if using. Let it cool slightly before using or storing in a jar.

How to Serve and Store Your Teriyaki Sauce

This recipe makes about 1 cup of teriyaki sauce, which is plenty for glazing a pound of chicken, tossing into a veggie stir-fry, or drizzling over rice bowls. If you’re planning on doubling the batch for meal prep, it stores beautifully.

Let the sauce cool completely and store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will keep for up to 1 week. If it thickens too much in the fridge, just reheat it gently with a splash of water to loosen it back up.

What to Serve With Teriyaki Sauce?

Chicken Teriyaki Bowls

Juicy grilled or pan-fried chicken over fluffy rice, topped with a drizzle of this sauce and a sprinkle of green onions.

Stir-Fried Vegetables

Toss a colorful mix of bell peppers, broccoli, snap peas, and carrots in the sauce for a quick, vibrant side.

Teriyaki Noodles

Add it to a pan of stir-fried noodles with tofu or shrimp for a satisfying weeknight dinner.

Salmon or Tofu Glaze

Brush it over baked salmon or grilled tofu just before serving for a sticky, savory finish.

Lettuce Wraps

Use it as a dip or drizzle for chicken or beef lettuce wraps with crunchy veggies.

Meatballs

Simmer meatballs in teriyaki sauce for an easy appetizer or rice bowl topping.

Burgers or Sliders

Mix into mayo for a teriyaki burger sauce or drizzle it over sliders with grilled pineapple.

Want More Sauce and Glaze Ideas?

If this teriyaki sauce lit up your taste buds, you’ll want to check out these other savory creations:

• Creamy Beef and Shells Recipe for a comforting dinner option.
• Stovetop Creamy Ground Beef Pasta that’s rich and satisfying.
• Cheesesteak Tortellini in Rich Provolone Sauce for a fun fusion twist.
• Creamy Ground Beef Alfredo Pasta for that luscious, cheesy flavor.
• One Pot Smoked Sausage Pasta if you’re craving smoky and savory.

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📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest board so it’s always at your fingertips when dinner needs a flavorful upgrade.

Did you add chili flakes for heat? Swap in maple syrup for honey? I’d love to hear how you made this sauce your own.

For more delicious and beautifully curated recipes, follow Mia Recipes on Pinterest. Let your sauce game level up!

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