Fitness / September 16, 2024

Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Use this sauce as the sweet and savory base for your next Japanese-inspired meal!

Table of Contents

Ah, teriyaki sauce. Where would I be without it? As someone who cooks a lot of Japanese food, I can tell you that a good teriyaki sauce recipe makes all the difference. In fact, I actually have a few different teriyaki sauce recipes I use, depending on the dish, but this version is the perfect all-around pick for any meat or veggie. I use this on everything from marinating chicken to glazing asparagus. It’s pretty much perfect.

Teriyaki sauce blends the sweet and savory with plenty of umami, thanks to the combo of soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger. The sauce looks beautiful, with a rich, glossy texture that clings perfectly to whatever you brush it on like grilled meats, stir-fries, and especially tofu. And if this sauce sounds good to you, check out FFF’s other Japanese-inspired recipes, such as our Okonomiyaki Recipe (Japanese Pancakes) and this Asian Miso Steak Sheet Pan Dinner!

Is Teriyaki Sauce Healthy?

Teriyaki sauce can certainly be a healthy addition to your meals. While it’s usually high in salt and sugar, this recipe opts for low-sodium soy sauce and honey as a natural sweetener, providing antioxidants and a lower glycemic index compared to refined sugar. Plus, this sauce is naturally gluten-free if you use gluten-free soy sauce, too.

Fresh is best…

Some sauce recipes simply use ground herbs and spices, and while that’s good in a pinch, choose fresh ingredients when you can. Using fresh garlic and ginger in your teriyaki sauce makes a significant difference in flavor. Fresh ingredients provide a vibrant, robust taste that ground or dried versions just can’t match. Take the fresh ginger for instance. The grating process releases aromatic oils that give the sauce a spicy kick. And the minced garlic does the same, infusing the sauce with a deep, savory flavor.

INGREDIENTS

1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup honey
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

INSTRUCTIONS

Combine

Mix soy sauce, honey, garlic, and ginger; heat.

Thicken

Add cornstarch slurry; stir until sauce thickens.

Cool

Remove from heat; let sauce cool before using.

Devour!

FAQs & Tips

How to Make Ahead and Store

Feel free to make this sauce ahead. It will stay fresh in your fridge for about 2 weeks if stored in an airtight container.

How can I make the sauce thicker?

If you like a thicker sauce, increase the amount of cornstarch in your slurry. Alternatively, you can also simmer the sauce longer.

Can I use this sauce for grilling?

Totally! Simply brush it on whatever you’re grilling during the last few minutes.

Serving Suggestions

Teriyaki sauce is super versatile and pairs nicely with a variety of proteins and veggies like Grilled Brussels Sprouts. Of course, another great use is for glazing grilled chicken, beef, or fish for a delicious main course. I love it on Crispy Baked Tofu as well. For a complete Japanese meal, serve it alongside a Broccoli Stir-Fry with Ginger and Sesame. And don’t forget the rice!

Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Use this sauce as the sweet and savory base of your next Japanese-inspired meal!

Course Sauce

Cuisine Asian

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 10

Total Time 15

Servings

Calories 46kcal

Author Jonathan Porter

Ingredients

1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup honey
2 cloves garlic minced
1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water

Instructions

In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, water, honey, minced garlic, and grated ginger. Heat over medium heat, stirring occasionally, until the mixture is nearly simmering.
In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch with cold water until smooth. Pour this slurry into the saucepan while stirring the sauce continuously.
Continue to cook the sauce over medium heat, stirring frequently, until it thickens to a glaze-like consistency, about 5-7 minutes. Remove from heat and let the sauce cool before using or storing.