Homemade Classic Teriyaki Sauce
Classic Teriyaki Sauce is a flavorful blend of sweet and savory ingredients that can elevate any dish. This homemade sauce is perfect for glazing grilled meats, marinating tofu, or adding flavor to stir-fries. Its versatility allows you to customize the sweetness or saltiness to your taste, making it an essential condiment for a wide variety of meals. This recipe is free from alcohol and preservatives. Whether you're using it as a dipping sauce or as a key ingredient in your favorite dishes, this teriyaki sauce brings a rich, authentic taste to every bite.
Ingredients
Instructions
- Mince the garlic and grate the ginger. If you prefer a smoother sauce, you can later strain out these ingredients.
- In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, apple cider vinegar, honey, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Add 1/2 cup of water to adjust the consistency.
- Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir occasionally to dissolve the sugar and ensure the ingredients are evenly combined. Let the mixture come to a gentle simmer.
- If you prefer a thicker teriyaki sauce, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Gradually stir the slurry into the simmering sauce. Cook for 2–3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Taste the sauce and adjust the sweetness or saltiness as needed. Add a splash of water if it’s too strong.
- For a smooth texture, strain the sauce through a fine mesh sieve to remove the garlic and ginger pieces.
- Allow the sauce to cool to room temperature before using. Store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.
Nutrition Facts
Nutrition Facts
Servings 1
Serving Size 1 Cup
- Amount Per Serving
- Calories 300kcal
- % Daily Value *
- Sodium 2800mg117%
- Potassium 200mg6%
- Total Carbohydrate 60g20%
- Sugars 55g
- Protein 3g6%
- Calcium 30 mg
- Iron 2 mg
* Percent Daily Values are based on a 2,000 calorie diet. Your daily value may be higher or lower depending on your calorie needs.
Note
Tips:
Use Low-Sodium Soy Sauce:
If you're watching your salt intake, opt for low-sodium soy sauce. Teriyaki sauce can be quite salty, and using a low-sodium option helps balance the flavors without compromising on taste.
Adjust the Sweetness:
You can adjust the sweetness of the sauce by adding more or less brown sugar and honey. If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the sugar or replace it with a sugar substitute like stevia or monk fruit.
Grate Fresh Ginger and Garlic:
Fresh ginger and garlic provide a more aromatic and intense flavor compared to pre-minced or powdered versions. Grating them will ensure they infuse the sauce evenly.
Thickening the Sauce:
If you prefer a thicker consistency, use cornstarch mixed with water (cornstarch slurry). Add it gradually while the sauce is simmering and cook until it reaches your desired thickness.
Flavor Variations:
For a unique twist, you can add a few drops of sesame oil or a sprinkle of sesame seeds at the end of cooking for extra flavor and texture.
Simmer for Deeper Flavor:
Allow the sauce to simmer for a few extra minutes to help the flavors meld and become more concentrated. Just make sure to stir occasionally to prevent burning.
Storage:
Store any leftover teriyaki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It will thicken as it cools, so you may need to add a little water to loosen it up when reheating.
Perfect for Meal Prep:
Make a large batch of this sauce and use it throughout the week for different dishes like stir-fries, grilled meats, or as a dipping sauce for snacks.
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Frequently Asked Questions
This sauce works great as a glaze for grilled meats, a topping for stir-fries, or as a dipping sauce for sushi, dumplings, or tempura.
Yes, this teriyaki sauce recipe is completely alcohol-free. It uses apple cider vinegar in place of mirin or sake, making it suitable for those who avoid alcohol.
Yes! To make this recipe gluten-free, simply use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce as a substitute for regular soy sauce.
Yes, you can store the sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. It will thicken as it cools, so you may need to add a little water when reheating to bring it back to your desired consistency.
Absolutely! You can replace honey with more brown sugar, maple syrup, or agave syrup if you prefer a vegan option.
To add some heat, consider adding a pinch of red pepper flakes, a small diced chili, or a dash of hot sauce while simmering the sauce.
Yes! This teriyaki sauce is perfect as a marinade for chicken, beef, tofu, or vegetables. Marinate for at least 30 minutes, or overnight for a more intense flavor.
If you don't have apple cider vinegar, you can substitute it with rice vinegar or even lemon juice for a similar tangy flavor.
