Making homemade teriyaki sauce is easy! All you need is just a few simple ingredients and about 10 minutes! I’ve even included instructions for 4 delicious variations. One recipe yields about 1 cup.
For years I’ve been making homemade stir-fries and stir-fry sauces. If you keep a well stocked fridge and pantry, you’ve most likely have everything already – I even keep fresh ginger in the freezer. Years ago it started with a simple ginger garlic teriyaki sauce and I’ve since played around with that base recipe, adding different ingredients to create different versions and adding additional flavor.
To Make This Homemade Teriyaki Sauce You Will Need:
- brown sugar – Lends sweetness and subtle caramel flavor.
- cornstarch – Used to thicken sauce.
- honey – Adds additional sweetness and flavor.
- garlic (fresh) – Adds distinct punchy flavor.
- ginger (fresh) – Lends a pungent, spicy and sweet flavor.
- white pepper – Brighter, a little sharper and more herbaceous notes than regular black pepper.
- low-sodium soy sauce – Or substitute with low-sodium tamari if gluten free.
- mirin – Or substitute with sake or shaoxing wine.
In a glass bowl, measure and add 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar, 1 tablespoon cornstarch, 1 tablespoon honey, 2 cloves garlic (minced), 1-1/2 tablespoons finely chopped fresh ginger and 1/4 teaspoon ground white pepper.
Next pour in 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or use low-sodium tamari if gluten free) and 1/4 cup mirin, sake or shaoxing wine.
Use a whisk or small rubber spatula to stir until all the ingredients are thoroughly combined and the sugar dissolved.
That’s it!
RECIPE VARIATIONS:
Citrus: Add the zest of 1 orange or about 1 tablespoon to the base recipe.
Green Onion: Add 4 sliced green onions (both light and dark green parts) to the base recipe.
Sesame: Add 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil plus 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds to the base recipe.
Spicy: Add 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon sriracha or sambal oelek or more! (depending on your spice level) to the base recipe.
How To Use In a Recipe:
Once you’ve stir-fried your meat and/or veggies, pour in sauce and bring to a bubble until thickened.
Note: If using any of these teriyaki sauce recipe to baste grilled meat or veggies, I recommend pouring the sauce it into a sauce pan and bring to simmer to thicken first.
How To Store Homemade Teriyaki Sauce:
Store in a container with a tight-fitting lid and keep stored in the refrigerator.
How Long Will Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Last?
Because of the fresh ingredients (garlic and ginger) this sauce will last 3 to 4 days. Be sure to shake or stir well before using.
Can You Freeze Homemade Teriyaki Sauce?
Yes! You can store in freezer safe re-sealable bags, lay them flat and freeze OR pour into plastic containers and freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw in fridge overnight.
Enjoy! And if you give this recipe a try, let me know! Snap a photo and tag me on twitter or instagram!
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
Ingredients
- 2 tablespoons dark brown sugar
- 1½ tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 2 cloves garlic, finely chopped
- 1½ tablespoons fresh ginger, peeled and minced
- 1/4 teaspoon white pepper
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce, use low-sodium tamari if gluten free
- 1/4 cup mirin, sake or shaoxing wine
Instructions
- Place all the ingredient into a bowl and whisk well to incorporate the brown sugar and honey.
- See notes for variations and special instructions.
Notes
Recipe Variations:
Citrus: Add the zest of 1 orange or about 1 tablespoon. Green Onion: Add 4 sliced green onions (both light and dark green parts). Sesame: Add 2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil plus 2 tablespoons toasted sesame seeds. Spicy: Add 1 teaspoon to 1 tablespoon sriracha or sambal oelek. Note: If using this sauce to baste grilled meats, I recommend pouring it into a sauce pan and bring to simmer to thicken first. Nutrition Disclaimer: All information presented on this site is intended for informational purposes only. I am not a certified nutritionist and any nutritional information shared on SimplyScratch.com should only be used as a general guideline.Buy the Cookbook: Simply Scratch : 120 Wholesome Homemade Recipes Made Easy Now available on Amazon »
THANK YOU in advance for your support!
Who knew?? I can’t wait to see what you make with this!!
Fabulous!! Who needs store bought?
I had NO idea this was so simple. Paul loves teriyaki sauce so I’ll be trying this ASAP!
Love this….. plus it’s free of emulsifiers & additives….and you get to reenact scenes from Cocktail while you shake it up.
HAHA exaaaaactly! 🙂
If this is anything like your bbq sauce… then oh man am I excited!
Can’t wait to try this! I hate store bought sauces anyway!
If you keep giving us recipes like this one, I’m pretty sure noone would ever notice a little mixaroo. 🙂 This sauce sounds really good, I’m always on the look out for good homemade sauces!
What a great idea to make teriyaki from scratch! Love it! Can’t way to try it!
This post made me laugh because I have supermarket experiences very similar to what you describe above.. I find myself in the produce area complaining (to myself) all the time. I also, very frequently, go home without the one thing I went to buy! I chalk it up to “too much stuff going on in my brain.” Sauce looks good, Now I know what to make with the pork in my freezer! Thanks.
I love teriyaki! I’m going to have to try this recipe!
AWESOME! Thank you so much. My husband loves teriyaki sauce and I’d feel better serving him this because you know EXACTLY what’s in it, no preservatives, no high fructose corn syrup. Thanks!
Laurie, I’m so glad that you persevered and made this sauce any way!
Yesterday it took me three tries before getting my picture put into a frame from Ikea, and I refused to cry.
I think that I will always have a jar of this delicious sauce in my fridge!
Love teriyaki sauce! Can’t wait to try this!
SO good!
I’m this close to making this and pouring it all over my face. In slow motion.
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delicious!
Tried this tonight, had to make a few substitutions but nothing drastic.Turned out fabulous! Thank you!!
New follower! I might have to stalk you now 😉
I had a question: when you refer to Tamari, you mean Tamari soy sauce, right? I just want to make sure. Also, I love your site and recipes, both are just amazing.
Yes! Tamari is a gluten free soy sauce substitute! Thank you so much Michael!
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Hey there, quick question, is there a sub for the Mirin or sake or wine? I don’t have any of those on hand and probably won’t buy. Thanks! Recipe looks great!