Description
Elevate your meals with this rich and glossy homemade teriyaki sauce — the perfect blend of savory soy, sweet brown sugar, and aromatic garlic and ginger. Whether you’re after a quick dinner fix, a bold marinade, or a healthy snack enhancer, this easy recipe delivers big flavor in minutes. Ideal for stir-fries, grilled meats, and even tofu, this sauce will quickly become your go-to for weeknight dinner ideas and food inspiration.
Ingredients
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
1/4 cup water
1/4 cup brown sugar (packed)
2 tablespoons honey
2 tablespoons rice vinegar
1 tablespoon sesame oil
2 teaspoons freshly grated ginger
2 teaspoons minced garlic
1 tablespoon cornstarch
2 tablespoons cold water (for slurry)
1 tablespoon sesame seeds (optional)
1 stalk green onion, finely chopped (optional)
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir to mix.
2. Bring to a gentle simmer over medium heat for 2-3 minutes.
3. In a separate bowl, whisk cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth.
4. Slowly pour slurry into the sauce while stirring constantly.
5. Simmer an additional 2-4 minutes, stirring until thickened.
6. Adjust taste if needed: more honey for sweetness or water to thin.
7. Stir in sesame seeds if using, and garnish with green onion.
8. Let cool and store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
Notes
Always whisk the cornstarch with cold water before adding it to prevent clumping.
Taste as you go to balance sweetness and saltiness.
If the sauce thickens too much after refrigerating, stir in a bit of warm water.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Japanese
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 35
- Sugar: 4g
- Sodium: 420mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0.2g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0.7g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0.2g
- Protein: 0.6g
- Cholesterol: 0mg