Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

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Say goodbye to store-bought bottles and hello to the rich, savory-sweet perfection of this Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce. It delivers bold, balanced flavor with pantry staples and takes just minutes to make. Whether you’re marinating chicken, glazing salmon, or drizzling over stir-fry, this versatile sauce instantly elevates your meals.

What makes this teriyaki sauce so satisfying is its harmonious mix of soy, garlic, ginger, and just the right amount of sweetness. The glossy finish, combined with its thick yet pourable consistency, makes it a must-have addition to your homemade sauce rotation.

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Why You’ll Love This Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

• Ready in under 10 minutes: It’s as fast as it is flavorful.
• Customizable: Adjust the sweetness, spice, or salt to fit your taste.
• No preservatives: Only clean, real ingredients here.
• Perfect for multiple dishes: From stir-fries to glazes, it goes with everything.

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What Makes a Great Teriyaki Sauce?

A great teriyaki sauce has the perfect balance of umami, sweet, and tangy. The base should be soy sauce, providing the salty depth, while brown sugar or honey brings that signature sweetness. Aromatics like fresh garlic and ginger infuse it with warmth, and a bit of cornstarch gives it that luscious, clingy texture.

The beauty of making your own is full control over the flavor profile—you can make it sweeter, saltier, or even add a spicy kick depending on your preference.

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Ingredients for the Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Every ingredient in this sauce plays a crucial role in building depth and flavor. You probably have most of these in your pantry already!

• Soy Sauce: The salty, umami-rich base that defines teriyaki.
• Brown Sugar: Adds the perfect amount of sweetness and gives the sauce a deeper, molasses-like flavor.
• Garlic (minced): Infuses the sauce with aromatic depth and a subtle kick.
• Ginger (fresh or ground): Brightens the sauce and adds warm spice.
• Rice Vinegar: Balances the sweetness with a mild tang.
• Sesame Oil: A touch adds nutty undertones that make a huge flavor impact.
• Cornstarch + Water Slurry: Thickens the sauce to that luscious, glossy finish.
• Sesame Seeds & Green Onions (optional): For added texture and a fresh pop of color when serving.

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How To Make the Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, minced garlic, ginger, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. Stir continuously until the sugar dissolves completely and the sauce begins to heat up.

Step 2: Thicken the Sauce

In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Slowly pour it into the saucepan while stirring constantly. Allow the sauce to simmer for 2-3 minutes until it thickens into a smooth, glossy consistency.

Step 3: Finish and Garnish

Once the sauce reaches your desired thickness, remove it from heat. You can stir in sesame seeds and chopped green onions for added texture and flavor. Let it cool slightly before using or storing.

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Serving and Storing Your Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

This quick homemade teriyaki sauce makes enough for about 4 to 6 servings, depending on how generously you use it. Serve it hot as a glaze, dipping sauce, or drizzle it over rice bowls, veggies, or grilled proteins.

To store, allow the sauce to cool completely, then transfer it to an airtight container or jar. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. You can also freeze it in small batches for later use—just thaw and reheat when needed.

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What to Serve With Teriyaki Sauce?

Grilled Chicken Skewers

Brush the sauce over chicken skewers during the last few minutes of grilling for a caramelized, sticky finish.

Stir-Fried Vegetables

Toss your favorite vegetables with the warm sauce for a quick and healthy meal.

Teriyaki Salmon

Use it as a glaze on salmon fillets before baking or broiling for a restaurant-style dinner.

Rice or Noodle Bowls

Drizzle over white rice, brown rice, or noodles with steamed vegetables and tofu or meat.

Lettuce Wraps

Spoon teriyaki-glazed chicken or beef into lettuce cups and top with green onions and sesame seeds.

Meatballs

Add a glossy finish to Asian-style meatballs by simmering them in the sauce.

Tofu or Tempeh

For a plant-based option, marinate and pan-sear tofu or tempeh with the sauce for amazing flavor.

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Frequently Asked Questions

1. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This sauce stores well in the fridge for up to two weeks. Just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before using.

2. Is this sauce gluten-free?
Not by default, but you can easily make it gluten-free by using tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce.

3. Can I make it without cornstarch?
Yes! You can use arrowroot powder or tapioca starch instead, or simmer it longer to naturally reduce and thicken.

4. Is it possible to make this sauce spicy?
Definitely. Add a pinch of red pepper flakes, sriracha, or a dash of chili oil for a spicier version.

5. Can I use this sauce as a marinade?
Yes! This sauce works great as a marinade for chicken, beef, tofu, or shrimp. Let the protein soak for at least 30 minutes for best flavor.

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Save This Pin For Later

📌 Save this recipe to your Pinterest sauce board so you can come back to it any time.
And let me know in the comments how yours turned out. Did you add spice or keep it classic? Did you try it on noodles or grilled meat?

I love hearing how others make these recipes their own. Questions are welcome too, let’s help each other cook smarter.

For more quick and delicious sauces, follow me on Pinterest at Life With Livia on Pinterest.

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Conclusion

This Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce is a must-try staple for any kitchen. It’s fast, flexible, and delivers that signature sweet-savory punch without any additives. Once you make it from scratch, you’ll never go back to store-bought again. Whether you’re meal prepping or whipping up a weeknight dinner, this sauce has your back.

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