Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce is a sweet, savory, and tangy sauce made from basic pantry ingredients. It’s commonly used in Japanese cuisine and pairs well with chicken, beef, seafood, tofu, or vegetables. This sauce is easy to make at home, and it allows you to control the sweetness, saltiness, and thickness to your liking.

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup soy sauce (low-sodium is best)
• 1/4 cup water
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar (or apple cider vinegar)
• 1/4 cup brown sugar (or honey for a healthier option)
• 2 tablespoons mirin (optional, adds extra sweetness)
• 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, grated (or 1 teaspoon ground ginger)
• 2 teaspoons garlic, minced
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
• 2 tablespoons cold water (for mixing with cornstarch)
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional for flavor)
• Toasted sesame seeds (for garnish)

Instructions:

1. Mix the Sauce Ingredients:

• In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, rice vinegar, brown sugar, mirin (if using), grated ginger, and minced garlic.

2. Heat the Sauce:

• Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat, stirring occasionally. Allow the sauce to cook for 2-3 minutes to let the flavors meld together.

3. Thicken the Sauce (Optional):

• If you prefer a thicker sauce, mix the cornstarch with the 2 tablespoons of cold water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Slowly whisk this slurry into the simmering sauce. Continue to simmer for another 2-3 minutes, stirring constantly, until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.

4. Add Sesame Oil (Optional):

• For a deeper flavor, stir in 1 tablespoon of sesame oil at the end of cooking.

5. Cool and Store:

• Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool. You can store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.

6. Serve:

• Use this teriyaki sauce as a marinade for chicken, beef, or fish, or drizzle it over rice bowls, stir-fries, or grilled veggies. Garnish with toasted sesame seeds if desired.

Customization Tips:

• Sweeter Sauce: Add more brown sugar or honey for a sweeter flavor.
• Saltier: Use regular soy sauce instead of low-sodium, or increase the soy sauce amount slightly.
• Ginger/Garlic Levels: Adjust the amount of ginger and garlic based on your preference for spice and aroma.

This Homemade Teriyaki Sauce is versatile and much fresher than store-bought versions. Enjoy it in your favorite dishes!