If you love bold, sweet, and savory flavors, then this Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe is perfect for you.This sauce is simple, fast, and tastes better than anything from the store.
You can use it for chicken, beef, rice bowls, noodles, stir-fries, or even grilled vegetables. The best part? You only need a few basic ingredients that you probably already have at home.
In this post, you will learn how to make Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce, what ingredients you need, and the best ways to use it. The recipe takes only a few minutes and is great for busy days. Whether you are new to cooking or already experienced, this guide will help you make the perfect sauce every time.
This Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe is beginner-friendly, family-friendly, and full of rich flavor. Once you try it, you will never want bottled sauce again.
The Secret Behind This Delicious Sauce
The magic of a great teriyaki sauce comes from balance. You need the right mix of sweet, salty, and savory flavors. This recipe uses soy sauce for salt, brown sugar and honey for sweetness, and garlic and ginger for bold taste. A little cornstarch makes the sauce thick and shiny. The best part is that everything comes together in just one small pot.
Another secret is using fresh garlic and ginger. Fresh ingredients add strong, warm flavor that makes the sauce taste homemade and delicious. You can also adjust the sweetness or saltiness based on your taste. This is something store-bought sauces cannot offer.
Recipe Card Info
- Recipe Name: Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
- Servings: 6
- Prep Time: 5 mins
- Cook Time: 8 mins
- Total Time: 13 mins
- Course: Sauce / Condiment
- Cuisine: Asian / Japanese-Inspired
- Calories: 55 kcal per serving
Equipment List
- Small saucepan
- Whisk or spoon
- Measuring cups
- Measuring spoons
- Heat-resistant container for storage
Ingredients You Need for Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water (for cornstarch slurry)
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional)
- Sesame seeds for topping (optional)
Instructions
- Mix Soy Sauce and Water
Add soy sauce and water to a small saucepan. Stir them gently until well combined. - Add Sweet Ingredients
Pour in brown sugar and honey. Mix until the sugar starts to melt and blend smoothly. - Add Garlic and Ginger
Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Let the mixture warm slowly for rich flavor. - Add Vinegar for Balance
Mix in the rice vinegar. This gives a nice tang and balances the sweetness. - Prepare Cornstarch Slurry
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with one tablespoon of water until smooth. - Thicken the Sauce
Slowly add the slurry to the saucepan. Keep stirring to avoid lumps. - Cook Until Thick
Cook on low heat for about two to three minutes. The sauce will become shiny and thick. - Add Sesame Oil
Add one tablespoon of sesame oil for extra flavor, but this step is optional. - Remove from Heat
Turn off the stove and let the sauce cool slightly. It will thicken more as it cools. - Store Properly
Pour the sauce into a clean jar. Store in the fridge for future use.
Expert Tips & Variations
- Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a little sriracha.
- Make it sweeter: Add more honey if you like stronger sweetness.
- Make it thicker: Cook longer or add a little more cornstarch.
- Make it lighter: Add two more tablespoons of water for a thinner sauce.
- Add pineapple juice: Replace some water with pineapple juice for a fruity tropical flavor.
- Low-sodium version: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt.
Nutrition Information
| Nutrient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Calories | 55 kcal |
| Carbohydrates | 12 g |
| Protein | 1 g |
| Fat | 1 g |
| Sugar | 10 g |
| Sodium | 600 mg |
Serving Suggestions
- Chicken Teriyaki: Pour over grilled or pan-seared chicken.
- Stir-Fry: Add the sauce to vegetables, tofu, or noodles.
- Rice Bowls: Drizzle over steamed rice with veggies and meat.
- Glaze: Brush on salmon, chicken wings, or shrimp.
- Dip: Use as a dipping sauce for dumplings or spring rolls.
This sauce is very flexible. You can enjoy it with almost any dish that needs a sweet and savory touch.
Storage & Reheating Tips
- Refrigerator: Store in a glass jar for up to one week.
- Freezer: Freeze in small containers for up to two months.
- Reheat: Warm on low heat on the stove. Add a spoon of water if it becomes too thick.
- Shake before use: The sauce may thicken, so shake or stir before using.
FAQs About Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
1. Can I make this Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce without cornstarch?
Yes, you can skip the cornstarch. Just cook the sauce longer on low heat to let it reduce naturally. The texture will be slightly thinner, but the flavor stays delicious.
2. Can I use white sugar instead of brown sugar in this recipe?
Yes, white sugar works fine, but brown sugar gives deeper flavor. Brown sugar adds caramel notes and makes the sauce taste richer, so it is usually the better choice.
3. How long does Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce last in the fridge?
It stays fresh for up to one week in an airtight container. If the sauce becomes very thick, just add a little warm water and stir well before using again.
4. Can I make this teriyaki sauce gluten-free?
Yes, simply use gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. The rest of the ingredients are naturally gluten-free, so the recipe is easy to adjust.
5. Is this sauce good for meal prep?
Absolutely. This sauce is perfect for meal prep because it stores well, reheats easily, and works with many dishes like chicken, rice bowls, and veggies.
Conclusion
This Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe is simple, fast, and packed with flavor. You only need a few basic ingredients and a few minutes to make a thick, glossy, and tasty sauce that works with almost any dish. Now that you know how to make Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce, you can enjoy fresh, homemade flavor anytime you want.
Try it once, and it will become a regular part of your kitchen. Enjoy cooking, and enjoy the amazing taste of homemade teriyaki sauce!
Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
Ingredients
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon ginger grated
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 1 tablespoon water for cornstarch slurry
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil optional
- Sesame seeds for topping optional
Instructions
Mix Soy Sauce and Water
- Add soy sauce and water to a small saucepan. Stir them gently until well combined.
Add Sweet Ingredients
- Pour in brown sugar and honey. Mix until the sugar starts to melt and blend smoothly.
Add Garlic and Ginger
- Stir in the minced garlic and grated ginger. Let the mixture warm slowly for rich flavor.
Add Vinegar for Balance
- Mix in the rice vinegar. This gives a nice tang and balances the sweetness.
Prepare Cornstarch Slurry
- In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with one tablespoon of water until smooth.
Thicken the Sauce
- Slowly add the slurry to the saucepan. Keep stirring to avoid lumps.
Cook Until Thick
- Cook on low heat for about two to three minutes. The sauce will become shiny and thick.
Add Sesame Oil
- Add one tablespoon of sesame oil for extra flavor, but this step is optional.
Remove from Heat
- Turn off the stove and let the sauce cool slightly. It will thicken more as it cools.
Store Properly
- Pour the sauce into a clean jar. Store in the fridge for future use.
Notes
- Make it spicy: Add crushed red pepper flakes or a little sriracha.
- Make it sweeter: Add more honey if you like stronger sweetness.
- Make it thicker: Cook longer or add a little more cornstarch.
- Make it lighter: Add two more tablespoons of water for a thinner sauce.
- Add pineapple juice: Replace some water with pineapple juice for a fruity tropical flavor.
- Low-sodium version: Use low-sodium soy sauce to reduce salt.
Sofia Lane is a food lover who loves cooking and sharing easy, tasty recipes. She believes in making cooking simple and fun for everyone. On DiveCrave, Sofia shares her favorite meals, desserts and treats that anyone can make at home.