Easy Homemade Sweet Teriyaki Sauce
Sweet Teriyaki Sauce is the kind of recipe you make once and immediately memorize. No chopping, no fancy techniques, and no long simmer times, just whisk, heat, and done! It’s perfect for busy weeknights, last-minute marinades, or anytime you want a reliable sauce that makes everything taste better.
As a culinary school grad, mastering sauces has always been my favorite thing, and this one is no exception. Instead of reaching for a bottle at the store, you can whip up a fresh, flavorful sauce in just a few minutes!
Easy Sweet Teriyaki Sauce
I’ll admit that I have a serious weakness for sweet-salty teriyaki glaze. And while I do enjoy the store-bought stuff, it just tastes so much more fresh when you make it at home! It’s quick, easier to control the flavor, and seriously so worth it to make at home. Plus, there’s no weird preservatives or mystery ingredients. Homemade teriyaki sauce rules!
Here’s how I do it: first I whisk water and cornstarch until silky. Then in goes the brown sugar, low-sodium soy, garlic and ginger powder, and that pop of sesame oil. I bring it to a gentle simmer, stirring now and then for about 5 minutes and voilà: thick, shiny teriyaki that clings to veggies and protein for the perfect meal!
What is teriyaki sauce?
Teriyaki sauce is a Japanese-inspired sauce known for its balance of sweet and savory flavors. Traditionally, it’s made with soy sauce, sugar, and mirin, then simmered until glossy and slightly thickened. This homemade version keeps things simple while still delivering that classic teriyaki flavor you know and love!
Why You’ll Love This Easy Teriyaki Sauce
- Made with pantry staples: No specialty ingredients required! You probably already have everything you need on hand.
- Ready in minutes: This sauce comes together quickly, making it perfect for weeknight cooking.
- Perfectly sweet and savory: Brown sugar and soy sauce strike just the right balance.
- Thick and glossy: Thanks to cornstarch, this sauce coats proteins and veggies beautifully.
- Way better than store-bought: Fresher flavor, customizable sweetness, and no preservatives.
Easy Sweet Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients
- Water + cornstarch: Thickens the sauce without getting lumpy!
- Brown sugar: Sweetens, balances saltiness, and gives that rich caramel color.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: Adds that savory flavor, but keeps sodium in check.
- Garlic powder: Delivers quick, mellow garlic flavor with no peeling required.
- Ginger powder: Adds a subtle zest.
- Sesame oil: Adds nutty depth and aroma!
Teriyaki Recipe Variations & Substitutions
- Less sweet: I like a sweet teriyaki sauce, but you can reduce the brown sugar slightly for a more savory sauce.
- Gluten-free: Use tamari or gluten-free soy sauce!
- Fresh aromatics: Swap garlic and ginger powder for freshly minced versions if desired. I use the powder for ease, since I don’t usually have fresh ginger on hand!
- Spicy kick: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha.
How to Make the Best Teriyaki Sauce
For the full ingredient list and instructions, click here.- Combine Ingredients: First, whisk together the water and cornstarch in a measuring come. Then, combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan and give it a good stir.
- Simmer Until Thick: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces, about five minutes. It should be glossy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
Lauren’s Top Tips for the Best Teriyaki Sauce
- Customize it! One of the easiest ways to customize this sauce is by adjusting the thickness. If you prefer it a little thinner, reduce the amount of cornstarch in the slurry or whisk in a splash of water after cooking. For an extra-thick, sticky glaze (perfect for grilling), simply simmer it a few minutes longer until it clings to the spoon.
- Freeze it for later! If you can’t use all the sauce within one week, be sure to freeze it. Pour cooled sauce into a freezer-safe container or zip-top bag and store it for up to six months. To use, thaw it overnight in the fridge and whisk it back to life on the stove with just a splash of water.
- Don’t limit yourself to chicken when using this sauce. It’s just as delicious brushed over salmon, tossed with tofu, or drizzled on roasted veggies. Thinking beyond the usual teriyaki chicken will help you get the most mileage out of every batch!
What to Serve with Teriyaki Sauce
One of my favorite ways to use this sauce is in a classic chicken teriyaki stir fry with plenty of colorful vegetables tossed in for a quick weeknight dinner. It also makes the perfect finishing touch for chicken teriyaki bowls!
Beyond that, you can brush it over air fryer salmon bites before baking, toss it with crispy tofu for a vegetarian option, or even use it as a dipping sauce for dumplings and spring rolls. Try stirring a spoonful into fried rice or ramen for extra flavor, or use it as a glaze for pork chops!
How to Store Sweet Teriyaki Sauce
Homemade teriyaki sauce will last in the refrigerator for about one week when stored in an airtight container. If you’d like to make a larger batch, it also freezes well for up to six months. Just be sure to cool the sauce completely before transferring it to freezer-safe containers or bags.
Homemade Teriyaki Sauce FAQs
You will notice that the teriyaki sauce starts to get thick and will coat the back of a spoon. To make sure it is think enough, dip a wooden spoon into the sauce and run your pinky finger across the back of the spoon. If the line where your finger swiped the spoon stays in tact, then it is ready! Just be careful not to burn yourself!
Absolutely. Homemade teriyaki sauce tastes fresher, uses simple ingredients, and takes just minutes to make!
Yes! This sauce works great as a marinade for chicken, beef, or tofu. Just marinate for 30 minutes to a few hours!
Teriyaki sauce is made by simmering soy sauce, sugar, and seasonings until thick and glossy. That’s it!
Not whisking the cornstarch in water first and boiling the sauce too aggressively are the most common issues. If you add cornstarch directly without dissolving it in water first, it will have some chunks. And if you boil it too much, it can burn due to the sugar!
You can do both! Use it as a marinade before cooking or brush it on near the end to prevent burning or make it more saucy.
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Best Sweet Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Method
- First, whisk together the water and cornstarch in a measuring come. Then, combine all of the ingredients in a saucepan and give it a good stir.
- Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally, until it thickens and reduces. It should be glossy and thick enough to coat the back of a spoon.
