Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

This Homemade Teriyaki Sauce is rich, savory, and slightly sweet—the perfect balance of umami flavors! Made with just four simple ingredients, this Japanese classic is ideal for glazing meats, stir-fries, or even as a dipping sauce. Ditch the store-bought version and enjoy this authentic, easy-to-make teriyaki sauce at home.

What Is Teriyaki Sauce?

Teriyaki sauce is a staple in Japanese cuisine, known for its glossy, sweet, and savory glaze. The name “teriyaki” comes from “teri” (shine) and “yaki” (grill or cook), as it’s often used to coat grilled meats and seafood. This sauce is made by reducing a mixture of soy sauce, sake, mirin, and sugar into a thick, flavorful glaze.

Why Everyone Will Love This Recipe

• Authentic Flavor: Traditional ingredients create a deep, umami-packed taste.
• Easy to Make: Only four ingredients and minimal prep.
• Versatile Use: Perfect for marinades, stir-fries, and glazes.
• Better Than Store-Bought: No preservatives, just pure flavor.

Cooking Tips

1. Use Low Heat: Simmering slowly allows the sauce to thicken properly.
2. Whisk Continuously: Prevents sugar from sticking and burning.
3. Adjust Sweetness: Add more or less sugar to taste.
4. For a Thicker Sauce: Simmer longer or add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water).

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I Use Teriyaki Sauce as a Marinade?

Yes! It works great as a marinade for chicken, beef, fish, and tofu.

How Do I Make Teriyaki Sauce Thicker?

Simmer longer to reduce the sauce, or add a cornstarch slurry for a thicker consistency.

What’s The Difference Between Mirin and Sake?

Mirin is a sweet rice wine, while sake is a fermented rice alcohol. Both add depth and umami to the sauce.

Can I Use Honey Instead of Sugar?

Yes! Swap sugar for honey for a slightly different sweetness and thicker texture.

Is This Sauce Gluten-Free?

Use tamari instead of soy sauce to make it gluten-free.

How to Freeze

To freeze, pour the sauce into an airtight container or ice cube tray. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge and reheat before serving.

How to Store

Store homemade teriyaki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 5 days. Reheat gently before using.

How to Make Teriyaki Sauce

In a saucepan, combine mirin, sake, soy sauce, and sugar. Whisk well. Bring to a boil over medium heat.

Simmer for about 30 minutes until the sauce thickens and becomes rich in flavor. Remove from heat and let it cool slightly.

Serve immediately or store in an airtight container.