Why settle for store-bought when you can make your own teriyaki sauce at home? This quick and easy recipe delivers the perfect balance of salty, sweet, and tangy flavors. With just a few pantry staples, you’ll have a versatile sauce that pairs wonderfully with chicken, beef, tofu, veggies, or even noodles.
Equipment:
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup soy sauce (regular or low sodium)
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar (or honey for a lighter sweetness)
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mirin (optional, for authenticity)
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional, for depth)
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions (optional, for garnish)
Instructions:
- Combine Ingredients:
In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, mirin (if using), minced garlic, and grated ginger. - Heat the Sauce:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined. - Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the saucepan while whisking. - Simmer:
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency. - Add Sesame Oil:
Stir in the sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor, if desired. - Cool and Store:
Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Presentation Ideas:
- Brush over grilled chicken, salmon, or tofu for a glossy, flavorful glaze.
- Toss with steamed broccoli and rice for a quick teriyaki bowl.
- Use as a dipping sauce for spring rolls or dumplings.
Tips:
- For a spicy kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha.
- Adjust the sweetness to your liking by adding more or less brown sugar.
- Double the recipe and store for quick weeknight meals.
Homemade teriyaki sauce is a simple and flavorful way to elevate your meals. Its versatility makes it a must-have recipe in any kitchen, and the fresh, bold taste will have you ditching the bottled versions for good. Try it out and enjoy the endless possibilities!
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Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
Whip up a rich, savory, and slightly sweet homemade teriyaki sauce in minutes! Perfect for marinades, stir-fries, or as a glaze.
Equipment
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Measuring cups and spoons
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soy sauce regular or low sodium
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar or honey for a lighter sweetness
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon mirin optional, for authenticity
- 2 cloves garlic minced
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water for cornstarch slurry
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil optional, for depth
- Sesame seeds and sliced green onions optional, for garnish
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients:
- In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, mirin (if using), minced garlic, and grated ginger.
- Heat the Sauce:
- Place the saucepan over medium heat and whisk until the sugar dissolves and the mixture is well combined.
- Thicken the Sauce:
- In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Slowly pour the slurry into the saucepan while whisking.
- Simmer:
- Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency.
- Add Sesame Oil:
- Stir in the sesame oil for an extra layer of flavor, if desired.
- Cool and Store:
- Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool slightly. Use immediately or store in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
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