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Why order takeout when you can make this sweet and spicy Teriyaki Sauce Recipe at home?
Then you have the Teriyaki Sauce on-hand to use in stir-fry recipes, or as a marinade or sauce on grilled chicken, pork, beef, or fish! Scroll down to see the video about how to make Teriyaki Sauce.
Making Teriyaki Sauce at home could not be any easier. It is faster than making a trip to the grocery store to buy store bought teriyaki sauce.
Table of Contents
History of Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki Sauce is more of a style of cooking in Japan rather than a sauce. You are not likely to find Chicken Teriyaki on a menu in Japan, but you will in Japanese restaurants in the U.S.
It is believed that Japanese immigrants to Hawaii created the sauce by combining soy sauce with local ingredients, like pineapple juice, to what has, over time, become known as Teriyaki Sauce.
What Ingredients Are needed to Make Teriyaki Sauce
Today, the most common ingredients used to make Teriyaki Sauce are the following.
- Soy Sauce – I like to use the reduced sodium soy sauce so it does not make the food too salty.
- Brown Sugar – This is used to add sweetness to the Teriyaki Sauce.
- Minced Garlic – This adds flavor and a little spice. The ginger balances out the garlic nicely.
- Minced Ginger – I recommend using fresh ginger if you have it, otherwise you can use ground ginger.
- Honey – adds thickness and sweetness to the Teriyaki Sauce.
- Cornstarch – when mixed with water, this can be added to thicken the Teriyaki Sauce.
What Equipment is needed to Make Teriyaki Sauce
- Chef’s Knife – to use for smashing garlic, or chopping garlic or fresh ginger.
- Micrograter – to use to mince the fresh garlic or ginger.
- Measuring Spoons – to measure out the ingredients.
- Measuring Cup – to measure ingredients and can be used to pour out the teriyaki sauce.
- Saucepan – to heat the Teriyaki Sauce on the stove.
- Brush – to brush the Teriyaki Sauce on grilled or baked chicken, pork, beef, or fish.
- Carafe with Lid – to store and pour the Teriyaki Sauce.
How to Make Teriyaki Sauce
Follow these simple instructions and you have teriyaki sauce on hand to use in your favorite recipes.
Scroll down to see the video on how to make teriyaki sauce and scroll down further for the printable recipe card with the detailed instructions.
- Add soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger to a saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce the heat.
- In a small bowl mix the cornstarch and water until combined. Slowly stir in the mixture into the teriyaki sauce in the saucepan. Continue stirring until thickened.
- Remove the teriyaki sauce from the heat. Stir in honey.
- Store teriyaki sauce up to a week in the refrigerator.
Watch the video above to see how to make your own homemade Teriyaki Sauce.
How to Use Teriyaki Sauce
Teriyaki Sauce can be used so many ways, it is limited only by your imagination.
Pour Teriyaki Sauce over:
- Chicken
- Pork
- Beef
- Fish
It can be used on poultry, meat, and fish that have been:
- Baked
- Grilled
- Broiled
- Stir-Fried
In addition, Teriyaki Sauce can be used as a marinade to marinate chicken or beef before grilling.
It can also be used in stir-fry recipes, such as stir-fried chicken, stir-fried rice, etc.
You can also use Teriyaki Sauce as a dipping sauce, or as an ingredient to create other sauces!
It is so versatile, that it is fantastic to have on hand at all times.
Recommended Recipes to Use Teriyaki Sauce
As mentioned, you can use Teriyaki Sauce is a variety of ways. Below are some of my favorite recipes that use Teriyaki Sauce.
- Teriyaki Glazed Chicken – an easy, delicious baked chicken dish with a sauce that perfectly balances the sweet, spicy, and salty Asian flavors.
- Teriyaki Chicken Stir Fry – is a fast, easy, healthy, and delicious Asian stir fry with chicken and vegetables in a flavorful teriyaki sauce that can be on the table in 20 minutes. It tastes so good that the whole family will love it!
- Teriyaki Rice Bowl – Tender garlicky chicken in a homemade teriyaki sauce with slightly crispy, fresh stir-fry vegetables served over a bowl of fluffy Basmati rice from the blog, Life Tastes Good.
- Chicken Teriyaki Burger – A delicious twist on the plain old burger! Asian flavors mixed right into the burger then basted with teriyaki sauce. Recipe from Renee’s Kitchen Adventures.
You now have all the information you need to make your own Teriyaki Sauce. So go ahead and give it a try and come back and let me know in the comments how you liked it.
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Recipe
Ingredients
- 1/4 cup soy sauce
- 3/4 cup water
- 1-1/2 teaspoon minced ginger
- 2 teaspoons minced garlic
- 4 tablespoons brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 1/4 cup water
- 2 tablespoons honey
Instructions
- Add the first 5 ingredients in a medium saucepan over medium heat. Bring to a boil and reduce heat to simmer.
- In a small bowl, stir together the cornstarch and water. Stir into the teriyaki sauce.
- Remove from heat and stir in the honey. Use right away or refrigerate until ready to use.
Video
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Diana says
This sauce is fantastic!!! I have made it twice now, both times exactly the same!! Great recipe!!! Thanks so much!!!
Michele says
Hi Diana,
Thank you so much. I’m so glad you liked it. Be sure to check out our other recipes.
Thanks,
Michele
David W Crego says
Can I use ground ginger in place of minced ginger? If so what amount do I use? Thanks.
Michele says
Hi David,
Thanks for visiting Flavor Mosaic. While ground ginger is not an ideal substitute for minced ginger, it is the best option if you don’t have any minced ginger. If using ground ginger, you’ll need a much smaller amount. I recommend using 1/4 teaspoon of ground ginger to replace the minced ginger in this recipe.
Michele
Cloie says
This is seriously the best! Question though, how long do you think this would last in the fridge?
Michele says
Hi Cloie,
I’m so glad you like it. While store-bought teriyaki sauce can last months, homemade teriyaki sauce contains minced garlic and has no artificial preservatives, so it will not last as long. However, it is possible that it can last two, maybe three weeks in a sterile container stored in the refrigerator.
Thanks,
Michele