Dinner

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

ByMaya bella January 3, 2026January 3, 2026

Introduction

Teriyaki sauce is a sweet and savory glaze that adds a burst of flavor to your favorite dishes. This homemade recipe is quick to make and perfect for chicken, salmon, or beef. With simple ingredients, you can enjoy authentic-tasting teriyaki any time.

A close-up view of a small white bowl filled with a thick, dark brown sauce that has a glossy, smooth texture, sprinkled with small white sesame seeds on top. A spoon held by a woman's hand is dipping into the sauce, lifting some of the sauce with more sesame seeds visible on it. The background features a soft-focus white marbled texture with scattered sesame seeds and green onion pieces around the bowl, along with some blurred green leaves in the back. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

⅓ cup soy sauce (regular, gluten-free, or Tamari sauce)
1 tablespoon rice vinegar
2 tablespoons sugar (brown or coconut sugar)
2 tablespoons honey (or pure maple syrup)
2 cloves garlic (crushed)
1 teaspoon ginger paste (or minced ginger)
1 teaspoon sesame oil (toasted)
1 teaspoon Sriracha sauce (optional)
2 tablespoons cornstarch (or tapioca starch)
¾ cup + 2 tablespoons water (divided)

Instructions

Step 1: In a medium-sized saucepan, combine soy sauce, rice vinegar, sugar, honey, crushed garlic, ginger paste, toasted sesame oil, and Sriracha sauce (if using). Place over high heat.
Step 2: Bring the mixture to a boil, then reduce the heat to low. Let it simmer for 1-2 minutes until the sugar begins to dissolve.
Step 3: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water until smooth to create a starch slurry.
Step 4: Slowly add the starch slurry to the saucepan while whisking continuously.
Step 5: Continue to whisk the sauce over low heat for 2-3 minutes until it thickens to your desired consistency. Remember, the sauce will thicken more as it cools.
Step 6: Remove from heat and use immediately or cool for later use. This sauce pairs perfectly with chicken, salmon, or beef teriyaki dishes.

Tips & Variations

For a gluten-free version, use tamari instead of regular soy sauce.
Adjust the sweetness by using more or less honey or sugar to suit your taste.
Add a splash of mirin for a richer flavor if you have it on hand.
Skip the Sriracha if you prefer a mild sauce or increase it for extra heat.
Use tapioca starch instead of cornstarch for a clearer, glossy finish.

Storage

Store leftover teriyaki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave, stirring occasionally. If the sauce thickens too much after refrigeration, whisk in a little water to loosen it before reheating.