Name: Teriyaki Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Asian, Japanese
Ingredients: 1/2 cup tamari (or low sodium soy sauce).; 1/4 cup brown sugar.; 1 1/2 teaspoons fresh ginger, minced.; 1 teaspoon garlic, minced.; 1 tablespoon honey.; 1 teaspoon sesame oil.; 3 tablespoons mirin.; 1/4 cup water mixed with 3 teaspoons cornstarch.

A wooden spoon is dipping into a bowl of dark, glossy sauce filled with sesame seeds and red pepper flakes. | cookingwithcasey.com

Let me share my favorite homemade teriyaki sauce recipe that's become a kitchen staple in my home. After years of buying bottled versions I discovered how quick and easy it is to make your own. The difference in flavor is incredible and once you try it you'll never go back to store bought.

What Makes This Special

I love how this recipe uses fresh ingredients like ginger and garlic instead of powders. The combination of tamari brown sugar and mirin creates that perfect balance of flavors we all love in teriyaki sauce. Plus it comes together in just 10 minutes.

Grab These Ingredients

Tamari: 1/2 cup I prefer low sodium.
Brown Sugar: 1/4 cup gives perfect sweetness.
Fresh Ginger: 1 tablespoon finely minced.
Fresh Garlic: 2 cloves don't skimp here.
Honey: 1 tablespoon for shine and depth.
Sesame Oil: Just a teaspoon goes far.
Mirin: 2 tablespoons authentic flavor.
Cornstarch: 2 teaspoons mixed with water.

Let's Make It

Mix Everything: I combine all ingredients in a bowl first it makes the cooking easier.
Time to Cook: Into a saucepan it goes stirring is key here.
Cool and Store: Let it cool completely before bottling the aroma is amazing.

Ways to Use It

This sauce is so versatile. I use it as a marinade for chicken and salmon brush it on grilled vegetables or drizzle it over rice bowls. Sometimes I'll even use it as a dipping sauce for dumplings it's that good.

A dark sauce with sesame seeds is in a black bowl, accompanied by garlic cloves and ginger in the background. | cookingwithcasey.com

My Best Tips

Fresh ginger and garlic make such a difference don't substitute dried. Keep stirring while it cooks to prevent sticking. I like playing with the sweetness sometimes adding more or less brown sugar depending on what I'm using it for.

Keeping It Fresh

I store mine in a glass jar in the fridge and it stays good for about two weeks though it rarely lasts that long in my house. Just give it a good shake before using.

Mix It Up

Sometimes I'll add red pepper flakes for heat or orange zest for brightness. My latest favorite is adding grated pear it adds such nice natural sweetness and body to the sauce.

Perfect Partners

This sauce makes the best salmon glaze ever. We love it with grilled chicken too and it's amazing on tofu. I always serve it with fluffy rice to soak up every drop.

Better Than Bottled

Once you make your own you'll taste the difference immediately. No artificial ingredients just clean fresh flavors. Plus you can adjust everything to your taste.

A wooden spoon drips sauce with sesame seeds from a bowl on a dark surface. | cookingwithcasey.com

Good For You Too

Using low sodium tamari keeps the salt in check and there's less sugar than store bought versions. It's nice knowing exactly what goes into your food.

Getting It Right

The thickness is easy to adjust. Need it thicker? Add a bit more cornstarch slurry. Too thick? A splash of water thins it right out. You'll get a feel for your perfect consistency.

Quick Fixes

No mirin? Use sherry with a pinch of sugar. Tamari can be swapped for soy sauce or coconut aminos. Even maple syrup works instead of honey. This recipe is really forgiving.

Make Extra

I often double the recipe because it's so handy to have on hand. It makes meal prep a breeze just add protein and vegetables for quick delicious dinners all week.

Kid Approved

My kids love this sauce especially when I make it a bit sweeter. They'll eat any vegetable if it's dressed in teriyaki and it makes the perfect dipping sauce for their chicken.

A bowl of dark sauce topped with sesame seeds, accompanied by ginger and a small bowl of golden syrup. | cookingwithcasey.com

Clean Up Tips

Always soak your pan right away the sauce can get sticky when it dries. I use a silicone whisk to protect my pans and it makes cleanup so much easier.

Rich Traditions

It's fascinating how this sauce evolved from traditional Japanese cooking methods. While my version might not be strictly traditional it captures those wonderful umami flavors we all love.

Everyone Can Enjoy

This sauce is naturally dairy free and easy to make gluten free with tamari. For keto friends I use a sugar substitute. There's a version for everyone.

Fresh Is Best

The difference between this and store bought is night and day. Fresh ginger and garlic real honey no preservatives or corn syrup. It's worth those few extra minutes of prep time.

Get Creative

My readers have shared so many great ideas from teriyaki meatballs to roasted vegetables. Each time I make it I discover new ways to use it. It's become such a versatile kitchen staple.

A wooden spoon is dipped into a small bowl filled with a dark, glossy sauce sprinkled with sesame seeds. | cookingwithcasey.com

Frequently Asked Questions

→ Why use tamari instead of soy sauce?: Tamari has a richer flavor than soy sauce and significantly less sodium. It also provides a more authentic taste for the teriyaki sauce.
→ What can I substitute for mirin?: If you don't have mirin (sweet Japanese rice wine), you can use sherry with a pinch of sugar added. This will provide a similar sweetness and depth.
→ How long does homemade teriyaki sauce last?: When stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator, the sauce will last up to a week. Make sure to let it cool completely before storing.
→ Can I use this as a marinade?: Yes, but omit the cornstarch when using as a marinade. Let the sauce cool completely before using it to marinate your proteins.
→ Can I make this vegan?: Yes, simply substitute the honey with agave nectar or your preferred vegan sweetener. All other ingredients are naturally vegan.

Easy Japanese Classic