Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Introduction

Teriyaki sauce is a classic Japanese glaze that adds a perfect balance of sweet and savory flavors to your dishes. This homemade version is quick to prepare and elevates everything from grilled meats to vegetables.

A bowl with a dark blue pattern is filled with a base layer of white rice. On top, there are six slices of grilled chicken with a light golden color and charred lines, arranged in a row covering the rice. The chicken is drizzled with a shiny, brown teriyaki sauce and garnished with bright green sliced scallions and scattered black and white sesame seeds. The bowl is placed on a light bamboo mat over a white marbled surface. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Ingredients

  • ½ cup sake
  • ½ cup mirin (Japanese sweet cooking rice wine)
  • ½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 2 tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

  1. Step 1: In a small sauce pot, combine sake, mirin, soy sauce, and sugar. Set over medium heat and cook until the sugar dissolves completely.
  2. Step 2: In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and 2 tablespoons of water to make a smooth slurry. Slowly whisk this mixture into the sauce. Bring the sauce to a boil, then remove from heat.

Tips & Variations

  • For a thicker sauce, add a bit more cornstarch slurry gradually until you reach the desired consistency.
  • Try adding minced garlic or ginger for an extra flavor boost.
  • Substitute honey for sugar for a slightly different sweetness.

Storage

Store teriyaki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week. Reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave before serving. Stir well, as the sauce may thicken when chilled.

How to Serve

A bowl with a blue patterned outer surface filled with a base layer of white rice, topped with two slices of grilled chicken glazed with a dark brown sauce, garnished with chopped green onions and sesame seeds scattered on top. The bowl sits on a bamboo mat, placed on a white marbled surface, with a clear glass pitcher filled with dark soy sauce in the background. photo taken with an iphone --ar 4:5 --v 7

Serve this delicious recipe with your favorite sides.

FAQs

Can I make teriyaki sauce without sake or mirin?

Yes, you can substitute sake and mirin with dry sherry or white wine mixed with a little sugar, but the flavor will vary slightly from the traditional version.

How long will homemade teriyaki sauce last?

When stored properly in the refrigerator, homemade teriyaki sauce will keep for about one week. Always check for any signs of spoilage before use.

Print

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

This homemade Teriyaki Sauce is a classic Japanese condiment combining the rich umami flavors of soy sauce and sake with the sweetness of mirin and sugar. Perfect for glazing grilled meats, drizzling over stir-fries, or as a dipping sauce, it’s easy to prepare and made with simple ingredients to bring authentic taste to your dishes.

  • Author: Elias
  • Prep Time: 5 minutes
  • Cook Time: 10 minutes
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: About 1 ½ cups 1x
  • Category: Sauce
  • Method: Stovetop
  • Cuisine: Japanese
  • Diet: Low Salt

Ingredients

Scale

Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients

  • ½ cup sake
  • ½ cup Mirin (Japanese sweet cooking rice wine)
  • ½ cup reduced sodium soy sauce
  • 2 Tablespoons granulated sugar
  • 1 ½ Tablespoons cornstarch
  • 2 Tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

  1. Combine liquids and sugar: In a small sauce pot, mix together the sake, mirin, soy sauce, and granulated sugar. Set the pot over medium heat and stir occasionally until the sugar is completely dissolved, creating a balanced base for the teriyaki sauce.
  2. Prepare cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water until smooth to form a slurry. This will be used to thicken the sauce evenly without lumps.
  3. Thicken the sauce: Gradually whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce in the pot. Continue to stir and bring the mixture to a gentle boil. The sauce will thicken to a glossy finish, perfect for glazing or dipping.
  4. Finish and cool: Once the sauce has thickened and reached boiling point, remove the pot from the heat. Allow the teriyaki sauce to cool slightly before using it in your favorite recipes or storing it for later use.

Notes

  • Use reduced sodium soy sauce to control the saltiness of the sauce.
  • Adjust sugar level according to your preferred sweetness.
  • Mirin is essential for authentic flavor; if unavailable, substitute with a mix of white wine and sugar.
  • Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • Reheat gently before use to prevent thickening too much.

Keywords: Teriyaki sauce, Japanese sauce, homemade teriyaki, soy sauce glaze, mirin sauce

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