EASY Teriyaki Sauce Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2024)

EASY Teriyaki Sauce Recipe - I Heart Naptime (1)

Jamielyn Nye
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It’s easy to make teriyaki sauce at home with a few simple ingredients! It’s sweet and savory flavor is perfect to use as a sauce or marinade in all your favorite dishes.

This Asian-inspired sauce recipe is perfect for so many favorite dishes including teriyaki chicken wings and teriyaki meatballs!

EASY Teriyaki Sauce Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2)

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Table of Contents

  • Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
  • Ingredients
  • How to Make Teriyaki Sauce
  • Storage Tips
  • Favorite Ways to Use It
  • Teriyaki Sauce Printable Recipe

Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

The versatile nature of this incredible homemade teriyaki sauce can be used as a glaze or drizzle for everything from chicken meatballs, to slow cooker teriyaki chicken and baked chicken wings!

This Asian-inspired teriyaki sauce recipe is made with sweet and sour, tart and tangy flavors all thanks to the pairings of garlic and ginger, honey and brown sugar, and of course the saltiness from the soy sauce. It’s become my easy go-to sauce recipe for everything from veggies to meats!

Ingredients

This homemade sauce is a favorite to make at home because it is loaded with flavor all without the additives and high sodium content of anything store-bought.

EASY Teriyaki Sauce Recipe - I Heart Naptime (3)
  • Water:Used to thin out the sauce, which can get quite thick thanks to the honey and cornstarch. It’s also used along with the cornstarch as a thickening agent.
  • Soy sauce: Aim for low sodium, as part of making homemade sauces is to use fresh ingredients but also avoid the extra high sodium content and other additives. But of course, use what you have!
  • Brown sugar: Packed light brown sugar. Will sweeten the sauce and give the saltiness and tang a nice contrast.
  • Honey: It will add a little signature stickiness to the sauce.
  • Garlic & ginger: A special duo that creates a tasty combination and provides a flavor base for the entire recipe.
  • Cornstarch: Added to thicken the consistency.

How to Make Teriyaki Sauce

Having such an easy teriyaki sauce recipe on hand is always convenient whether you use it as a glaze, marinade or simply a dipping sauce for crowd-pleasing appetizers!

EASY Teriyaki Sauce Recipe - I Heart Naptime (4)
  1. Combine.Heat all of the ingredients (with the exception of the cornstarch) and just a portion of the water in a small saucepan on the stovetop.
  2. Whisk. In a separate small bowl, whisk remaining water with the cornstarch until blended and whisk it into the pan while stirring.
  3. Simmer.Bring to a light simmer until the sauce begins to thicken. Then, remove it from the heat.
  4. Serve. Best served warm with all of your favorite meats, rice, and veggies. Depending on its consistency, you can use it as a glaze, a sauce, or a dressing!

Tip: If you find the sauce too thick, add a little water to thin it out. If you’d like it thicker, add some more cornstarch.

Storage Tips

Once cooled, you can store it in a jar or covered container for up to 1 week in the fridge. Because of its versatility, you can definitely use it multiple nights of the week!

EASY Teriyaki Sauce Recipe - I Heart Naptime (5)

Other Asian-inspired sauce recipes we love include this kung pao sauce recipe and sweet and sour sauce!

Favorite Ways to Use It

  • Baked Teriyaki Chicken Bowl
  • Chicken Stir Fry
  • Teriyaki Burger
  • Teriyaki Steak Marinade

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EASY Teriyaki Sauce Recipe - I Heart Naptime (10)

Teriyaki Sauce

5 from 20 votes

↑ Click stars to rate now!

This teriyaki sauce is a super simple sauce with an explosion of sweet and salty flavor. Coming together in just 10 minutes, this delicious sauce is a finger-licking finish to all of your favorite dishes!

Prep Time: 5 minutes mins

Cook Time: 5 minutes mins

Total Time: 10 minutes mins

Servings: 8

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Ingredients

  • 1 cup water (divided)
  • ¼ cup low sodium soy sauce
  • 3-4 Tablespoons light brown sugar , packed
  • 1 Tablespoon honey
  • 2 cloves garlic , minced
  • ½ teaspoon ground ginger
  • 1 Tablespoon cornstarch

Instructions

  • Combine 3/4 cup water, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic and ginger in a small sauce pan over medium heat.

  • In a small bowl, whisk the remaining 1/4 cup water and cornstarch. Whisk into the pan and then bring to a light simmer. Simmer until it begins to thicken and then remove from heat. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a Tablespoon of water to thin out. If you'd like it thicker, whisk in another teaspoon of cornstarch.

  • Serve warm with your favorite meats, rice and vegetables or store for later. Place leftovers in a covered container and refrigerate for up to one week.

Nutrition

Calories: 35kcal | Carbohydrates: 9g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 1g | Saturated Fat: 1g | Sodium: 269mg | Potassium: 20mg | Fiber: 1g | Sugar: 7g | Vitamin C: 1mg | Calcium: 6mg | Iron: 1mg

Nutrition provided is an estimate. It will vary based on specific ingredients used.

Course: Main Course

Cuisine: Japanese

Did you make this recipe? Don’t forget to give it a star rating below!

Categorized as: Asian, Condiments, Sauces

EASY Teriyaki Sauce Recipe - I Heart Naptime (11)

Jamielyn Nye is the founder and recipe creator at I Heart Naptime. She is also the author of the I Heart Naptime Cookbook. Here you will find easy family-friendly recipes for every occasion.

More about Jamielyn Nye

More homemade sauces to try

  • Easy Sweet and Sour Sauce
  • Homemade Buffalo Sauce
  • Homemade BBQ Sauce Recipe
  • Easy Tzatziki Sauce Recipe

21 comments

    • Emma

    Could I use this as a sauce like if I made your marinated teriyaki steaks & then tossed this with veggies & noodles?

    • Reply
      • I Heart Naptime

      That sounds delicious! I love those ideas. Let me know how it turns out!

      • Reply
    • Lee
    • EASY Teriyaki Sauce Recipe - I Heart Naptime (16)

    I have been trying different Asian sauce recipes and this is one l will definitely make again and again….delicious and so easy to make. The only thing l changed was using two tablespoons of brown sugar instead of 3 or 4. Thank you for the recipe

    • Reply
      • I Heart Naptime

      That is great to hear! I am so glad that you love this teriyaki sauce so much! Thanks for sharing and trying my recipe.

      • Reply
    • Renee

    This is soo good. Can it be frozen?

    • Reply
      • I Heart Naptime

      Thank you! I am glad that you like it. Yes, you can freeze this sauce in an airtight bag that has the air squeezed out of. This will avoid any frost on the sauce. When ready to heat up, warm the bag in hot water until the sauce has thawed.

      • Reply
    • Kristen
    • EASY Teriyaki Sauce Recipe - I Heart Naptime (17)

    Sooo good!!!! Taste just like what I was looking for. Thanks a bunch!

    • Reply
    • Charles

    The sauce looks delicious and I have to try it on some steaks too night for supper 🍽

    • Reply
      • I Heart Naptime

      It’s so yummy! Enjoy :)

      • Reply
    • Charles sanders

    This looks so delicious I got to try it

    • Reply
    • Delores Allen

    I am going to make this very soon.

    • Reply
      • I Heart Naptime

      I hope you enjoy! :)

      • Reply
    • Susan

    1. Can I make this in bulk and can it?
    2. Can I substitute the sugar for a substitute such as Swerve or Splenda?
    Thank you for this recipe. 😊

    • Reply
      • Jamielyn Nye

      Yes, you can. It should last a couple weeks in the fridge. I have never tried with splenda. I would test with half the batch to make sure you like it first. Let me know how it goes.

      • Reply
        • Susan Marling

        Thank you!

      • Linda Suazo
      • EASY Teriyaki Sauce Recipe - I Heart Naptime (18)

      This is EXACTLY what I needed for my dipping sauce and a bath for my pork and chicken.

      • Reply
        • I Heart Naptime

        Yay! So glad you found what you needed :)

        • Reply
      • Christina
      • EASY Teriyaki Sauce Recipe - I Heart Naptime (19)

      This is so good, I’m never buy from the store again.

      • Reply
        • I Heart Naptime

        I’m so glad you loved it!

        • Reply
      • Sam
      • EASY Teriyaki Sauce Recipe - I Heart Naptime (20)

      This teriyaki sauce was delicious and so easy to make! Going to put it on everything!

      • Reply
      • Beth
      • EASY Teriyaki Sauce Recipe - I Heart Naptime (21)

      So many recipes to use this with or just grab a straw and drink it all up! Yum!

      • Reply
    EASY Teriyaki Sauce Recipe - I Heart Naptime (2024)

    FAQs

    Is teriyaki sauce heart healthy? ›

    One tablespoon serving of teriyaki sauce delivers about 689 mg of sodium, and you're likely to not stop at one tablespoon when sitting down to a meal. Too much sodium consumption is associated with increased higher blood pressure and elevated heart disease and stroke risk.

    What is the difference between teriyaki sauce and teriyaki marinade? ›

    The main difference is that marinades are used to flavor food before cooking while a sauce is added during the cooking process or after the dish has been cooked. One important thing: don't use premade marinade that's been used to marinate meat, poultry, or fish.

    What's in teriyaki sauce ingredients? ›

    Authentic Japanese teriyaki sauce combines soy sauce, mirin, sugar, and sake to create a distinctively sharp taste, with Westernized versions incorporating honey, garlic, and ginger for added edge. Cornstarch is often added to teriyaki sauce as a thickener.

    What is a heart healthy substitute for soy sauce? ›

    Instead, try this simple recipe that mimics the savory, meaty flavor of soy sauce: 1 cup low sodium beef or vegetable broth. 1 tablespoon vinegar (balsamic, cider or rice) 2 teaspoons molasses or brown sugar or substitute sugar-brown sugar blend.

    Is soy sauce OK for heart patients? ›

    Just 1 tablespoon of soy sauce contains nearly 40% of the daily recommended 2,300 milligrams of sodium. Salt is a nutrient that our body needs to function. But too much of it can increase blood pressure and lead to heart disease and stroke.

    Is it better to buy or make teriyaki sauce? ›

    You know how the irresistibly sweet-salty teriyaki-slathered grilled meat you get at a Japanese restaurant is infinitely more delicious than the stuff you make at home? Well, the reason is simple: Homemade teriyaki sauce is just always better than the sickly sweet store-bought stuff.

    Does teriyaki sauce go on before or after cooking? ›

    Teriyaki sauce is usually added to the meat (or meat substitute) while it's being cooked on a grill or a wok. It's also often used as a dipping sauce or condiment for pork tenderloin, chicken thighs, chicken breasts, flank steak, or, of course, your meat substitutes of choice.

    Which is better soy sauce or teriyaki sauce? ›

    Teriyaki Sauce: Ideal for glazing or marinating meats like chicken, beef, and fish. It pairs wonderfully with dishes like our Huli-Huli Homemade Sauce Recipe for Chicken. Soy Sauce: Perfect for stir-fries, marinades, and as a condiment.

    How to make teriyaki sauce taste better? ›

    Brown sugar in place of white granulated sugar.
    1. 1 Tablespoon cornstarch.
    2. 1 Tablespoon cold water.
    3. 1/2 Cup sugar. (Brown sugar can add a depth to the flavor too.)
    4. 1/2 Cup low sodium soy sauce.
    5. (1/2 teaspoon of MSG)
    6. 1/4 Cup apple cider vinegar.
    7. 1/2 teaspoon ground ginger.
    8. 1 garlic clove, minced.
    Mar 15, 2023

    What is Kikkoman teriyaki sauce made of? ›

    ingredients. SOY SAUCE (WATER, SOYBEANS, WHEAT, SALT), WINE, SUGAR, WATER, SALT, VINEGAR, SODIUM BENZOATE: LESS THAN 1/10 OF 1% AS A PRESERVATIVE, ONION POWDER, NATURAL FLAVORS, SUCCINIC ACID, GARLIC POWDER.

    Is teriyaki sauce full of sugar? ›

    Most of the calories in teriyaki sauce come from carbohydrates. One tablespoon has 2.5g of carbohydrates. Made from sweet wine or sake, and sometimes sugar or honey, most of the carbs in teriyaki sauce are in the form of sugar. Each tablespoon contains 2.2g of sugar.

    What's the same as teriyaki sauce? ›

    Substitute for teriyaki sauce

    Sauces often used as a teriyaki substitute usually focus on an aspect of the flavour, for example tangy barbecue, salty oyster sauce or sweet hoisin.

    Is hoisin sauce the same as teriyaki? ›

    Hoisin Sauce is Chinese and based on fermented soybean paste, whereas teriyaki sauce only has a small component of soy sauce. Hoisin sauce is therefore much thicker and saltier compared to its Japanese counterpart, as teriyaki sauce tends to be sweeter.

    What is a substitute for ginger in teriyaki sauce? ›

    Allspice, Turmeric, Cardamom, Cinnamon, Nutmeg, or Mace. Of course, none of these spices really tastes like ginger. Instead, think of them as alternatives rather than direct substitutes: In a recipe that calls for ground ginger, you can substitute the same amount of any of these spices—or a mixture of them.

    What sauces are heart healthy? ›

    What is the healthiest condiment?
    • Guacamole.
    • Mustard.
    • Balsamic Vinegar.
    • Salsa.
    • Hot sauce.
    • Tzatziki.
    • Hummus.
    • Pesto.
    Mar 17, 2024

    Does teriyaki sauce have lots of sodium? ›

    Like other sauces, condiments, and marinades, teriyaki sauce doesn't contain any essential vitamins or minerals. However, with soy sauce as one of the main ingredients, it's a high-sodium food. Though sodium content may vary by brand and recipe, a 1-tablespoon serving may have more than 600mg of sodium.

    Does teriyaki sauce spike blood sugar? ›

    And darn it don't you know, even teriyaki sauce can catapult your blood sugar.

    References

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