Teriyaki Sauce and Marinade Recipe- Japanese Special
Discover how easy it is to elevate your dishes with this homemade teriyaki sauce that doubles as a marinade. Ready in just 10 minutes using pantry essentials like soy sauce, rice vinegar, sesame oil, sweeteners, and optional aromatics like garlic, ginger, and chili flakes, this versatile flavor enhancer brings that glossy, savory-sweet profile straight to your cooking—no store-bought jars required.
- Prep Time10 min
- Cook Time20 min
- Total Time30 min
Teriyaki Sauce and Marinade Ingredients :
- Soy sauce: Provides a burst of umami flavor.
- Rice vinegar: If unavailable, substitute with regular white vinegar. Sake or mirin can be used as alternatives if on hand.
- Sesame oil: Essential for enhancing the sauce’s depth.
- Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and helps create a glaze.
- Honey: Adds additional sweetness and complexity.
- Aromatics: Ginger, garlic, and red chili flakes, while not traditional, add excellent flavor to the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Used to thicken the sauce to desired consistency.
How to Make Teriyaki Sauce and Marinade
Combine all ingredients except for the cornstarch in a small saucepan. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, stirring constantly until the sugar dissolves. Once it boils, reduce the heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch with a little water. Add this mixture to the sauce to thicken it. When the sauce reaches a consistency similar to duck sauce or Thai sweet chili sauce, it’s done. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
Recipe Notes
Quick Thickening: Mix cornstarch with water and stir it into the sauce while simmering—thickens to a glossy, pourable consistency perfect for coating.
Sweetener Balance: Brown sugar and honey provide both sweetness and depth—adjust quantities to suit your taste and desired glaze thickness.
Optional Aromatics: Add minced garlic, grated ginger, or a pinch of chili flakes if you want extra layer of flavor and nuance.
Versatile Use: Use as a marinade for meats or vegetables, a dipping sauce, or a glaze—this sauce works across grilling, stir-fries, and bakes.
Make-Ahead: Store cooled sauce in the fridge for up to a week—great for meal prep and flavor on demand.
