Name: Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 5 min
Total time: 10 min
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Ingredients: 1/2 cup soy sauce; 1/4 cup brown sugar; 2 tablespoons honey; 2 cloves garlic, minced; 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated; 2 tablespoons rice vinegar; 1 tablespoon sesame seeds; 1 tablespoon cornstarch; 2 tablespoons water; 2 tablespoons chopped green onions (optional)

Sticky, glossy, and packed with rich umami flavor, this Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce is your new go-to for elevating weeknight meals. Whether you’re drizzling it over grilled chicken, tossing it with stir-fry veggies, or using it as a marinade, this sauce brings bold, balanced flavor to the table in under 10 minutes.

Unlike store-bought versions filled with preservatives and excess sugar, this homemade version is made with pantry staples and is easy to customize. It’s sweet, savory, and slightly tangy with just a touch of heat—the perfect balance for a versatile Asian-inspired sauce you’ll make again and again.

What Makes a Great Teriyaki Sauce?

A great teriyaki sauce is all about balance—the saltiness of soy sauce, the sweetness of sugar or honey, the acidity of rice vinegar, and a hint of umami from garlic and ginger. This homemade version thickens beautifully with cornstarch and water, making it perfect for glazing or dipping.

Ingredients for the Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Soy Sauce: Forms the salty and umami-rich base of the sauce.

Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness and depth with a caramel-like undertone.

Honey: Enhances the sweetness and gives a smooth texture.

Garlic (minced): Provides savory warmth and complexity.

Fresh Ginger (grated): Adds a sharp, peppery bite that wakes up the sauce.

Rice Vinegar: Gives acidity to balance out the sweetness.

Sesame Seeds: Optional but great for texture and nutty flavor.

Cornstarch + Water: Mixed into a slurry to thicken the sauce perfectly.

Green Onions (optional): For garnish and a burst of freshness.

How To Make the Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients

In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 2: Simmer and Stir

Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Let it cook for 2–3 minutes, stirring frequently to prevent sticking or burning.

Step 3: Thicken the Sauce

In a separate bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water to create a slurry. Slowly pour this into the simmering sauce while stirring continuously.

Step 4: Cook Until Glossy

Continue to simmer the sauce for another 2–3 minutes, or until it thickens to your desired consistency. It should coat the back of a spoon.

Step 5: Garnish and Serve

Remove from heat. Stir in sesame seeds and green onions if desired. Use immediately or cool and store.

How to Serve and Store Teriyaki Sauce

This homemade teriyaki sauce is incredibly versatile. Use it as a glaze for grilled chicken or salmon, stir it into noodles, or drizzle over rice bowls. For storage, let it cool completely and transfer to an airtight container. It keeps well in the refrigerator for up to a week. You can also freeze it in small portions to use whenever needed.

What to Serve With Teriyaki Sauce?

Teriyaki Chicken Thighs

These Baked Teriyaki Chicken Thighs are juicy, flavorful, and a perfect pairing.

Grilled Veggie Skewers

Zucchini, bell peppers, and mushrooms shine with a teriyaki glaze.

Rice or Noodles

Pour this sauce over jasmine rice or toss with soba noodles for a quick side.

Shrimp Stir Fry

Fast, protein-packed, and perfect with a spoonful of teriyaki.

Teriyaki Tofu Bowls

Crispy tofu cubes with broccoli and carrots drizzled in this sauce = weeknight win.

Want More Sauce and Marinade Ideas?

If this quick homemade teriyaki sauce hit the spot, check out these other flavor-packed creations:

KFC Style Gravy for crispy fried chicken.
Shrimp Butter Spread to slather over toast or seafood.
Creamy Parmesan Italian Sausage Soup that pairs well with crusty bread and savory toppings.
Garlic Butter Steak Bites with a rich, buttery coating.
Air Fryer Sesame Cauliflower for a crispy veggie fix.

Save This Pin For Later

Save this delicious idea to your favorite Pinterest board so it’s easy to find when you’re ready to whip it up again.

Tried it with a twist? Maybe a pinch of chili flakes or a splash of pineapple juice? I’d love to hear how it turned out—drop your tips or questions in the comments below.

Need more inspiration? Explore my daily kitchen creations on SavorQueen.com on Pinterest. Your next favorite might be waiting there.

Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Author: Julia Walton
Total Time: 10 minutes
Yield: 1 cup

Print Recipe

Description

Craving that rich, glossy teriyaki sauce flavor without the extra sugar and preservatives? This quick homemade teriyaki sauce recipe is your answer. In just 10 minutes, you’ll have a flavorful, thick sauce perfect for glazing chicken, tossing with stir-fry, or drizzling over rice bowls. It’s made with simple pantry ingredients like soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger—bringing bold, balanced flavor in no time. Perfect for your next easy dinner, quick meal prep, or healthy snack topping. This sauce is also gluten-free adaptable and totally freezer-friendly. Great for weeknight dinner ideas or dipping inspiration!