If you’re looking for a way to amp up your meals, this Simple Teriyaki Sauce is the perfect solution. It’s sweet, savory, and has just the right amount of tanginess. Perfect for stir-fries, chicken marinades, or as a glaze for your favorite veggies, this sauce is super versatile. The best part? You can whip it up in under 10 minutes. Whether you’re making a quick dinner during a busy weeknight or planning an upcoming gathering, this sauce guarantees a burst of flavor. Trust us at BellRecipes—once you try this, it’ll become a kitchen must-have!
Table of content
- About The Recipe
- Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- How to Make the Recipe(Step-by-Step)
- Expert Tips for Success
- Variations and Customizations
- Nutritional Information
- Storage and Reheating Instructions
- Recipe Card
- Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
- Comments & Reviews
- Social Sharing Options
About The Simple Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
We’ve all been there—you’re cooking dinner, and you just wish you had something to jazz it up. Enter: Simple Teriyaki Sauce. It’s like the star of your kitchen that can turn the plainest ingredients into a masterpiece. Did you know the origins of teriyaki date back to Japan, where ‘teri’ means luster, and ‘yaki’ means grill or broil? That shiny glaze you get when teriyaki sauce cooks is what the name’s all about. At BellRecipes, we wanted to create a version that’s not just easy to make but also tastes like you spent hours perfecting it, even when it only takes minutes. So, whether you’re drizzling it on some salmon or dunking your favorite veggies in it, this recipe is a foolproof way to satisfy those cravings for something sweet, tangy, and just a little savory.Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Ready in under 10 minutes for quick cooking.
- A perfect balance of sweet, salty, and tangy flavors.
- Uses common pantry staples, saving you a trip to the store.
- Versatile: great for meat, veggies, or rice bowls.
- Easily adjustable for dietary needs, like gluten-free or low-sugar versions.
- Homemade and fresher than store-bought options.
Key Ingredients and Substitutions
- Soy Sauce: This is the base of the sauce. For a gluten-free option, try tamari or coconut aminos.
- Brown Sugar: Adds sweetness. You can swap it with honey, maple syrup, or coconut sugar for a different flavor.
- Garlic & Ginger: Fresh makes a big difference, but powdered versions will work in a pinch.
- Cornstarch: Helps thicken the sauce. Arrowroot powder can also be used as a substitute.
- Water: Keeps the consistency just right. You can replace it with chicken or vegetable broth for added depth of flavor.
How to Make the Recipe (Step-by-Step)
- Step 1: Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and water in a medium saucepan over medium heat.
- Step 2: Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to dissolve the sugar.
- Step 3: In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with a little cold water to make a slurry.
- Step 4: Slowly whisk the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce, stirring constantly to avoid lumps.
- Step 5: Simmer for 2-3 minutes until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
- Step 6: Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using, or store for later.
Expert Tips for Success
Use low-sodium soy sauce to control salt levels!
Make sure your cornstarch slurry is fully mixed to avoid clumps.
Cook the sauce on medium heat to prevent burning or over-thickening.
Taste as you go! Everyone has a preference for sweetness or tanginess.
Variations and Customizations
Want to spice it up? Add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha for some heat. Looking for a low-sugar option? Swap the brown sugar with a sugar-free alternative like monk fruit sweetener. For a richer flavor, try using mirin (a sweet Japanese rice wine) instead of water for part of the recipe. You can also add a splash of orange or pineapple juice for a fruity twist—this is perfect if you’re pairing it with chicken or seafood.
Nutritional Information
This Simple Teriyaki Sauce recipe is roughly 45 calories per serving (2 tablespoons) and has about 9 grams of carbohydrates from the sugar. It’s naturally low in fat and can easily be adjusted to suit specific diets, like using coconut sugar for paleo-friendly or tamari for gluten-free needs. While it has about 500mg of sodium per serving from the soy sauce, you can cut this by using a reduced-sodium option. It’s a flavorful but conscious choice and tastes way better than most store-bought options!
Storage and Reheating Instructions
Got leftover sauce? Just pour it into an airtight container and store it in the fridge—it’ll stay fresh for up to a week. If you’d like to make a larger batch for later, freeze it in small portions for up to 3 months. Simply reheat on the stovetop or in the microwave, stirring occasionally to bring back its smooth texture. If it thickens too much, just add a splash of water or broth while reheating.
Recipe Card of Simple Teriyaki Sauce
Ingredients list
- 1 cup water
- 0.25 cup soy sauce
- 5 teaspoons packed brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey or more to taste
- 0.5 teaspoon ground ginger
- 0.25 teaspoon garlic powder
- 2 tablespoons cornstarch
- 0.25 cup cold water
Step-by-Step Instructions
- Start by gathering all your ingredients together.
- Combine 1 cup of water, soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ginger, and garlic powder in a saucepan over medium heat. Gently heat for about a minute, until everything is almost warmed through.
- In a cup, mix the cornstarch and 1/4 cup of cold water until it dissolves, then add this to the saucepan.
- Keep cooking and stirring the sauce until it thickens, which should take about 5 to 7 minutes.
- Now your sauce is ready to enjoy with your favorite dishes!
Recipe Video
Notes
Nutrition
All Your Questions About This Recipe
Can I make this sauce ahead of time?
Absolutely! This teriyaki sauce stores well in the fridge for up to a week. You can even freeze it for longer storage.
How do I avoid lumps when thickening the sauce?
Make sure your cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + cold water) is fully mixed before adding it to the sauce, and always whisk it in slowly.
What can I use if I don’t have cornstarch?
Arrowroot powder works as an excellent alternative. Just use the same amount as the recipe calls for cornstarch.
Can I make this gluten-free?
Yes! Swap the soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos to keep it gluten-free without losing flavor.
Wow, this Simple Teriyaki Sauce is such a gem! I love how quick and versatile it is—perfect for busy nights. I might try adding a dash of sesame oil for extra depth!