Teriyaki Sauce for a Marinade or for Basting
Elevate your grilling and marinating game with this versatile Teriyaki Sauce, perfect for a marinade or basting. Crafted with classic Japanese-inspired flavors, this glossy, savory-sweet sauce combines soy sauce, brown sugar, and honey for a rich base, complemented by the zesty warmth of fresh ginger and garlic. Optional additions like mirin and sesame oil add depth, making the sauce irresistibly authentic. Ready in just 15 minutes with a silky texture courtesy of a simple cornstarch slurry, it’s ideal for marinating proteins like chicken, salmon, or tofu, or brushing over roasted vegetables for a caramelized finish. Whether you’re grilling, roasting, or stir-frying, this homemade teriyaki sauce takes your dishes to the next level while ensuring a burst of bold, umami flavor in every bite.
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Recipe Information
Ingredients
- 0.5 cup soy sauce
- 0.25 cup water
- 0.25 cup brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons mirin (optional)
- 1 teaspoon ginger, grated
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 2 teaspoons cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons water (for cornstarch slurry)
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil (optional)
Instructions
In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, brown sugar, honey, mirin (if using), grated ginger, and minced garlic.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir until the brown sugar and honey dissolve completely.
In a small bowl, mix cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of water to create a slurry. Make sure there are no lumps.
Gradually pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan while continuously whisking to prevent clumping.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and continue cooking for 3-5 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
If a more intense flavor is desired, stir in the sesame oil during the final minute of cooking.
Remove from heat and allow the sauce to cool slightly. Taste and adjust seasonings if needed.
Use immediately as a marinade for proteins, vegetables, or tofu, or use it as a basting sauce while grilling or roasting.
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Nutrition Facts
Calories |
454 | ||
|---|---|---|---|
% Daily Value* |
|||
| Total Fat | 5.0 g | 6% | |
| Saturated Fat | 0.7 g | 3% | |
| Polyunsaturated Fat | 0.2 g | ||
| Cholesterol | 0 mg | 0% | |
| Sodium | 4626 mg | 201% | |
| Total Carbohydrate | 94.5 g | 34% | |
| Dietary Fiber | 1.1 g | 4% | |
| Total Sugars | 76.0 g | ||
| Protein | 12.3 g | 25% | |
| Vitamin D | 0.0 mcg | 0% | |
| Calcium | 85 mg | 7% | |
| Iron | 2.4 mg | 13% | |
| Potassium | 551 mg | 12% | |
*The % Daily Value tells you how much a nutrient in a serving of food contributes to a daily diet. 2,000 calories a day is used for general nutrition advice.
