Homemade Teriyaki Sauce: Perfect for Marinades, Glazes, and More!

Making sauces at home can seem daunting, especially if you’re just starting out in the kitchen. But trust me, once you try making this homemade Teriyaki sauce, you’ll realize how surprisingly simple and rewarding it can be. You’ll feel confident and capable in your cooking skills.

This simple yet flavorful sauce is a must-have in your culinary repertoire. Whether you’re looking to marinate meats, glaze seafood, or add a burst of flavor to your stir-fries, Chef Mark Sandoval’s teriyaki sauce will not only become your go-to recipe but also inspire you to get creative in the kitchen.

Why You Will Love This Recipe

If you love bold and balanced flavors, this Teriyaki sauce is for you. It offers a perfect harmony of sweet, savory, and tangy notes that can enhance a wide variety of dishes.

Plus, Chef Mark’s teriyaki sauce is incredibly versatile—you can use it in countless ways, from marinating meats to adding a delicious glaze to vegetables. And the best part? It’s very easy to make with just a few basic ingredients and tools. No fancy culinary skills are required!

Ingredients You’ll Need

Before you start cooking, it’s important to gather all the ingredients you’ll need. This will make the cooking process much smoother and ensure you don’t miss anything.

Ingredient	Description
Soy Sauce (2 cups)	The salty, umami base of the sauce is essential for that classic Teriyaki flavor.
Water (1 cup)	Helps to balance the soy sauce and adjust the consistency of the sauce.
Chopped Garlic (1 ea.)	Adds a robust, aromatic flavor that enhances the overall taste.
Jalapeño Chile (optional, 1 ea.)	Provides a subtle kick of heat if you like a spicy touch.
Scallions (rough chopped)	Offers a mild, onion-like flavor that complements the garlic and ginger.
Sliced Ginger (1 ea.)	Brings warmth and a slight spiciness to the sauce, making it more complex.
Fresh Lime Juice (optional, 1 ea.)	Adds a hint of acidity that brightens the sauce.
Brown Sugar (1 large spoon)	Balances the saltiness with a rich sweetness.
Cornstarch (4 tbs.)	Thickens the sauce, giving it a glossy and smooth consistency.

Kitchen Tools You’ll Need

Having the right tools on hand will make your cooking experience much easier. Here’s a list of tools you’ll need to make this Teriyaki sauce:

Tool	Description
Saucepan (large)	Essential for simmering the sauce ingredients together.
Whisk	Helps to blend the ingredients smoothly and prevents lumps.
Chinois Strainer	A fine-mesh strainer that ensures a smooth, lump-free sauce by removing solids.
Mixing Bowl	Used to combine the ingredients before they go into the saucepan.
Chef’s Knife	Perfect for chopping garlic, scallions, and ginger with precision.
Cutting Board	Provides a stable surface for the safe chopping of ingredients.
Measuring Cup Set	Ensures you use the correct amounts of each ingredient for the perfect balance.

Step-By-Step Recipe Instructions

Now that you’ve gathered your ingredients and tools, let’s dive into the cooking process. Follow these simple steps to create a delicious Teriyaki sauce.

Prep Your Ingredients:

• Start by chopping your garlic, scallions, and ginger.
• If you’re using a jalapeño for some extra heat, chop that too.
• Make sure everything is ready to go before you start cooking.

Combine Ingredients:

• Add the soy sauce, water, chopped garlic, scallions, ginger, lime juice (if using), brown sugar, and jalapeño in a large saucepan.
• Whisk everything together to ensure the sugar dissolves and the ingredients are well-mixed.

Simmer the Sauce:

• Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle boil.
• Once boiling, reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for 10-15 minutes. This allows the flavors to meld together and intensify.

Thicken the Sauce:

• While the sauce simmers, dissolve the cornstarch in a small amount of water to create a slurry.
• Slowly pour this slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking continuously. The sauce will thicken as it cooks.
• Continue to simmer until the desired consistency is reached.

Strain and Cool:

• Remove the saucepan from the heat.
• Pour the sauce through a chinois strainer into a mixing bowl to remove the solids, resulting in a smooth sauce.
• Let the sauce cool slightly before using or storing.

Tips, Tricks, and Storage Options

To make the most of your homemade Teriyaki sauce, here are a few tips and tricks:

• Adjust the Heat: If you prefer a milder sauce, skip the jalapeño. Add extra jalapeño or a dash of red pepper flakes for more spice.

• Make It Ahead: This sauce stores well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks in an airtight container. It actually tastes even better after the flavors have had time to meld.

• Double the Recipe: If you find yourself using Teriyaki sauce frequently, consider doubling the recipe. Having a larger batch on hand for quick meals throughout the week is convenient.

Serving Suggestions and Pairings

This Teriyaki sauce is incredibly versatile, and there are so many delicious ways to use it:

• Perfect Marinade: This sauce works wonders as a marinade for chicken, beef, or pork. For maximum flavor, let the meat soak in the sauce for at least 30 minutes before grilling or baking.

• Stir-Fry Sauce: Toss the sauce with vegetables and tofu in a hot wok for a quick and flavorful stir-fry. It’s an easy way to create a nutritious and tasty meal.

• Glaze for Seafood: Brush this sauce on salmon or shrimp before roasting or grilling. The sauce caramelizes beautifully, giving your seafood a sweet and savory finish.

Conclusion

Making Teriyaki sauce at home is simpler than you might think, and it’s a fantastic way to elevate your cooking. This sauce is not only delicious but also versatile, allowing you to enhance a variety of dishes with minimal effort.

Give this recipe a try and see how it transforms your meals. Whether marinating, glazing or simply dipping, this Teriyaki sauce will quickly become a staple in your kitchen.

Have you tried making your sauces at home before? If not, this Teriyaki sauce is a great place to start. Give it a go, and let us know how it turned out in the comments below.

Thank you for reading! If you enjoyed this article, subscribe to our blog for more delicious recipes, cooking tips, and food stories. Let’s keep the foodie fun going!

Happy cooking!

Cem

FAQs

Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

If you prefer a less salty flavor, you can use low-sodium soy sauce. The taste will still be delicious, just a bit lighter on the salt.

How can I make the sauce gluten-free?

Simply replace the soy sauce with a gluten-free alternative like tamari. The rest of the recipe remains the same, and you’ll have a tasty gluten-free Teriyaki sauce.

Can I freeze the sauce?

You can freeze Teriyaki sauce in an airtight container for up to three months. Just thaw it in the fridge before using it.

Is there a substitute for brown sugar?

You can substitute brown sugar with honey or maple syrup. Each adds its own unique flavor to the sauce.

How do I make the sauce spicier?

To increase the heat, add extra jalapeño or a dash of red pepper flakes. Taste as you go to ensure it’s to your liking.

Can I add other flavors to the sauce?

Absolutely! Consider adding a splash of sake or mirin for an authentic Japanese twist or even a bit of pineapple juice for a fruity note.

How long does it take to make the sauce?

The entire process, including prep time, takes about 20-25 minutes. It’s a quick and easy recipe that requires little time or effort.

Can I use this sauce for dipping?

This Teriyaki sauce works great as a dipping sauce for appetizers like dumplings or spring rolls. It adds a savory sweetness to every bite.

What if I don’t have a chinois strainer?

You can use a regular fine-mesh strainer if you don’t have a chinois strainer.

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