Sweet and sticky homemade Teriyaki Sauce is absolutely delicious when used in stir fry recipes or even as a marinade. It only requires a few ingredients and can be ready in minutes!
Begin by peeling and grating the fresh ginger. Dry ground ginger can be used as a substitution, but I really prefer fresh for a robust flavor.
Oftentimes, for the garlic, I will use the minced type in a jar. If you’re using fresh garlic, go ahead and mince or press it.
In a dry pan, roast approximately 1 tablespoon of sesame seeds until they begin to turn light brown and pop. Remove from the heat or they will burn quickly. Pour them into a cup or bowl and set to the side.
Next, place all the sauce ingredients–soy sauce, water, honey, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and toasted sesame seeds–in the saucepan. EXCEPT, don’t add the thickener yet (cornstarch or arrowroot powder). Heat to medium and whisk together well until it begins to simmer nicely.
In a small bowl, whisk together 1 heaping tablespoon of arrowroot powder or cornstarch, plus 2 tablespoons water to create a slurry thickener. Add it to the saucepan with other ingredients and whisk as it begins to thicken.
Once it thickens to the desired consistency, remove it from the heat to stop the thickening process. Serve in stir-fries like this Tofu Teriyaki with Broccoli. Or use as a dipping sauce or for basting.
Video
Notes
Pro tips & variations
Marinade- To use this sauce as a marinade, simply skip the thickener and use it in its thinner form.
Gluten-free- Soy sauce has gluten, so substitute tamari for the soy sauce to make it GF.
Vegan- Substitutions for the honey can include Bee-Free Honee, agave nectar, or maple syrup.
Salty- Use low sodium soy sauce to reduce the sodium content.
Sweetener- The brown sugar can be left out completely if desired.
Ginger- I personally like to use freshly grated ginger, but dry ground ginger can be substituted.
Garlic- Fresh or from a jar gives the best flavor, but ground garlic can be used if desired.