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9 Comments

Simple & Sweet Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Kathleen

by Kathleen Pope Feb 20, 2025

Jump to Recipe

Jar of teriyaki sauce with a spoonful for pinning.
How to make 10 minute teriyaki marinade, for pinning.
Homemade Teriyaki sauce in a jar with a spoonful - to pin.
Spoonful of teriyaki sauce to pin.
Stages of making homemade teriyaki, to pin.

You know that thick, rich and delicious Teriyaki sauce you get in restaurants and the grocery store with just the right amount of tangy sweetness? Now you can make your own easy, homemade honey teriyaki sauce recipe at home in about 10 minutes! With tips to make it without cornstarch and gluten-free teriyaki sauce.

I admit that I still buy sauces, gotta be honest right? But sometimes, I want to make something and just don’t have a store run in me, can I hear an “AMEN?!” When that happens, I create my own, like this tasty teriyaki recipe.

Spoonful of glossy and dark homemade teriyaki sauce.
This post may contain affiliate links. Read my disclosure & privacy policy.

I enjoy giving precise details in my recipe posts to lead my readers through any questions. If you’re just here for the printable recipe, use the Jump to Recipe to head straight there!

  • Sweet Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients
  • How to make Teriyaki Sauce
    • Step 1 – Prep Ingredients
    • Step 2 – Finish the sauce
  • Storage and Freezing Tips for Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
  • Variations
  • How to Use Teriyaki Sauce
  • How to make Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowls with Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
  • Simple Teriyaki Sauce Tips
  • Easy Teriyaki Sauce Recipe FAQs
  • Looking for more easy recipes?
  • Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Here in Colorado, we have a healthy and delicious fast(ish) food restaurant called Tokyo Joe’s, with a large variety from sushi and poke bowls to make-your-own bowls, all made with fresh, healthy ingredients.

I am sure you will love making your homemade teriyaki sauce with that perfect savory-salty-sweet flavor!

I went to a Denver Blogger’s Club event graciously sponsored by Tokyo Joe’s Cherry Creek and asked our host what she recommended for this momma who rarely eats out.

You will love these homemade sauces: Pizza Sauce, Rocky Mountain Barbecue Sauce, Carne Asada Marinade, and this amazing Hot Honey.

This recipe was originally published in 2020 and has been updated with new images, but the recipe remains unchanged.

Red bowl filled with brown rice, steamed broccoli a corn salsa, mahi-mahi grilled fish with Teriyaki Sauce and chopsticks crossed atop the bowl.
Mahi Mahi Bowl from Tokyo Joe’s

She recommended the (above) mahi-mahi teriyaki bowl with brown rice and steamed broccoli and it was DEE-LICIOUS! Vibrant, healthy, filling, flavorful and so satisfying! Well I just had to try and recreate the darn thing! But first, I had to recreate the sauce, so let’s get to it!

Sweet Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients

  • Tamari: The key ingredient that gives teriyaki its signature flavor! For a gluten-free option, use Tamari, Coconut Aminos, or Bragg’s Liquid Aminos. If you’re vegan, regular soy sauce works well. I recommend Tamari or Coconut Aminos for a lower-sodium version or try a soy-free alternative like Bragg’s Liquid Aminos.
  • Brown Sugar – traditionally, teriyaki is a little sweet. Try using light or dark brown sugar or replace it with honey.
  • Fresh Ginger – Adds authentic ginger zing; try using 2 cubes of Dorot fresh frozen ginger found at Trader Joe’s, two teaspoons quality minced ginger, or sub with ¼ teaspoon ground ginger.
  • Fresh Garlic – All savory things should have minced garlic! But if you must, replace it with one teaspoon of garlic powder.
  • Honey – Not a lot! If making vegan, use agave or other sweetener
  • Sesame Oil – Toasted or untoasted, this ingredient is not to be missed; pick up this little jewel of oils in the Asian section of your market. I love this oil in this Beef and Broccoli.
  • Mirin is a Japanese sweet rice wine similar to sake but with lower alcohol and higher sugar content. Traditional teriyaki is made using Sake, you can also use Sherry, Port or Madeira too. I’ve also used rice vinegar or apple cider vinegar in a pinch, which adds a slight tartness but is still quite pleasant.
  • Corn Starch – This will give your sweet teriyaki sauce it’s signature glossiness and thickness.

Get the full recipe in the recipe card below.

Teriyaki sauce labeled ingredients.
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How to make Teriyaki Sauce

Step 1 – Prep Ingredients

Combine tamari (soy sauce), brown sugar, ginger, garlic, honey, and sesame oil in a medium saucepan over medium-high heat and bring to a slow boil.

In a small bowl mix together cornstarch and water, making a cornstarch slurry, stirring until dissolved.

First few ingredients in a saucepan.
Place ingredients in saucepan and bring to boil.
Making a cornstarch slurry in a bowl.
Whisk water and cornstarch together into a slurry.

Step 2 – Finish the sauce

Slowly whisk the slurry into the simmering teriyaki sauce and bring to a simmer, stirring until thickened, about 1-2 minutes.

Pouring cornstarch slurry into sauce.
Pour slurry into sauce.
Whisking cornstarch slurry into saucepan.
Whisk cornstarch slurry into sauce, simmering until thickened.
Whisk until the teriyaki is thickened and glossy.
Whisk until the teriyaki is thickened and glossy.

Storage and Freezing Tips for Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Refrigerator: Transfer your teriyaki sauce to an airtight container or glass jar once cooled. Store it in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks. Since this recipe doesn’t contain preservatives, keeping it sealed helps maintain its freshness. Give it a quick stir or shake before using if any separation occurs.

Freezing for Longer Storage: To freeze, pour the sauce into freezer-safe containers or silicone ice cube trays for easy portioning. Leave a little space at the top since liquids expand when frozen. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe baggie, label it with the date, and store for up to 3 months. When you’re ready to use the sauce, simply thaw the cubes in the refrigerator overnight or heat them gently on the stovetop.

Reheating Tips: Warm your sauce gently over low heat, stirring occasionally until smooth. If it thickens too much, add a splash of water or broth to reach your desired consistency.

If you’ve thickened the sauce with cornstarch, you may notice a slightly different texture after freezing. For best results, freeze the sauce before adding the cornstarch slurry. Once thawed, reheat and thicken as needed.

Homemade honey teriyaki sauce.

Variations

You might enjoy a few of these variations on your homemade teriyaki sauce recipe.

  • Add 1-2 teaspoon sesame seeds (toasted or un-toasted)
  • Replace all of the brown sugar with honey
  • Toss in a few shakes of red pepper flakes
  • Chop a green onion or two and add to the sauce
  • Add up to two tablespoons of pineapple juice (for a Hawaiian flavor) or Orange juice to this great recipe.
  • Instead of corn starch, try using Arrowroot, tapioca starch, or omit all together for a more liquid, easy homemade teriyaki sauce.
  • Reduce the sodium and use low-sodium soy sauce or my favorite, Tamari.
Spoonful of glossy teriyaki sauce.

How to Use Teriyaki Sauce

Whether using this healthier teriyaki sauce as a marinade or as a sauce, you will discover so many delicious uses for this simple sauce.

  • Marinate your favorite meats, delicious with pork, steak, chicken breasts, chicken wings or chicken thighs, fish, or vegetables, and allow to marinate for about 30 minutes or more, then cook as planned.
  • Drizzle or slather teriyaki glaze over grilled chicken, kebabs, fish or vegetables.
  • Try mixing into noodles, like this yummy lo mein
  • Add some to your favorite fried rice, try this chicken fried rice, or easy hibachi fried rice.
  • Scrumptious over salmon, mahi-mahi, ahi, halibut, or tilapia whether grilled, baked, sauted or in a sous vide.
  • Drizzle it over this Hibachi Steak and Shrimp or these Hibachi vegetables.
  • Use as a quick stirfry sauce.
Chopsticks taking a bite in a Teriyaki chicken bowl with rice.

How to make Chicken Teriyaki Rice Bowls with Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

How to make your own Chicken Teriyaki bowl! Customize to your liking, here’s how we make them.

  • Steam white or brown rice and place portion in bottom of bowl.
  • Add grilled chicken or fish (even better if marinated in the teriyaki marinade)
  • Add steamed broccoli and/or carrots until crisp tender, salt lightly
  • Drizzle warmed up teriyaki sauce all over the bowl.
  • Serve with chopsticks for a fun and nutritious meal.
Fish marinating in teriyaki in a glass dish.

That’s it!

This easy sauce mixes up so quickly, and while I won’t say I’d never buy another bottle of store bought sauce again, because that Kinder Teriyaki Sauce is pretty amazing! But this sure is a super simple and oh so delicious marinade and sauce!

–> Replace this sauce for the raspberry glaze and follow the baking instructions on this Salmon Recipe.

Simple Teriyaki Sauce Tips

  • Pre-measure and chop all ingredients and have them ready, the recipe goes much faster.
  • When mixing cornstarch, arrowroot, or other thickeners, be sure to use cold water to activate.
  • You will need a small saucepan over medium heat
  • Make a double batch and save for your favorite stir-fry sauce
Spoonful of glossy teriyaki sauce in a jar.

Easy Teriyaki Sauce Recipe FAQs

How long does homemade teriyaki last?

Store in a tightly covered jar or container in the fridge for about 2 weeks. May be frozen, when ready to use, thaw on counter or overnight in fridge.

How to thicken teriyaki sauce?

For thicker teriyaki sauce we use a little cornstarch and water mixture. If you prefer not to thicken without cornstarch, try using the same amounts and method using all-purpose flour (regular or gluten-free),

  • tapioca starch or Arrowroot powder.
  • Is Teriyaki sauce vegan?

    My honey teriyaki sauce recipe is not vegan since it contains honey, however, swap out the honey for agave (or other preferred sweetener). I do not recommend maple syrup necessarily as the flavor may overpower the sauce slightly, but if that doesn’t bother you, go for it!

    How to make teriyaki sauce without soy sauce?

    Yes, you can make a delicious teriyaki sauce without soy sauce. Try using Bragg’s liquid amino’s or Coconut Amino’s. I’ve made this honey teriyaki sauce recipe numerous times using Bragg’s, and it is just as delicious!

    Does teriyaki sauce have gluten?

    If you use a traditional soy sauce, teriyaki sauce has gluten since regular soy sauce contains gluten. Easily replace with GF Tamari, Bragg’s liquid amino’s or coconut amino’s and achieve the same great taste without gluten.

    Staub white casserole dish with raw chicken marinating in teriyaki sauce with jar behind.

    If you love this sauce, then you have got to try these other sauces, rubs, and dressings!

    More like this Sweet Teriyaki Sauce Recipe:

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    This can syrup is so versatile and handy to have on hand.

    I know you will love this traditional teriyaki sauce recipe, if you do, please comment below! And don’t forget to share to Pinterest, Instagram and Facebook.

    Looking for more easy recipes?

    • Healthy Mongolian Beef
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    Homemade Teriyaki sauce in a jar with a spoonful - to pin.

    Like this recipe?

    Don’t forget to give it a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating and leave a comment below the recipe!

    Recipe Card
    Spoonful of glossy and dark homemade teriyaki sauce.

    Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

    5 from 5 readers
    Author: Kathleen Pope
    Prep Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Cook Time: 5 minutes minutes
    Total Time: 10 minutes minutes
    Servings: 10 servings (1¼ cups)
    Print Pin SaveSaved!
    You know that thick, rich Teriyaki sauce you get at restaurants, that has just the right amount of tang and sweetness? Now make your own easy, bold, thick sauce at home in about 10 minutes! Delicious as a marinade or a sauce!

    Equipment

    • All-Clad Stainless Steel Bi-Ply Bonded Oven Safe PFOA Free Saucepan with Lid Cookware, 2-Quart, Silver
    • Pyrex Glass Measuring Cup Set

    Ingredients 
    US Customary – Metric

    • ยฝ cup tamari Tamari is naturally lower in sodium, but also use reg or low sodium soy sauce, Bragg's Liquid Aminos or Coconut Aminos
    • 3 tablespoons brown sugar packed (light or dark brown sugar)
    • 2 teaspoons fresh ginger minced
    • 2 teaspoons fresh garlic minced
    • ¼ cup honey I use local raw honey; Vegans use agave or other sweetener
    • 1 teaspoon sesame oil toasted or untoasted (I make mine a heaping teaspoon)
    • 3 tablespoons Mirin rice wine see notes
    • 3 teaspoons corn starch non-GMO
    • ¼ cup cold water to mix with the corn starch
    Get Recipe Ingredients

    Instructions

    • Combine soy sauce, brown sugar, ginger, garlic, honey and sesame oil in a small saucepan, over medium heat, bring to a low simmer.
      ยฝ cup tamari, 3 tablespoons brown sugar, 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, 2 teaspoons fresh garlic, ¼ cup honey, 1 teaspoon sesame oil, 3 tablespoons Mirin rice wine
      First few ingredients in a saucepan.
    • Mix cornstarch and ยผ cold water in a cup; stir until dissolved. Whisk into the teriyaki sauce and bring to simmer, stirring until thickened.
      3 teaspoons corn starch, ¼ cup cold water
      Whisking cornstarch slurry into saucepan.
    • Store in airtight jar for up to 2 weeks in fridge, may be frozen up to 3 months.
      Whisk until the teriyaki is thickened and glossy.
    Last step! Leave a RatingRate this recipe here. This helps other readers and helps support this website.

    Notes

    Variations

    • Add 1-2 teaspoon sesame seeds (toasted or un-toasted)
    • Replace all of the brown sugar with honey
    • Toss in a few shakes of red pepper flakes
    • Chop a green onion or two and add to the sauce
    • Add up to two tablespoons of pineapple juice (for a Hawaiian flavor) or Orange juice to this great recipe
    • Instead of corn starch, use Arrowroot, tapioca starch or omit all together for a more liquid easy homemade teriyaki sauce
    • Reduce the sodium and use low sodium soy sauce
    *Mirin is a Japanese sweet rice wine, similar to sake but with a lower alcohol, but higher sugar content. Traditional teriyaki is made with sake, but you can also use Sherry, Port or Madeira too. I’ve also used Rice wine Vinegar in a pinch!

    Uses for Teriyaki Sauce/Marinade

    Marinade meat (pork, beef, etc), poultry, fish, veggies in teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes minimum and cook as directed. If desired, omit the cornstarch from the marinade if a more watery marinade is desired.
    Use as a sauce in chicken and rice bowls, add to chow mein and lo mein recipes, drizzle a little in your favorite fried rice, stir into your favorite stir-fry recipe. See post for more use ideas for this delicious sauce.
    Storage & Freezing
    • Refrigerator: Store cooled teriyaki sauce in an airtight container or glass jar for up to 2 weeks. Shake or stir before using if separation occurs.
    • Freezing: Pour sauce into freezer-safe containers or silicone ice cube trays, leaving space for expansion. Freeze for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the fridge or warm gently on the stovetop.
    • Reheating: Heat over low, stirring until smooth. If too thick, add a splash of water or broth.

    Nutrition

    Serving: 2tablespoon | Calories: 59kcal | Carbohydrates: 12g | Protein: 1g | Fat: 0.4g | Saturated Fat: 0.1g | Polyunsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Monounsaturated Fat: 0.2g | Sodium: 650mg | Potassium: 39mg | Fiber: 0.1g | Sugar: 11g | Vitamin A: 0.1IU | Vitamin C: 0.2mg | Calcium: 7mg | Iron: 0.4mg
    Spoonful of glossy and dark homemade teriyaki sauce.
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    mirin rice wine soy sauce

    Kathleen Pope

    Meet Kathleen

    Recipe Innovator | Food Photographer | Food Writer

    Hi, Iโ€™m Kathleen Pope. Here at The Fresh Cooky you will find easy, mostly from-scratch, trusted recipes for all occasions. From speedy dinners to tasty desserts, with easy step-by-step instructions. I am here to help teach you how to make mouthwatering recipes without spending hours in the kitchen.

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    1. Natalie

      Mon, Feb 10, 2025 at 10:06 am

      5 stars
      Better than anything you can buy at the store, and comes together so quickly! I use it on a stir fry with chicken and veggies over rice.

      Reply
      • KathleenKathleen Pope

        Mon, Feb 10, 2025 at 5:48 pm

        So glad you loved it, Natalie!

        Reply
    2. Deb

      Thu, Jul 9, 2020 at 3:01 am

      5 stars
      Loved this – used leftover chicken for fried rice. This is a great recipe!

      Reply
    3. Julie Menghini

      Tue, Jul 7, 2020 at 1:47 pm

      5 stars
      We loved this sauce! I used it with chicken as a marinade and a glaze. The family loved it!

      Reply
    4. Paige

      Mon, Jul 6, 2020 at 5:32 pm

      5 stars
      This is my new favorite Teriyaki sauce! Perfect balance of flavors..

      Reply
    5. MICHAELA KENKEL

      Mon, Jul 6, 2020 at 3:26 pm

      5 stars
      This is my new go to for when I make chicken rice bowls!! SO GOOD!!

      Reply
    6. Tasia ~ two sugar bugs

      Sun, Jul 5, 2020 at 12:39 am

      This teriyaki sauce looks perfect Kathleen! I have all the ingredients and we love these flavors. Looking forward to trying it!

      Reply
    7. Bob

      Fri, Jul 3, 2020 at 1:20 pm

      Iโ€™ve made this one. It is AWESOME!!!!!!

      Reply
      • KathleenKathleen

        Fri, Jul 3, 2020 at 2:36 pm

        You are the best Bob! Thanks!

        Reply

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    Kathleen Pope

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    Hey there! I'm Kathleen Pope, a proud wife, mom of two awesome college boys, and recipe nerd. Welcome to my world of easy recipes with a healthy twist! Join thousands who trust The Fresh Cooky as their go-to recipe source. Let's cook up some magic!

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