Print

Authentic Homemade Japanese Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Close-up of thick, dark, glossy homemade japanese teriyaki sauce in a small white dipping bowl.
Print Recipe
Save Recipe

5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

No reviews

Make a thick, glossy, and perfectly balanced Japanese Teriyaki Sauce from scratch. This recipe delivers the classic sweet and savory glaze ideal for chicken, salmon, or tofu.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup Soy Sauce
  • 1/2 cup Mirin (Japanese sweet rice wine)
  • 1/4 cup Sake (Japanese rice wine)
  • 1/4 cup Granulated Sugar (or honey for a richer flavor)
  • 1 teaspoon Fresh Ginger, grated (optional, for depth)

Instructions

  1. Combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar in a small saucepan.
  2. Place the saucepan over medium heat. Stir the mixture constantly until the sugar completely dissolves. Do not let it boil rapidly yet.
  3. If using, add the grated ginger now.
  4. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Reduce the heat to medium-low.
  5. Allow the sauce to simmer uncovered for 10 to 15 minutes. Watch the sauce closely as it reduces. You are looking for the volume to decrease by about one-third.
  6. The sauce will thicken slightly as it reduces. To achieve a thicker, glossy teriyaki glaze, you can continue to simmer until it coats the back of a spoon.
  7. Remove the saucepan from the heat. If you added ginger, strain the sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove solids.
  8. Let the sauce cool completely. It will thicken significantly as it cools down to room temperature.
  9. Use as a marinade, dipping sauce, or brush onto grilled or pan-fried foods during the last few minutes of cooking for a perfect glaze.

Notes

  • For a thicker sauce without further cooking, mix 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water (a slurry) and whisk it into the simmering sauce. Cook for 1 minute until thickened.
  • This homemade teriyaki sauce keeps well in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
  • Use this sauce as an easy teriyaki marinade for chicken or as a sweet soy glaze for salmon.

Nutrition

Find it online: https://juliameal.com/japanese-teriyaki-sauce-recipe-homemade/