Skip the store-bought stuff—this BEST Teriyaki Sauce Recipe delivers bold, savory-sweet flavor in just minutes using simple pantry staples. It’s the only teriyaki sauce you’ll ever need.

Velvety, umami-rich, and perfectly balanced, this sauce transforms everything from grilled meats to stir-fry noodles. Once you try it, there’s no going back.

What You’ll Need for This BEST Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Tamari – Deep and complex, tamari brings authentic umami flavor with less sodium than regular soy sauce. It’s the heart of this sauce.
Brown sugar – Adds richness and a mellow sweetness that perfectly balances the savory elements.
Fresh ginger – Bright, spicy, and aromatic, fresh ginger brings zing and warmth to every bite.
Garlic – A pungent backbone of flavor that deepens the sauce’s savory profile.
Honey – A natural sweetener that smooths out the sauce’s sharp edges while adding depth. Easily swapped with agave for a vegan twist.
Sesame oil – Just a splash delivers nutty, toasted notes that elevate the sauce beautifully.
Mirin – Sweet Japanese rice wine that adds gentle acidity and traditional flavor complexity.
Cornstarch slurry (cornstarch + water) – Thickens the sauce to a glossy, luxurious consistency perfect for coating and dipping.

Quick & Easy: How to Make the BEST Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Start by whisking everything together in a saucepan—no complicated steps or specialty gear required. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil, letting the flavors meld and the sauce thicken into a rich glaze.

After just a few minutes of simmering, it’s done. Cool it slightly, and it’s ready to drizzle, dip, or marinate with.

Saucy Secrets: Tips for Perfecting Your Teriyaki

For a deeper flavor, let the sauce simmer a minute or two longer—it intensifies the umami and caramelized sweetness. Want a low-sugar option? Swap brown sugar with a brown sugar alternative or reduce the honey slightly.

To use this as a marinade, leave out the cornstarch and let the sauce cool before adding it to meat or vegetables. It makes a fantastic marinade for tofu, chicken, or even portobello mushrooms.

Add chili flakes or a dash of sriracha for a spicy kick, or stir in pineapple juice for a Hawaiian-style twist. This recipe is endlessly customizable and stays delicious no matter how you tweak it.

Leftover Love: Storing and Reheating Teriyaki Sauce

This sauce keeps beautifully in the fridge for up to a week. Store it in a sealed jar or airtight container. When you’re ready to use it again, just reheat gently on the stove or in the microwave until warmed through and glossy again.

If you want to freeze it, omit the cornstarch before freezing and add it in when you reheat to maintain the best texture.