The Best DIY Teriyaki Sauce Recipes Are Simple and Customisable – Here’s How to Make Your Own

The best DIY teriyaki sauce recipes combine soy sauce, sugar, mirin or sake, and optional garlic or ginger to create a sweet, savoury, and versatile sauce. Making your own teriyaki sauce at home is not only cost-effective, but it also gives you complete control over flavour, ingredients, and nutritional content. Whether you’re catering to dietary preferences or avoiding added preservatives, homemade teriyaki is an easy upgrade.

This guide walks you through several variations of DIY teriyaki sauce to suit different needs—from the classic Japanese base to healthier, gluten-free, and vegan alternatives.

Why Make Teriyaki Sauce at Home?

While store-bought sauces are convenient, homemade teriyaki gives you full control over flavour intensity, sugar levels, and ingredient quality.

Benefits of DIY Teriyaki Sauce

There are multiple advantages to crafting your own version at home:

• Customisable flavour – adjust sweetness, saltiness, and thickness to suit your dish.
• Health-conscious – avoid preservatives, refined sugars, or excessive sodium.
• Budget-friendly – make a batch for a fraction of store-bought prices.
• Fresh and preservative-free – better for short-term use and flavour integrity.

Classic Japanese Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

The traditional Japanese teriyaki sauce is simple, typically containing just a few pantry staples.

Basic Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients

This version gives you the authentic, glossy glaze associated with classic Japanese cooking.

• ¼ cup soy sauce (regular or low-sodium)
• 2 tablespoons mirin
• 1 tablespoon sake
• 1 tablespoon sugar

How to Make It

1. Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan.
2. Simmer gently on low heat for 5–7 minutes until slightly thickened.
3. Let it cool before storing in a jar or bottle.

This version is ideal for brushing over grilled chicken or fish for a caramelised finish.

DIY Teriyaki Sauce with Garlic and Ginger

This Western-style teriyaki sauce adds extra aromatics for a richer and bolder flavour.

Additional Ingredients

To the basic recipe, add:

• 1 clove garlic, finely minced
• 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
• 1 teaspoon cornflour (optional, for thickening)

Cooking Method

1. Sauté the garlic and ginger in a teaspoon of oil for 30 seconds.
2. Add the soy sauce, mirin, sake, and sugar.
3. Simmer gently for 5 minutes.
4. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in a slurry made from cornflour and water.

This style of teriyaki is perfect for stir-fries and sticky wings.

Healthier Teriyaki Sauce (Low Sugar or Sugar-Free)

If you’re watching your sugar intake, a few substitutions can create a healthier yet delicious teriyaki sauce.

Low Sugar Variations

Use the following ingredients:

• ¼ cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon date syrup or stevia
• 1 teaspoon garlic and ginger
• Optional: splash of orange juice for natural sweetness

Simmer all ingredients on low until fragrant and slightly reduced. This version is ideal for those on low-sugar diets or diabetic-friendly meal plans.

Vegan and Gluten-Free Teriyaki Sauce

For those avoiding animal products or gluten, a DIY version ensures safety and taste.

Key Substitutions

Replace problematic ingredients with plant-based or gluten-free versions:

• Use tamari instead of soy sauce (for gluten-free).
• Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
• Skip sake if avoiding alcohol, or use apple juice.

The flavour stays intact while meeting dietary needs.

How to Store Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

Proper storage extends the life of your homemade teriyaki and keeps it safe for future use.

Storage Tips

Follow these steps for best results:

• Store in a sterilised glass jar or airtight container.
• Keep in the fridge for up to 1–2 weeks.
• If the sauce is cooked and thickened, freezing in small portions is possible.

Always label the jar with the date it was made.

Ways to Use DIY Teriyaki Sauce in Meals

Your homemade sauce can elevate a wide variety of dishes—beyond just stir-fry.

Practical and Delicious Uses

These common uses make teriyaki a kitchen staple:

• As a marinade for meats, tofu, or vegetables.
• As a glaze for grilled, baked, or pan-fried dishes.
• As a sauce for rice bowls, noodle dishes, or steamed greens.
• As a dip for dumplings or sushi rolls.

Homemade teriyaki adapts to your cooking style while delivering rich flavour.

Final Thoughts

Making your own teriyaki sauce gives you flexibility, quality, and better control over your meals. From traditional to low-sugar and vegan-friendly options, there’s a recipe for everyone. Once you try making it yourself, you may never go back to store-bought bottles again.

FAQs

Here are some questions and answers about DIY Teriyaki Sauce Recipes.

Can I make teriyaki sauce without sugar?

Yes. You can substitute sugar with natural sweeteners like stevia, monk fruit, date syrup, or even a splash of orange juice to reduce sugar content.

How long does homemade teriyaki sauce last?

When stored properly in a sealed container in the fridge, it usually lasts for 1 to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze it in ice cube trays and defrost as needed.

Is teriyaki sauce gluten-free?

Traditional teriyaki sauce made with soy sauce contains gluten. However, you can use tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce alternative to make it gluten-free.

Can I use teriyaki sauce as a marinade?

Absolutely. Teriyaki sauce works very well as a marinade for chicken, fish, beef, tofu, and vegetables. For best results, marinate for 30 minutes to a few hours.

What can I use instead of mirin in teriyaki sauce?

If you don’t have mirin, you can substitute it with a mixture of white wine and sugar, rice vinegar with sugar, or apple juice. These substitutes mimic the sweet and acidic balance of mirin.

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