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Quick Homemade Teriyaki Sauce (Better Than Store-Bought)

Close-up of rich, dark homemade teriyaki sauce with visible flecks of garlic or ginger.

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Make this savory and sweet teriyaki sauce from scratch in under 10 minutes using simple pantry staples. This recipe yields a superior glaze and marinade compared to bottled versions.

Ingredients

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  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 1/4 cup brown sugar
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated (optional, for flavor depth)

Instructions

  1. Combine the soy sauce and water in a small saucepan over medium heat.
  2. Add the brown sugar to the saucepan and stir until it dissolves completely.
  3. In a separate small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with 2 tablespoons of cold water until smooth to create a slurry.
  4. Pour the cornstarch slurry into the simmering sauce mixture, whisking constantly.
  5. Continue to cook, stirring, until the sauce thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 2 to 4 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat. If using, stir in the grated ginger.
  7. Let the sauce cool slightly before using as a marinade, glaze, or stir-fry sauce.

Notes

  • For a thicker glaze, use 1 1/2 tablespoons of cornstarch instead of 1 tablespoon.
  • This sauce works well as a marinade for chicken or steak before grilling.
  • Use this as a finishing sauce for noodles or vegetable stir-fries.

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