Teriyaki Sauce

by CulinaryNomad

Prep: 5 minsCooking: 10 minsServes 4

Halal

Instructions

Step 1
Combine the Main Ingredients:
In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, 1/4 cup water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, mirin (if using), minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and sake (if using).
Step 2
Heat the Sauce:
Place the saucepan over medium heat and stir well to combine all ingredients. Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer.
Step 3
Thicken the Sauce:
In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk this slurry into the simmering sauce.
Step 4
Cook Until Thickened:
Continue to cook the sauce, stirring frequently, until it thickens to your desired consistency. This usually takes about 3-5 minutes after adding the cornstarch slurry. If you want it thicker, simmer longer; if too thick, add a little more water.
Step 5
Adjust Seasoning:
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as needed. If you prefer it sweeter, add more honey or brown sugar. For more saltiness, add a little more soy sauce. If you like heat, add the crushed red pepper flakes.
Step 6
Cool and Store:
Remove the sauce from heat and let it cool slightly. Use it immediately, or store it in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Recipe Story

Teriyaki sauce, a beloved staple in Japanese cuisine, is a versatile and flavourful condiment that has found its way into kitchens around the world. Traditionally, teriyaki refers to a cooking method where foods like chicken, fish, or beef are glazed with a sweet-savory sauce while being grilled or broiled. The word "teriyaki" comes from "teri," meaning luster, and "yaki," meaning to grill or broil, highlighting the beautiful sheen the sauce imparts to dishes.

This homemade teriyaki sauce combines soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, garlic, ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar for tanginess. A touch of mirin adds depth and sweetness, while a cornflour slurry thickens the mixture into a glossy glaze. It’s a quick recipe—just 15 minutes from start to finish—making it perfect for busy weeknights or when you need a quick marinade for your protein of choice. Drizzle it over grilled salmon, stir it into a vegetable stir-fry, or use it as a dipping sauce for dumplings and sushi rolls.

Teriyaki sauce is not just a Japanese delicacy; it’s a culinary passport, bringing the taste of Japan into your home. It has evolved over time, adapting to local tastes with variations like pineapple teriyaki in Hawaii or spicier versions in Western kitchens. The sauce has a universal appeal due to its balanced flavour profile that hits sweet, salty, and umami notes.

Fun fact: while teriyaki is often associated with Japan, the sauce as we know it today has been significantly influenced by Japanese immigrants in Hawaii, who adapted their traditional recipes using local ingredients like pineapple juice. This fusion gave birth to the sweeter, thicker version of teriyaki that is so popular in the U.S. today. So, with each drizzle of teriyaki sauce, you're not just enjoying a meal—you’re savouring a little bit of culinary history!