This teriyaki marinade and sauce recipe is a versatile addition to your culinary repertoire. Perfect for glazing meats, marinating vegetables, or simply drizzling over rice, it brings a delightful balance of sweet and savory flavors to any dish.
Some ingredients in this recipe might not be staples in every household. Rice vinegar and minced ginger are two such items. Rice vinegar offers a mild acidity that complements the sweetness of the sauce, while minced ginger adds a zesty, aromatic kick. Both can be found in the international aisle of most supermarkets.

Ingredients for Teriyaki Marinade and Sauce Recipe
Soy sauce: A salty, umami-rich liquid made from fermented soybeans, essential for the base flavor of the sauce.
Water: Used to dilute the sauce and balance the flavors.
Brown sugar: Adds sweetness and depth, contributing to the caramel-like flavor.
Honey: Provides additional sweetness and a slight floral note.
Rice vinegar: A mild vinegar that adds acidity and balances the sweetness.
Minced garlic: Adds a pungent, savory flavor.
Minced ginger: Contributes a zesty, aromatic kick.
Cornstarch: Mixed with water to thicken the sauce.
Technique Tip for This Recipe
When preparing the soy sauce mixture, ensure that the brown sugar is fully dissolved before bringing it to a boil. This will help create a smooth and well-balanced marinade or sauce. Additionally, finely mince the garlic and ginger to ensure they evenly distribute their flavors throughout the mixture. When adding the cornstarch mixture, whisk continuously to avoid any lumps and achieve a silky texture.
Suggested Side Dishes
Alternative Ingredients
soy sauce - Substitute with tamari: Tamari is a gluten-free alternative that offers a similar umami flavor.
water - Substitute with vegetable broth: Vegetable broth adds more depth and flavor compared to plain water.
brown sugar - Substitute with coconut sugar: Coconut sugar provides a similar sweetness with a slight caramel flavor.
honey - Substitute with maple syrup: Maple syrup offers a similar sweetness and viscosity with a distinct flavor.
rice vinegar - Substitute with apple cider vinegar: Apple cider vinegar has a similar acidity and can mimic the tanginess of rice vinegar.
minced garlic - Substitute with garlic powder: Garlic powder can be used in a pinch, though it lacks the fresh pungency of minced garlic.
minced ginger - Substitute with ground ginger: Ground ginger can be used, but it has a more concentrated flavor, so use less.
cornstarch - Substitute with arrowroot powder: Arrowroot powder is a great thickening agent and works similarly to cornstarch.
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How to Store or Freeze This Recipe
- Allow the teriyaki sauce to cool completely before storing. This prevents condensation, which can dilute the sauce and affect its flavor.
- Transfer the cooled sauce into an airtight container or a glass jar with a tight-fitting lid. This helps maintain its freshness and prevents any unwanted odors from seeping in.
- Label the container with the date of preparation. This ensures you keep track of its shelf life and use it while it's still at its best.
- Store the sauce in the refrigerator. It will keep well for up to two weeks, making it perfect for quick weeknight meals or impromptu grilling sessions.
- For longer storage, consider freezing the sauce. Pour it into ice cube trays for convenient, single-use portions. Once frozen, transfer the cubes to a freezer-safe bag or container.
- When ready to use, thaw the desired amount of sauce in the refrigerator overnight or use the defrost setting on your microwave. This ensures the sauce retains its consistency and flavor.
- If you plan to use the sauce as a marinade for meat, vegetables, or tofu, you can freeze the sauce directly with the ingredients. This allows the flavors to meld together beautifully as they thaw.
- Avoid refreezing the sauce once it has been thawed. This can compromise the texture and taste, making it less enjoyable.
- If you notice any changes in color, texture, or smell, it's best to discard the sauce. Freshness is key to achieving the best flavor in your dishes.
- For a quick flavor boost, use the sauce as a glaze for grilled meats or vegetables. Simply brush it on during the last few minutes of cooking for a delicious, caramelized finish.
How to Reheat Leftovers
Gently reheat the teriyaki sauce on the stovetop over low heat. Stir frequently to ensure even heating and prevent sticking. This method preserves the sauce's texture and flavor.
Use a microwave-safe bowl to reheat the sauce in the microwave. Cover the bowl with a microwave-safe lid or plastic wrap to avoid splatters. Heat in 30-second intervals, stirring between each interval until the sauce is warmed through.
For a more integrated flavor, reheat the teriyaki sauce with your leftover meat or vegetables in a skillet over medium heat. This method not only warms the sauce but also allows it to infuse into the other ingredients, enhancing the overall taste.
If you have a slow cooker, use it to reheat the teriyaki sauce on the low setting. This method is ideal if you have a larger quantity and want to keep it warm for an extended period without the risk of burning.
For a quick and even reheating, use a double boiler. Place the teriyaki sauce in a heatproof bowl set over a pot of simmering water. Stir occasionally until the sauce is heated through. This gentle method prevents the sauce from scorching.
Best Tools for This Recipe
Saucepan: A medium-sized saucepan is essential for combining and heating the ingredients to create the teriyaki marinade and sauce.
Measuring cups: Use measuring cups to accurately measure the soy sauce, water, and brown sugar.
Measuring spoons: Measuring spoons are needed to measure out the honey, rice vinegar, minced garlic, and minced ginger.
Whisk: A whisk helps in mixing the ingredients thoroughly and ensuring the cornstarch mixture is well incorporated.
Cutting board: Use a cutting board to mince the garlic and ginger.
Knife: A sharp knife is necessary for mincing the garlic and ginger.
Small bowl: A small bowl is useful for mixing the cornstarch with water before adding it to the sauce.
Stirring spoon: A stirring spoon is needed to stir the sauce as it simmers and thickens.
Heat-resistant spatula: A heat-resistant spatula can be used to scrape down the sides of the saucepan to ensure all ingredients are well mixed.
Ladle: A ladle can be used to transfer the sauce into a container once it has cooled.
Storage container: A storage container is necessary for storing the sauce if you are not using it immediately.
How to Save Time on Making This Recipe
Prep ingredients ahead: Mince the garlic and ginger in advance to save time during cooking.
Use a jar: Combine all liquid ingredients in a jar and shake well to mix, reducing prep time.
Batch cooking: Make a larger batch of teriyaki sauce and store it in the fridge for future use.
Quick thickening: Mix cornstarch and water in a small bowl before starting to cook, so it's ready to add when needed.
Pre-measure: Measure out all ingredients before you start cooking to streamline the process.

Teriyaki Marinade and Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup water
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon minced ginger
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoon water
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce, water, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Bring to a boil, then reduce heat and simmer for 5 minutes.
- Stir in cornstarch mixture and cook until sauce thickens, about 2 minutes.
- Remove from heat and let cool. Use as a marinade or sauce.
Nutritional Value
Keywords
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