Skip store-bought and make this EASY Healthy Teriyaki Sauce that is sticky, sweet and made in just 5 minutes using fresh, simple ingredients you probably already have on hand!
Having a go-to teriyaki sauce is a MUST because this sauce is a key ingredient in so many delicious dishes! Not only is this easy teriyaki sauce recipe simple to make, but it is fresher, healthier and packed with flavor! Homemade sauces are so much better than store-bought which contain corn syrup and other ingredients that aren’t really necessary. The best part is this easy sauce only takes 5 minutes to make and you probably already have most of these ingredients on hand. This staple recipe is such a lifesaver too when you’re in a pinch on what to make during the week.
Why You’ll Love This
- Simple ingredients – you only need a few pantry staples to make your own teriyaki sauce.
- Quick and easy – no need to run to the store for teriyaki sauce. You can easily whip this up in just 5 minutes!
- Healthier – store-bought teriyaki sauce is loaded with preservatives, artificial flavors and high-fructose corn syrup so making it at home is a much healthier option.
- Customizable – feel free to make this recipe all your own whether you like a thicker sauce, spicier sauce or a less sweet sauce.
Ingredients You’ll Need
- soy sauce – I used lower sodium soy sauce as I personally think regular soy sauce is just too salty for my taste. You can also swap the soy sauce with coconut aminos or tamari to make this a gluten-free teriyaki sauce.
- pineapple juice – this adds a little extra sweetness and such a nice flavor. You could also use fresh orange juice.
- garlic – I personally think fresh garlic is best in this recipe, but if all you have is garlic powder you can substitute 1/4 teaspoon garlic powder for 2 cloves of garlic.
- fresh ginger – again fresh is always best, but if all you have is ground ginger, you can easily substitute 1/4 teaspoon ground ginger for 1 teaspoon fresh ginger.
- honey – not only does this add some sweetness to the teriyaki sauce without using refined sugars, but it also makes a nice glaze! You could also use maple syrup, cane sugar, coconut sugar or even brown sugar if that’s what you have at home.
- rice vinegar – apple cider vinegar or even white wine vinegar would work too.
- sesame oil – this adds even more depth of flavor, but if you don’t have any sesame oil on hand, you can easily leave it out and this will still taste great.
- cornstarch – this is need to thicken the sauce. You could also use arrowroot powder.
- sesame seeds – these are optional, but add a nice touch!
How to Make this Easy Teriyaki Sauce
- Mix ingredients. Combine all ingredients, except for sesame seeds, in a small saucepan and continually whisk on medium-high heat. Bring sauce to a boil then turn the heat down and let the sauce simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, making sure to continually whisk, until the mixture has thickened up and coats the back of a spoon.
- To thicken the sauce. If you want a thicker sauce, mix together 2 teaspoons of corn starch with 2 teaspoons of cold water to make a cornstarch slurry then mix it into the teriyaki sauce once the sauce has been removed from the heat.
- Serve or store. Mix in sesame seeds and enjoy the sauce while it is warm or let the sauce cool completely before storing in the fridge. I really like these mini canning jars for sauces like this.
Prepping and Storage
To Store: This sauce will last up to 2 weeks in your fridge in a sealed, airtight container or mason jar. You can also freeze this teriyaki sauce for up to 3 months in a freezer-safe container. When ready to use, thaw in overnight in the fridge.
To Reheat: You can easily reheat this gently in a saucepan over low heat, adding in a splash of water or extra pineapple juice, if needed.
Customization Ideas
- Spicy kick – add a teaspoon (or more) of sriracha, chili garlic sauce or a pinch of red pepper flakes or chili flakes for more heat.
- Sweeter flavor – increase the amount of honey or maple syrup by a few teaspoons. You could even add in a little extra pineapple juice or orange juice as well.
- Tangier sauce – feel free to add a little more rice vinegar or a squeeze of fresh lime juice plus some zest.
- Gluten-free option – use tamari or coconut aminos in place of the soy sauce for a GF sauce.
- Mix-ins – we added sesame seeds to this sauce, but you could also mix in some chopped green onions for extra flavor.
How to Use Teriyaki Sauce
As I said before, there are TONS of delicious ways to use this homemade teriyaki sauce and it is such a great recipe to have on hand in your fridge. Here are some ideas to get you started!
- Marinade – this tastes amazing on chicken, beef, salmon, shrimp or tofu. Let the proteins soak in the teriyaki marinade for at least 30 minutes before cooking.
- Stir-fry sauce – great for easy stir-fries! Toss with veggies, chicken, or shrimp for a quick and flavorful meal like this delicious teriyaki chicken stir fry.
- For drizzling – we love to drizzle this sauce over lettuce wraps, over these Hawaiian turkey burgers or over teriyaki salmon.
- Rice or noodle bowls – drizzle over cooked rice or noodles along with your favorite toppings or protein for an easy dinner.
- Dipping sauce – serve in a small bowl alongside dumplings, spring rolls, meatballs or even crispy wings.
- This crock pot teriyaki chicken is a staple meal in our home and one of our favorite recipes to make using your own homemade teriyaki sauce.
Hope you all enjoy this Easy Homemade Teriyaki Sauce recipe! Such an easy recipe using basic ingredients. If you love this as much as we do, please leave a ⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️⭐️ star rating below and don’t forget to tag me on Instagram! I love seeing all your delicious recreations!
Easy Healthy Teriyaki Sauce
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup low sodium soy sauce
- 1/3 cup pineapple juice, or orange juice
- 3 Tbsp honey, or maple syrup
- 1 Tbsp rice wine vinegar
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, or 1/4 tsp ground ginger
- 2 cloves garlic, or 1/4 tsp garlic powder
- 1 Tbsp sesame seeds, optional
For a thicker sauce:
- 2 tsp. cornstarch + 2 tsp cold water
Instructions
- Mix ingredients. Combine all ingredients, except for sesame seeds, in a small saucepan and continually whisk on medium-high heat. Bring sauce to a boil then turn the heat down and let the sauce simmer for 5 to 6 minutes, making sure to continually whisk, until the sauce has thickened up and coats the back of a spoon.
- To thicken the sauce. If you want a thicker sauce, mix together 2 teaspoons of corn starch with 2 teaspoons of cold water to make a cornstarch slurry then mix it into the teriyaki sauce once the sauce has been removed from the heat.
- Serve or store. Mix in sesame seeds and enjoy the sauce while it is warm or let the sauce cool completely before storing in the fridge. I really like these mini canning jars for sauces like this.
Notes
Nutrition
Nutrition information is automatically calculated, so should only be used as an approximation.
Delicious! I didn’t have pineapple juice so substituted orange juice.
This was amazingly good. I used calorie free brown sweetener instead of honey or syrup. Almost no calories and better than expensive store brand. I put cooked chicken thighs, pineapple chunks, sauteed shrimp and stir fried broccoli in the sauce and served over jasmine rice. Finished it all!
I was looking for a low sodium, teriyaki sauce recipe and this ticked all of the boxes! It was delish! I didn’t have pineapple juice so I subbed orange juice and I didn’t have rice wine vinegar so I subbed white wine vinegar. Even with these changes, the sauce turned out just liked I wanted; full of flavor and not overly salty like some sauces. Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe!
Yay so glad you enjoyed this! 🙂
Hi there,
I really have to watch my sodium intake so anything like teriyaki is something of a treat for me. I’m wondering if coconut aminos could be used to replace the soy sauce? Thanks 🙂
Yes coconut aminos is a great substitution!
I made this. I just added a little more cornstarch and I substituted 4 Tbsp of Truvia brown sugar (stevia) with no calories. Delicious and thick. Also used minced ginger I had in a bottle in fridge since I didn’t have fresh. Great sauce and easy to make.
How long can this be stored for?
Can it be frozen in ice-cube tray?
Yes ice cube trays are a great idea! This sauce will last up to two weeks in your fridge or 3 months in the freezer 🙂