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Teriyaki Sauce

Freshly prepared teriyaki sauce glistening on a white plate

A savory and sweet Japanese teriyaki sauce that’s perfect for glazing meats, vegetables, or tofu with a rich umami flavor.

Ingredients

Scale
  • 1/2 cup soy sauce
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 2 tablespoons mirin (sweet rice wine)
  • 2 tablespoons sake
  • 2 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 1 clove garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon fresh ginger, grated
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch mixed with 2 tablespoons water (optional, for thickening)

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, water, mirin, sake, and brown sugar. Stir well to dissolve the sugar.
  2. Add minced garlic and grated ginger to the mixture.
  3. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, then reduce to a simmer.
  4. Let simmer for 5–7 minutes to allow flavors to meld.
  5. If you prefer a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and cook for another 1–2 minutes until the sauce thickens.
  6. Remove from heat and let cool slightly before using or storing.

Notes

For a richer flavor, marinate your protein in the sauce for 30 minutes before cooking, or use it as a glaze during grilling.