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Teriyaki Chicken Sauce

Teriyaki Chicken Sauce


  • Author: Harper Callahan
  • Total Time: 10 min

Description

You know that shiny, luscious glaze clinging to every bite of your favorite takeout teriyaki chicken? Surprise – you can make it at home in just 10 minutes with pantry staples and zero stress. This isn’t a one-note sugar bomb like the store-bought stuff. It’s rich, savory-sweet, kissed with ginger and garlic, and thickened just right to give your meals that craveable, sticky finish. Whether you’re brushing it over grilled salmon, tossing it into stir-fry, or dunking crispy tofu, this sauce shows up and shows off.


Ingredients

Scale
  • ½ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)

  • 2 tbsp brown sugar (packed!)

  • 1 tbsp honey

  • 1 tsp minced fresh ginger

  • 1 tsp minced garlic

  • 3 tbsp mirin (or 1 tbsp rice vinegar + 2 tsp sugar)

  • 1 tsp toasted sesame oil

  • ¼ cup water + 3 tsp cornstarch (whisked into a slurry)


Instructions

  1. In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, ginger, garlic, mirin, and sesame oil.

  2. Heat over medium, stirring until sugar dissolves and small bubbles form.

  3. Re-whisk the cornstarch slurry and slowly add to the pan, whisking constantly.

  4. Simmer 2–3 minutes, until thick and glossy. Remove from heat.

Pro Tip: Sauce thickens as it cools. Too thick? Add a splash of warm water. Too thin? Simmer a little longer or add a touch more slurry.

Notes

  • Use fresh ginger and garlic for best flavor.

  • Store leftovers in the fridge for up to 1 week.

  • Freeze in ice cube trays for easy future flavor boosts.

  • Prep Time: 5 mins
  • Cook Time: 5 mins

Nutrition

  • Calories: 35 kcal per serving
  • Sugar: 4g
  • Sodium: 550mg
  • Fat: 1g
  • Carbohydrates: 6g