The Best Teriyaki Marinade Recipe
Sweet, savory, and packed with flavor, this homemade teriyaki marinade recipe is the perfect complement to meat, veggies, and stir fry dishes.
Learning how to make your own Asian-style dishes at home is a great way to save money on takeout. I am here to help you do just that.
Today, I am sharing an easy homemade teriyaki sauce recipe with you. Unlike store-bought teriyaki sauce, this homemade version only contains a handful of ingredients and they are all pantry staples.
It also only takes a few minutes to throw together, which is a huge bonus, in my opinion. Use the sauce for grilled chicken wings, teriyaki chicken drumsticks, teriyaki steak foil packs, and so much more.
Too busy to make this right away? Pin it for later! Pin this post to your favorite board on Pinterest and it will be there when you’re ready!
We love Asian food around here, but eating out can get pretty pricey if we do it too often. That is why I like to make my own versions as often as possible.
I like to make my own homemade simple sauces as much as possible, like this amazing BBQ sauce. Making them at home means I get full control over the ingredients.
Try some of my other homemade sauce and spice mix recipes, like taco seasoning, hamburger seasoning, dry rub, and pasta sauce.
There is nothing in the sauces that I can’t pronounce. It can also be a major money saver. That is a win for me and a win for my family. Give it a try!
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Supplies
Teriyaki Marinade Recipe
Ingredients
- Water, for marinade – Helps create the perfect consistency for the marinade while balancing the bold savory flavors.
- Soy sauce – Adds rich umami flavor and classic teriyaki taste.
- Brown sugar – Brings sweetness and helps create a delicious sticky glaze when cooked.
- Fresh ginger or ground ginger – Adds warm, zesty flavor that gives the marinade its signature kick.
- Honey or maple syrup – Provides natural sweetness and helps caramelize the meat beautifully on the grill.
- Minced garlic or ground garlic – A savory additions that pairs perfectly with the sweet and salty ingredients.
- Cornstarch – Thickens the sauce so it clings perfectly to meat, vegetables, and rice.
- Water, for slurry – Combines with the cornstarch to create a smooth slurry without lumps.
- Sesame seeds – Add a subtle nutty crunch.
- Green onions – Bring fresh flavor and a pop of color to the rich teriyaki sauce.
Instructions
1. In a small saucepan, mix the water, soy sauce, and brown sugar until well combined.
2. Add the ginger, honey or maple syrup, and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat until the sauce comes to a boil, then lower the temperature to medium.
3. Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water so that there are no clumps.
4. Add this to the sauce mixture and whisk together.
5. Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken.
6. Remove from heat and allow to cool.
7. Pour into a mason jar or airtight container for later use.
How to Use This Marinade
- Pour over chicken or your choice of meat.
- Cover or seal and place in the fridge to marinate for at least two hours.
- When ready to cook, drain marinade from the raw meat and cook as desired.
- Serve over white rice and top with sesame seeds and green onions.
Tips and Tricks
- You can use regular soy sauce or low-sodium soy sauce interchangeably in this recipe.
- To add some acidity to the sauce, try including a little bit of pineapple juice, rice vinegar, lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar with the rest of the marinade ingredients.
- I love using this homemade teriyaki marinade with boneless chicken breasts, but any of your favorite meats will work. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, pork chops, chicken wings, and steak are all great options.
- This easy marinade also makes a great dipping sauce or stir fry sauce!
The next time you are at the grocery store, leave all that bottled teriyaki sauce on the shelf, pick up some extra soy sauce, and whip up this easy recipe instead.
Frequently Asked Questions
How long should you marinate meat in teriyaki marinade?
Most meats should marinate for at least 2 hours for the best flavor, but overnight marinating gives even better results for chicken, pork, and beef. Avoid marinating too long with soy-based marinades since they can start to break down the texture of the meat.
Can teriyaki marinade be used as a sauce?
Yes! This recipe works wonderfully as both a marinade and a sauce. Simply simmer it until thickened and serve it over rice, grilled chicken, stir fry, or vegetables.
Can you freeze homemade teriyaki marinade?
Absolutely. Store the marinade in a freezer-safe container or freezer bag for up to 3 months. It is perfect for meal prep and makes busy weeknight dinners so much easier.
What meats work best with teriyaki marinade?
Chicken, steak, pork chops, salmon, shrimp, and even tofu all work beautifully with teriyaki marinade. It is also delicious brushed over grilled vegetables like bell peppers, zucchini, and mushrooms.
Is homemade teriyaki sauce better than store-bought?
Homemade teriyaki sauce often tastes fresher and allows you to control the sweetness, sodium, and ingredients. Plus, there are no mystery ingredients hiding in the bottle.
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Teriyaki Marinade Recipe
Ingredients
- 1 cup water
- ¼ cup soy sauce
- 5 tbsp brown sugar
- 2 tbsp fresh ginger or 1 tsp ground
- 1 tbsp honey or maple syrup
- 1 tbsp minced garlic or 1 tsp ground
- 2 Tbsp cornstarch
- ¼ cup water
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, mix the water, soy sauce, and brown sugar until well combined.
- Add the ginger, honey or maple syrup, and garlic. Cook over medium-high heat until the sauce comes to a boil, then lower the temperature to medium.
- Meanwhile, in a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water so that there are no clumps.
- Add this to the sauce mixture and whisk together.
- Cook for an additional 2-3 minutes, until the sauce starts to thicken.
- Remove from heat and allow to cool.
- Pour into a mason jar or airtight container for later use.
Notes
- You can use regular soy sauce or low-sodium soy sauce interchangeably in this recipe.
- To add some acidity to the sauce, try including a little bit of pineapple juice, rice vinegar, lemon juice, or apple cider vinegar with the rest of the marinade ingredients.
- I love using this homemade teriyaki marinade with boneless chicken breasts, but any of your favorite meats will work. Boneless, skinless chicken thighs, pork tenderloin, pork chops, chicken wings, and steak are all great options.
- This easy marinade also makes a great dipping sauce or stir fry sauce!
How long will this keep in the refrigerator
Up to five days in an airtight container.
Can this be frozen?
I don’t see why not :)