Healthy Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

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Imagine walking into your kitchen and smelling sweet and savory notes mingling in the air. You’re about to create something special, something that will elevate your dishes to a whole new level. Today, we’re diving deep into the world of homemade teriyaki sauce.

I’ve worked on this recipe so that you can enjoy a delicious, healthy version, packed with flavor and made right in your own kitchen.

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What is Healthy Homemade Teriyaki Sauce?

At its core, teriyaki sauce is a traditional Japanese marinade and glaze made from soy sauce, mirin, and sugar. While store-bought varieties can be loaded with preservatives and added sugars, making it at home allows you to control every ingredient that goes into it.

A healthy homemade teriyaki sauce uses fewer dubious ingredients, emerging as a cooking star that will grace everything from stir-fries to grilled meats.

So, what makes this homemade version healthier? By using reduced-sodium soy sauce, fresh juices, and natural sweeteners, you can create a balanced sauce that’s flavorful without being overpowering. Plus, you can tweak the flavor profile to suit your tastes.

Why You’ll Love This Healthy Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

I’m not just sharing this recipe for the sake of it. I genuinely believe this sauce is a game changer. Here’s why:

Versatile: This sauce works wonders on chicken, fish, tofu, or vegetables. Imagine a stir-fry where everything glistens with this glossy sauce.

Easy to Make: If you’re like me, you often find yourself pressed for time. This recipe combines simple ingredients, with most of them likely already in your pantry.

Customizable: Want it sweeter? Add a dash more honey. Prefer it spicier? A little extra chili paste can do wonders.

Nutritious: By making your sauce, you can eliminate high-fructose corn syrup and nasty preservatives commonly found in bottled versions.

Family-Friendly: Kids love the sweet taste, and you’ll appreciate knowing exactly what’s going into their meals.

The Ingredients

Let’s break down what you’ll need to whip up this delightful concoction. You’ll want:

1 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp freshly grated ginger, or 1/4 tsp ground ginger
2 cloves minced garlic, or 1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
3 Tbsp pure honey, or maple syrup
1/3 cup fresh pineapple juice, or freshly squeezed orange juice
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp chili paste or sriracha
1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds, optional
For a thicker consistency:
2 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp cold water

These ingredients are all natural and easy to find. I’d bet you might have most of them just hanging around your kitchen.

Step by Step Instructions

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

Before we dive in, gather all your ingredients. This makes the process smoother. Plus, no last-minute hunts for that elusive can of pineapple juice.

Step 2: Mix the Base

In a medium bowl, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, and sesame oil. These elements form a salty, tangy base that will carry most of the flavor. I like to whisk this together until fully combined.

Step 3: Add Sweetness and Flavor

Toss in the honey or maple syrup, ginger, and garlic. Whisk again until everything is seamlessly blended. This is where the harmony of flavors begins, making your taste buds dance with anticipation.

Step 4: Incorporate the Juice

Now, add the pineapple juice (or orange juice). This will add natural sweetness to balance the salty soy. Trust me; it enhances the depth of flavor significantly.

Step 5: Spice It Up

Add the chili paste for a kick. If your palate prefers a more subdued flavor, feel free to adjust the quantity. You want it to be flavorful yet enjoyable.

Step 6: Thicken If Necessary

If you like a thicker consistency, combine cornstarch with cold water in a separate bowl. Then mix it into your sauce. Simmering over low heat will thicken it just right.

Step 7: Final Touches

Optional, but worth it: Add sesame seeds on top after cooking for a little crunch and nutty flavor.

Step 8: Cool and Store

Let the sauce cool before transferring it to a bottle or jar. This homemade teriyaki sauce is now ready to shine in your kitchen.

Tips & Tricks

Experiment with Sweeteners: Maple syrup offers a great alternative. Feel free to adjust sweetness levels to your taste.
Use Fresh Garlic and Ginger: Fresh ingredients pack more flavor than their powdered counterparts.
Keep a Batch in the Fridge: This sauce can last in your fridge for up to two weeks! Perfect for those busy weeknights.
Try Different Pineapple Juice: Freshly squeezed juice adds brightness, but canned works perfectly in a pinch.
Adjust Thickness: If you prefer a thinner sauce, simply skip the cornstarch step or add a bit more water.

Nutrition Information

Healthy homemade teriyaki sauce recipe nutrition facts

Can I Store Healthy Homemade Teriyaki Sauce?

Absolutely! You can store your homemade teriyaki sauce in an airtight container in the fridge. It should stay fresh for up to two weeks. This is perfect for meal prepping, as you can make it ahead of time and use it as needed. Just give it a good shake before using.

What Can I Serve with Healthy Homemade Teriyaki Sauce?

The possibilities are endless. Here are a few delicious ideas:

Stir-Fries: Toss it in with your favorite veggies and proteins for a quick meal.
Grilled Meats: Brush it on chicken, salmon, or tofu right before serving for that glossy finish.
Rice Bowls: Drizzle it over a bowl of rice topped with veggies and protein for a satisfying meal.
Noodles: Use it in a noodle salad or bowl for a fusion dish.
Marinade: Use it to marinate meats or tofu before grilling or baking.

Variations

Want to mix things up? Here are some variations to consider:

Pineapple Teriyaki Sauce: Incorporate more pineapple puree for a fruit-forward flavor. Just blend more fresh pineapple into the sauce.
Smoky Teriyaki Sauce: Add a dash of liquid smoke to create a grilled flavor without stepping outside.
Spicy Teriyaki Sauce: Increase the chili paste or even add some cayenne for a serious kick. Spice lovers, rejoice!
Ginger-Free Teriyaki Sauce: Skip the ginger if you’re not a fan. Replace it with a dash of five-spice powder for a different flavor kick.
Garlic-Free Teriyaki Sauce: If garlic isn’t your thing, feel free to substitute it with a touch of onion powder for some depth.

Healthy Homemade Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Sharon Brown

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 5

Cook Time 5

Total Time 10

Course Sauce

Cuisine asian

Servings

Calories 57 kcal

Equipment

Medium bowl

Ingredients

1 Tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
1 tsp freshly grated ginger or 1/4 tsp ground ginger
2 cloves minced garlic or 1/4 tsp garlic powder
1/2 cup reduced-sodium soy sauce
3 Tbsp pure honey or maple syrup
1/3 cup fresh pineapple juice or freshly squeezed orange juice
1 Tbsp apple cider vinegar
1 tsp chili paste or sriracha
1 Tbsp toasted sesame seeds optional
For a thicker consistency:
2 tsp cornstarch + 2 tsp cold water