Basic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Craving that sweet, savory, and slightly tangy teriyaki glaze that smothers your favorite takeout dishes? You can ditch the delivery menu and whip up a batch of restaurant-quality teriyaki sauce right at home in under 30 minutes. This recipe from Serious Eats dives deep into the world of teriyaki, guiding you through the simple process and offering valuable tips for customization.

Ingredients:

1/2 cup soy sauce

1/4 cup mirin (or dry sherry)

1/4 cup sake (optional)

1/4 cup packed light brown sugar

2 cloves garlic, minced

1 tablespoon grated ginger

1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional)

Freshly ground black pepper, to taste

Instructions:

1. Combine the Base: In a saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the soy sauce, mirin, sake (if using), and brown sugar. Bring the mixture to a simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar dissolves.

2. Flavor Boost: Add the minced garlic and grated ginger to the simmering sauce. Let it simmer for a few minutes, allowing the aromatics to infuse their flavors.

3. Thicken Up (Optional): For a thicker teriyaki sauce, whisk together 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of water in a small bowl to create a slurry. Gradually whisk the slurry into the simmering sauce, and cook for an additional minute or two until the sauce thickens slightly.

4. Season & Serve: Season the teriyaki sauce with a few grinds of black pepper to taste. Remove the sauce from the heat and allow it to cool slightly before using.

Tips:

Adjust the Sweetness: If you prefer a less sweet teriyaki sauce, start with 2 tablespoons of brown sugar and gradually add more to taste.

Spice it Up: Add a pinch of red pepper flakes for a touch of heat.

Storage: Store leftover teriyaki sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.

Nutrition Facts (Per 1 tablespoon serving):

Calories: 25

Fat: 0g

Carbohydrates: 6g

Sugar: 5g

Protein: 1g

Sodium: 800mg (This can vary depending on the brand of soy sauce used)

Conclusion:

This homemade teriyaki sauce is incredibly versatile! Use it to glaze chicken, salmon, tofu, or vegetables for a quick and flavorful weeknight meal. You can also add it to stir-fries, marinades, or even drizzle it over rice bowls for an extra punch of umami. With its simple ingredients and customizable flavor profile, this teriyaki sauce is sure to become a staple in your kitchen.

Frequently Asked Questions:

1. Can I substitute mirin?

Yes, you can substitute mirin with dry sherry in a pinch. However, keep in mind that dry sherry has a slightly higher alcohol content and a drier flavor profile compared to the sweet and slightly syrupy mirin.

2. What’s the difference between teriyaki sauce and marinade?

Teriyaki sauce can be used as both a marinade and a glaze. When used as a marinade, the sauce infuses the ingredients with flavor for a longer period. As a glaze, it’s brushed onto cooked food to add a sweet and sticky coating.

3. How long can I marinate with teriyaki sauce?

You can marinate meats in teriyaki sauce for 30 minutes to an hour, or even overnight for deeper flavor. However, for seafood, marinate for no longer than 30 minutes to prevent overcooking.

4. How do I thicken teriyaki sauce without cornstarch?

You can simmer the teriyaki sauce for a longer time to allow it to reduce naturally. This will concentrate the flavors and thicken the consistency.

5. Can I freeze teriyaki sauce?

Absolutely! Let the sauce cool completely and then store it in an airtight container in the freezer for up to 3 months. Thaw overnight in the refrigerator before using.