Ever feel like you’re trapped in a world of predictable routines, where just turning the doorknob feels like negotiating a Rubik’s cube? Yeah, me too. But I’ve discovered something that keeps life vibrant: creativity—and I’m not talking about my culinary escapades. You’d be surprised by how the simple act of doodling or jotting down poems can inspire new ideas and keep me sane throughout a long day.

Creativity is not only about indulging in elaborate Martha Stewart-level macramé masterpieces—it’s a practice that can help us navigate our daily grind. When we push ourselves to think beyond the confines of our usual thought patterns, we open our world to endless possibilities. I’ve learned this by escaping the grindstone of adulting through artsy escapes, which in turn inspires my culinary experimentation.

Enter my latest kitchen experiment: Homemade Teriyaki Sauce. Unleash your artistic spirit as we get ready to transform simple ingredients into a savory delight. Stand back, brushstrokes of soy, ginger, and garlic! By the end of this post, you’ll be ready to paint a canvas of flavors across your next meal. Your life may still feel like it’s sequenced from washing dishes to doing laundry, but suddenly gardening gets an upgrade, and every dinner is a nectarous work of art. So, let’s dive into my recipe and create some magic in our kitchens, where every dish is a masterpiece!

Ingredients

Soy sauce – A staple in most Asian cuisine, provides a salty and umami flavor. Can also use tamari sauce or a gluten-free alternative for those who are intolerant.

Rice wine vinegar – Adds a tangy and slightly sweet flavor. Can use apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar as a substitute.

Sriracha sauce – Provides a kick of spiciness. Can use any other hot sauce or red pepper flakes for extra heat.

Ginger – Adds flavor and has anti-inflammatory properties that are great for digestion. Can use ginger powder if fresh ginger is unavailable.

Garlic – Provides a depth of flavor and is a great immune booster. Can use garlic powder if fresh garlic is unavailable.

Scallion – Adds a mild onion flavor and is great for garnishing. Can use green onions or chives as a substitute.

Orange – The juice is added for a citrusy balance. Can use lemon or lime juice if an orange is unavailable.

Instructions

In a bowl, mix together all of your ingredients including soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, Sriracha sauce, ginger, garlic cloves, scallions, and orange until combined. If you’re out of rice wine vinegar, you can try using apple cider vinegar as a substitute or for a vegan alternative, try using coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
Next, heat the mixture on the stove over low heat until the sauce reaches the consistency you desire. The longer you heat it, the thicker it will become. If you like it sweeter, add a bit of honey or sugar, making sure to heat the mixture again so that the sugar can melt properly. If you want to add a little more heat, add extra sriracha sauce or red pepper flakes.
This teriyaki sauce is perfect for marinading meats, fish or poultry and it can also be served as a dipping sauce. As an added bonus, it makes a great stir fry sauce, too! Let me know if you have any creative ways to use this delicious sauce!

Serving Suggestions for Simple Homemade Teriyaki Sauce

This simple homemade teriyaki sauce is an absolute flavor bomb and perfect for any meal! Here are a few of my favorite ways to use it:

Marinate your favorite meats in it. Try it on chicken, beef, or tofu. The sauce will penetrate the meat and make it juicy and delicious.
Use it as a stir-fry sauce. Add it to your favorite veggies and noodles for a quick and easy weeknight dinner.
Brush it onto grilled meats or veggies. Perfect for barbecues and picnics!
Drizzle it over rice bowls. Add some veggies and proteins for a filling and delicious meal.
Use it as a dipping sauce. It’s great with spring rolls, potstickers, and tempura veggies.
Bonus tip: if you’re a fan of spicy food, add a little extra Sriracha sauce for a fiery kick!

FAQ’s

What’s the serving size for this recipe?

The serving size for this recipe is 1 cup.

Can I make this recipe hotter?

Yeah, if you want to turn up the heat on this recipe, you can add a little more sriracha sauce or some red pepper flakes to taste.

Can I make this recipe sweeter?

Sure! If you want to add a little sweetness to the recipe, you can try adding a bit of honey or a sprinkle of sugar. Just make sure to heat the sauce so the sugar can melt properly.

Can I use any other type of vinegar instead of rice wine vinegar?

Sure, you can try using apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar instead of rice wine vinegar. But keep in mind that it will change the flavor profile a bit.

Can I use low-sodium soy sauce?

Absolutely, you can use low-sodium soy sauce in this recipe if that’s what you have on hand.

Can I make this recipe gluten-free?

Yup, you can use gluten-free tamari instead of soy sauce and you’ll have a gluten-free recipe!

Can this recipe be used as a marinade?

Yes, you can definitely use this recipe as a marinade. It’s perfect for meat, poultry, fish and vegetables.

Teriyaki Sauce

A bold and flavorful homemade teriyaki sauce recipe, elevated with the addition of fresh ginger, garlic, and scallions, and balanced with the sweetness of orange.

Print Recipe Pin Recipe

Prep Time 10

Cook Time 10

Total Time 20

Course Marinade, Sauce

Cuisine American, Japanese

Servings cups

Calories 104 kcal

Equipment

Cutting board
Knife
Grater
Medium saucepan
Whisk

Ingredients

1 cup soy sauce
1/2 cup rice wine vinegar
1 tablespoon Sriracha sauce
2 inches fresh ginger, grated
4 cloves garlic, minced
2 scallions, finely chopped
1 orange, juiced
1 tablespoon honey (optional)

Instructions

In a medium saucepan, combine the soy sauce, rice wine vinegar, Sriracha sauce, grated ginger, minced garlic, chopped scallions, and orange juice.
Whisk the ingredients together until well combined.
Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil.
Reduce the heat to low and let the sauce simmer for 8-10 minutes, or until it has reduced by about a quarter and has thickened to your desired consistency. Stir occasionally to prevent burning.
If desired, add 1 tablespoon of honey for a touch of sweetness. Stir to combine.
Taste the sauce and adjust seasoning as necessary, adding additional Sriracha or honey if needed.
Remove the saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool completely.
Transfer the teriyaki sauce to a clean, airtight container and store in the refrigerator for up to 2 weeks.

Notes

The sauce will continue to thicken as it cools, so be mindful of the desired consistency while heating.
If the sauce becomes too thick, you can thin it out with a little bit of water.
Serve the teriyaki sauce as a marinade, dipping sauce, or drizzle it over your favorite dishes.

Nutrition

Calories: 104kcalCarbohydrates: 12.3gProtein: 4.3gFat: 1.7gSaturated Fat: 0.3gSodium: 1780mgPotassium: 125mgFiber: 0.7gSugar: 10.2gVitamin A: 5IUVitamin C: 5.8mgCalcium: 22mgIron: 0.8mg

Keyword Homemade, Teriyaki

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