Description
This easy homemade vegan teriyaki sauce is sweet, savory, and umami-packed. Perfect for stir-fries, marinades, or dipping, it’s made with simple pantry staples and is healthier than store-bought versions.
Ingredients
Scale
- ¼ cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
- 2 tbsp maple syrup or agave nectar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- ½ cup water
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, minced
- 1 tbsp cornstarch (or arrowroot powder)
- 1 tsp sesame oil
- Optional: ¼ tsp red pepper flakes (for heat), 1 tbsp pineapple juice (for sweetness)
Instructions
- Prepare Ingredients – Mince garlic and ginger finely, or grate for a smoother texture.
- Mix the Base – In a small bowl, whisk together soy sauce, maple syrup (or agave), rice vinegar, and water.
- Cook the Sauce – Heat sesame oil in a small saucepan over medium heat. Sauté garlic and ginger for 30 seconds until fragrant.
- Thicken the Sauce – Dissolve cornstarch in 1 tbsp of water, then whisk into the sauce. Stir continuously until thickened.
- Adjust Flavor – Taste and modify by adding more sweetness, extra soy sauce for saltiness, or red pepper flakes for heat.
- Cool & Store – Remove from heat, let cool, and transfer to an airtight container for storage.
Notes
- Gluten-Free Option: Use tamari or coconut aminos instead of soy sauce.
- Soy-Free Option: Replace soy sauce with coconut aminos.
- Thicker Sauce: Add extra cornstarch for a richer, glaze-like consistency.
- Sweeter Sauce: Increase maple syrup or add a splash of pineapple juice.
- Spicy Variation: Stir in sriracha or extra red pepper flakes.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Category: Sauce, Condiment
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian-Inspired
Keywords: Vegan teriyaki sauce, homemade teriyaki sauce, gluten-free teriyaki sauce, easy teriyaki sauce, healthy teriyaki sauce