If you’ve ever tasted good teriyaki sauce, you know how versatile and delicious it can be. It’s the perfect touch to transform boring chicken breasts, bring salmon to life, or even turn simple vegetables like eggplant into an applause-worthy dish. Today, I’ll teach you how to make an authentic Japanese teriyaki sauce that’s not only easy to prepare but can also be stored in the fridge for weeks, ready to use whenever you need it.
What is Teriyaki Sauce?
Contrary to popular belief, in Japan, the term «teriyaki» doesn’t refer to the sauce itself but to a cooking method. «Teri» means glossy, and «yaki» refers to grilling or broiling. Any dish with a shiny glaze cooked on the grill is considered «teriyaki.»
Outside of Japan, however, teriyaki sauce has become a beloved standalone condiment. The best part about making it at home? You can adjust it to your taste and avoid the excessive sugars and preservatives often found in store-bought versions.
Why Make Your Own Teriyaki Sauce?
- Healthier: Store-bought sauces are often loaded with refined sugars and corn syrup. By making your own, you control the sweetness and use natural ingredients.
- Long-lasting: This homemade recipe stays fresh in the fridge for over a month when stored in an airtight container.
- Versatile: Perfect for meats, fish, tofu, or vegetables.
- More flavor: Toasting chicken bones and adding ginger and garlic elevates the flavor to another level. It’s nothing like store-bought sauces!
Why roast the bones?
Roasting the bones is a key step in this recipe. When bones are roasted in the oven, a process called caramelization occurs, intensifying their natural flavors. The juices and marrow caramelize, giving the sauce a deep, complex taste. It’s a small extra effort that makes a huge difference.
Ingredients for an authentic teriyaki sauce
Though the ingredients are simple, each plays a crucial role in creating the unique flavor of teriyaki sauce:
- Chicken Bones: The base for rich, umami flavor.
- Soy Sauce: Adds saltiness and depth.
- Mirin: A sweet rice wine essential for the sauce’s characteristic gloss.
- Sake: Adds a subtle fruity touch.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the salty flavors and enhances sweetness.
- Ginger and Garlic: Bring freshness and complexity.
How to use it
Now that you have homemade teriyaki sauce, here are some ideas to make the most of it:
- Teriyaki chicken: Marinate chicken breasts or thighs in the sauce, then grill or bake them.
- Teriyaki salmon: Brush the sauce over salmon fillets and bake for a quick, delicious meal.
- Vegetables: Stir-fry eggplants, zucchinis, or mushrooms with the sauce.
- Glazed tofu: A vegetarian option packed with flavor.
- Rice or noodles: Use the sauce as a dressing to elevate simple rice or noodle dishes.
Add your special touch
If you love experimenting, try adding these ingredients to the recipe:
- Honey or maple syrup: For extra sweetness.
- Chili flakes: To add a spicy kick.
- Fresh herbs: Cilantro or other herbs for a unique twist.
How to serve teriyaki sauce
Teriyaki sauce is incredibly versatile and pairs beautifully with a variety of traditional Japanese recipes:
- Simple rice (Gohan): Its neutral flavor balances the sauce’s sweet and salty richness.
- Maki rolls: Especially with salmon or chicken teriyaki, the sauce adds a shiny, flavorful touch to sushi.
- Donburi: Glazed chicken, beef, or tofu over rice with fresh vegetables creates a hearty, delicious meal.
- Vegetables: Stir-fried mushrooms, eggplants, zucchinis, or peppers shine with a touch of teriyaki.
- Yakitori skewers: Chicken skewers caramelize beautifully with the sauce, achieving a perfect balance between crispy and juicy.
- Grilled salmon: Glazed teriyaki salmon is a sure crowd-pleaser.
- Salads: A light carrot and ginger vinaigrette pairs refreshingly with teriyaki-glazed dishes.
These combinations will bring the flavors of Japan to your table, turning any meal into a feast.
Ready to try?
Did you enjoy this recipe? It’s your turn to try it at home and see how easy it is to bring a little piece of Japan into your kitchen! Don’t forget to share your creations and tag us on Instagram, TikTok o YouTube.
See you in the next recipe!
Ingredientes
Elaboración paso a paso
- Preheat the oven to 200°C (grill function).
- Roast 1 chicken's bone for 5 minutes on each side.
- In a pot, combine 500 ml mirin, 500 ml soy sauce, 250 ml sake, 250 ml water, and 1 Tbsp. brown sugar.
- Slice 1 piece ginger, crush the 5 cloves of garlic, and add them to the pot along with the roasted bones.
- Simmer the mixture over low heat until the sauce becomes glossy, at least 1 hour.
- Strain the sauce, and it’s ready to use.
