An easy homemade teriyaki sauce that’s full of flavour and made without any nasty ingredients! Easily made gluten-free and vegan, it’s so good that you’ll never go back to store-bought.
I’ve got a quickie for you guys today!
Well, a quick recipe. And an easy one. And one I feel like should be a staple in everyone’s recipe books… at least if you like stir fries. Which I do.
Actually, stir fries were one of the only ways my mom could get me to eat vegetables as a child… and even then I’d do my best to pick out as many veggies as I could without it being too obvious. Except the carrots. Carrots were okay in my books.
Looking back at it, though, I’m pretty sure the only reason I tolerated veggies in stir fries were because they were covered in sauce. Homemade teriyaki sauce…
How To Make Healthy Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
It’s so quick and easy that I’m betting you never go back to the store-bought kind! So let’s start by talking about what goes into the sauce:
- I like to used a reduced-sodium soy sauce because I find the regular kind a little too overpoweringly salty for my tastes, and even so, the sauce is still pretty salty. And because most soy sauces contain wheat, be sure to use a certified gluten-free tamari if you need this sauce to be gluten-free.
- Most teriyaki sauce recipes call for water to dilute the soy sauce, but I like to use orange juice instead. I find it adds some extra sweetness, tanginess, and depth to the flavour.
- For sweetness, I use a combination of honey and coconut sugar because I find it gives the best taste and texture. If you need this sauce to be vegan, you can just use coconut sugar, but you need to increase the amount to 1/2 cup (100 g).
- Rice vinegar. Used mostly to balance out the sweetness. If you don’t have rice vinegar, you can substitute with apple cider.
- I know it’s a little bit of extra work, but fresh ginger and garlic really do make a difference. If you don’t have them on hand, you can use 1/2 tsp of each, ground.
- Cornstarch is used to thicken the sauce, otherwise it would be super runny instead of nice and saucy. Combine it with a tablespoon of water before adding it to the sauce just to get any clumps out and make sure it’s nice and smooth. And if you’re avoiding corn, arrowroot works fine as well.
See? All good stuff and none of the nasties that you often find in store-bought sauces.
Okay, But What’s It Like?
Salty. Sweet. Tangy… Saucy? There’s really not much else to say about a sauce.
I made a few different versions of this sauce and these quantities ended up being my favourite, but your tastebuds probably differ from mine so don’t be afraid to do some experimenting! Want a sweeter sauce? Add more sugar. Saltier? Add a few more splashes of soy sauce. Thicker? More cornstarch. That’s one of the best things about making things at home! Well, that and it lets you avoid a lot of the preservatives that end up in store-bought sauces.
As for how to use this sauce, my favourite is obviously in a stir fries (I’ve got a recipe coming up for you guys soon!), but it also works great as a marinate. I hope you love it!
Happy eating!
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easy homemade teriyaki sauce
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup (80 ml) reduced-sodium soy sauce or tamari*
- 1/2 cup (120 ml) orange juice
- 1/4 cup (80 g) honey**
- 2 Tbsp (24 g) coconut sugar**
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) rice vinegar
- 1 tsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 clove of garlic, minced
- 1 Tbsp (7 g) cornstarch***
- 1 Tbsp (15 ml) water
Instructions
- In a small saucepan set over medium heat, combine the soy sauce, orange juice, honey, sugar, vinegar, ginger, and garlic. Bring it to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.
- In a small bowl, combine the cornstarch and water, mixing until smooth. Add this mixture to the sauce, stirring occasionally, until the sauce begins to thicken, about 1 minute.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool completely before transferring it to a sealed container and storing in the fridge for up to 2 weeks. Use as desired.
Notes
* Use a certified gluten-free tamari if you need this to be gluten-free. I also recommend using a reduced-sodium version so that you have more control over how salty it is.
** Omit the honey and increase the sugar to 1/2 cup (100 g) if you need this sauce to be vegan.
*** You can use arrowroot powder instead.
- Prep Time: 10 mins
- Cook Time: 5 mins
Looking for more tasty vegan recipes? Try one of these!
Healthy Vegan Mac & Cheese
Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos
Instant Pot Black Bean Burrito Bowls
*Disclosure: Some of the links included in this post may be affiliate links, meaning I’ll earn a small commission if you purchase through them, at no additional cost to you. I only recommend products I personally use and believe will add value to my readers. Thank you so much for helping support Spoons!
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I love that you mentioned how stir fries used to be the only way to get kids to eat veggies, since I remember that struggle too. Finding a gluten-free and vegan option that doesn’t taste like sugar water is always a challenge, so this looks like a great staple. I’m going to try swapping out my usual bottle for this homemade version this weekend.
Love how simple and clean this recipe is—no weird additives, and it’s perfect for gluten-free and vegan diets. Can’t wait to drizzle it over everything!
This homemade teriyaki sauce looks so much better than store-bought—love the simple ingredient list and the fact that it can be made gluten-free and vegan without losing flavor. The orange juice + fresh ginger and garlic combo sounds like a great way to add depth, and I appreciate the tips for adjusting sweetness, saltiness, and thickness to taste. It’s exactly the kind of flexible sauce I like having on hand for stir-fries, marinades, and quick weeknight meals.
This homemade teriyaki sauce recipe is fantastic—simple, clean ingredients, and so versatile. I love that it can be made gluten-free and vegan without sacrificing flavor. The orange juice trick for extra tang is genius!
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This homemade teriyaki sauce sounds incredible! I love that it’s free of nasty additives and still packed with flavor. Can’t wait to try it and finally ditch the store-bought versions.
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This teriyaki sauce recipe looks amazing! It’s simple, healthy, and delicious, and I’ll be trying it out right away. Thanks for sharing!
This looks amazing! I love that it’s gluten-free and vegan. I’m adding this to my stir-fry routine. It’s hard to find clean ingredients, so thanks for sharing!
This teriyaki sauce looks so much better than store-bought—love the simple ingredient list and the fact that it can be made gluten-free and vegan without losing flavor. The orange juice + fresh ginger and garlic combo sounds like a great way to add depth, and I appreciate the tips for adjusting sweetness, saltiness, and thickness to taste. It’s exactly the kind of flexible sauce I like having on hand for stir-fries, marinades, and quick weeknight meals. Also, I’m always drawn to recipes that feel homemade but still fast enough for busy days.
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Absolutely loved your Easy Homemade Teriyaki Sauce (gluten-free, vegan) post. The recipe is wonderfully approachable, with a concise ingredient list and clear, step-by-step directions that even beginner cooks can follow. I appreciated the emphasis on gluten-free authenticity—suggesting tamari or coconut aminos and a vegan sweetener—and the tips for balancing sweetness and saltiness without overpowering the dish. The quick cornstarch slurry for the perfect glaze is a standout, and the guidance on customizing thickness for marinades and dipping sauces is incredibly practical. It’s a versatile recipe that works beautifully with tofu, vegetables, bowls, and more, making weeknight cooking feel effortless. The tone is friendly and encouraging, inviting readers to try and adapt it to their tastes. Excellent work—looking forward to more delicious, accessible recipes like this.
This teriyaki sauce looks so much better than store-bought—love the simple ingredient list and the fact that it can be made gluten-free and vegan without losing flavor. The orange juice + fresh ginger and garlic combo sounds like a great way to add depth, and I appreciate the tips for adjusting sweetness, saltiness, and thickness to taste. It’s exactly the kind of flexible sauce I like having on hand for stir-fries, marinades, and quick weeknight meals. Also, I’m always drawn to recipes that feel homemade but still fast enough for busy days.
This teriyaki sauce looks so much better than store-bought—love the simple ingredient list and the fact that it can be made gluten-free and vegan without losing flavor. The orange juice + fresh ginger and garlic combo sounds like a great way to add depth, and I appreciate the tips for adjusting sweetness, saltiness, and thickness to taste. It’s exactly the kind of flexible sauce I like having on hand for stir-fries, marinades, and quick weeknight meals. Also, I’m always drawn to recipes that feel homemade but still fast enough for busy days.
I love how simple and customizable this teriyaki sauce recipe is—perfect for adjusting sweetness or saltiness to taste. It’s great when everyday cooking helps us feel more connected to what we’re eating. By the way, I recently came across a tool called venussign.org that explores how your Venus sign might influence taste preferences or creative expression in the kitchen. Kind of fun to see if your zodiac placement aligns with the flavors you gravitate toward. Have you ever noticed a connection between your personality traits and your go‑to homemade ingredients?
This teriyaki sauce looks so much better than store-bought—love the simple ingredient list and the fact that it can be made gluten-free and vegan without losing flavor. The orange juice + fresh ginger and garlic combo sounds like a great way to add depth, and I appreciate the tips for adjusting sweetness, saltiness, and thickness to taste. It’s exactly the kind of flexible sauce I like having on hand for stir-fries, marinades, and quick weeknight meals. Also, I’m always drawn to recipes that feel homemade but still fast enough for busy days.
This teriyaki sauce looks so much better than store-bought—love the simple ingredient list and the fact that it can be made gluten-free and vegan without losing flavor. The orange juice + fresh ginger and garlic combo sounds like a great way to add depth, and I appreciate the tips for adjusting sweetness, saltiness, and thickness to taste. It’s exactly the kind of flexible sauce I like having on hand for stir-fries, marinades, and quick weeknight meals. Also, I’m always drawn to recipes that feel homemade but still fast enough for busy days.
This teriyaki sauce looks so much better than store-bought—love the simple ingredient list and the fact that it can be made gluten-free and vegan without losing flavor. The orange juice + fresh ginger and garlic combo sounds like a great way to add depth, and I appreciate the tips for adjusting sweetness, saltiness, and thickness to taste. It’s exactly the kind of flexible sauce I like having on hand for stir-fries, marinades, and quick weeknight meals. Also, I’m always drawn to recipes that feel homemade but still fast enough for busy days.
I love how the recipe uses orange juice instead of water for extra tang—such a clever twist! It’s inspired me to experiment with my own sauces, and I’ll definitely try it next stir‑fry.
I’ve been looking for a simple homemade teriyaki sauce recipe, and this one is so straightforward—love that it uses pantry staples. The step-by-step notes make it hard to mess up, which is great for busy weeknights.
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This teriyaki sauce looks so versatile — the orange juice idea is a nice touch.
I tried this recipe last night and it was surprisingly quick to whip up with pantry staples. The flavor was rich without being too sweet, which I really appreciated. Has anyone tried substituting coconut aminos for tamari to make it nut-free as well?
I love how simple and balanced this teriyaki sauce recipe is—using pantry staples without too much sugar really keeps it light. It reminds me that small, mindful choices in the kitchen can make a big difference over time. For anyone also looking to bring that same gentle approach to movement, I’ve been enjoying **taichiwalk.org**: free, beginner-friendly tai chi walking routines that focus on balance and calm, with no sign-up required. It feels like a natural companion to home cooking—both are about slowing down and listening to your body. Have you ever tried pairing a relaxing walk with a homemade meal like this?
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This looks delicious—can’t wait to try making it at home!
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I’ve tried a few homemade teriyaki sauces before, but this one really nails the balance of sweet and savory without being too heavy. The soy sauce and honey combo is a simple trick that makes a huge difference in stir-fries or as a marinade. Speaking of fine-tuning processes—whether it’s a sauce recipe or studying for a certification like the Claude Certified Architect exam, having the right structure matters. I’ve been using a set of domain-aligned guides and timed mock exams to stay on track, and it feels similar to following a good recipe step by step. Have you found any study methods that work especially well for you?
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Thank you for sharing this delicious recipe! Homemade teriyaki sauce is such a great way to add fresh, rich flavor to meals, and it’s always satisfying to make it from scratch.
I love how this recipe keeps it simple with clean ingredients—no hidden sugars or preservatives! The gluten-free and vegan tweaks make it perfect for everyone. Definitely trying this soon.
Homemade teriyaki sauce? My instant ramen just got a serious upgrade, prepare for a flavor explosion.
This teriyaki sauce recipe looks so simple, my cooking skills might actually be able to handle it. Now I just need to find someone who will brave eating my first attempt.
Wow, that sauce looks super simple—just a few pantry staples and no soy sauce, nice! I’m definitely gonna try it with some stir‑fried tofu tonight. Do you think adding a splash of citrus would brighten it up, or would that mess with the classic teriyaki vibe?