• Skip to primary navigation
  • Skip to main content
  • Skip to primary sidebar
  • Skip to footer

. running with spoons .

  • about
    • about me
    • contact me
    • work with me
    • privacy policy
  • recipes
    • Bars & Brownies
    • Breads & Muffins
    • Breakfasts
    • Cakes, Cupcakes, & Mug Cakes
    • Cookies, Balls, & Bites
    • Dips, Sauces, & Nut Butters
    • Gluten Free
    • Savoury Meals
    • Smoothies & Drinks
    • Vegan
    • recipe index
  • cookbook
  • Thinking Out Loud
  • Navigation Menu: Social Icons

    • Facebook
    • Instagram
    • Pinterest
    • Twitter

easy homemade teriyaki sauce

March 1, 2020 by Amanda @ .running with spoons. 554 Comments

Jump to Recipe

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.

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…

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.

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.

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.

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!

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’d love to know if you make this recipe! Leave a comment and rating down below to let me know what you think, and subscribe to our mailing list to receive new recipes in your inbox!

Print
clock clock iconcutlery cutlery iconflag flag iconfolder folder iconinstagram instagram iconpinterest pinterest iconfacebook facebook iconprint print iconsquares squares iconheart heart iconheart solid heart solid icon

easy homemade teriyaki sauce


5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

4.9 from 52 reviews

  • Author: Amanda @ Running with Spoons
  • Total Time: 15 minutes
  • Yield: 1 cup
Print Recipe
Pin Recipe

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

  1. 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. 
  2. 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.
  3. 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

Did you make this recipe?

Share a photo and tag us — we can’t wait to see what you’ve made!

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.

Looking for more tasty vegan recipes? Try one of these!

Healthy Vegan Mac & Cheese
Loaded Sweet Potato Nachos
Instant Pot Black Bean Burrito Bowls

Signature

*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!

Filed Under: Dips, Sauces, & Nut Butters, Gluten Free, Recipe, Vegan Tagged With: easy, gluten-free, healthy, homemade, recipe, teriyaki sauce, vegan

Previous Post: « cherry avocado smoothie
Next Post: soft and chewy oatmeal cookies »

Reader Interactions

Comments

  1. Owen Graham

    September 1, 2026 at 5:36 am

    Multiplayer action games often require players to understand positioning, timing, and the strengths of different characters. The Duskbloods may introduce its own strategic layer within the FromSoftware formula. A useful strategy resource should focus on mechanics that have actually been demonstrated, giving players a solid foundation while avoiding unsupported claims about systems that have not yet received hands-on confirmation.

    Reply
  2. Evelyn Gutierrez

    September 1, 2026 at 5:36 am

    The developers behind Ghostrunner bring a new direction with Valor Mortis, blending fast-paced first-person combat with soulslike difficulty. Players can better understand the upcoming experience through guides that analyze gameplay systems, enemies, progression, and confirmed Demo features.

    Reply
  3. Owen Graham

    September 1, 2026 at 5:36 am

    Permafrost offers an interesting take on survival games by placing players in a harsh frozen environment where exploration and preparation appear equally important. The combination of story-driven progression, resource gathering, shelter construction, and open-world exploration gives the game a distinctive identity. I especially like the focus on reliable information, since separating official details from assumptions makes it easier for players to understand what is actually confirmed.

    Reply
  4. Jasper Knox

    September 1, 2026 at 5:34 am

    Exploring the galaxy’s fastest race requires more than just speed; understanding vehicles and track characteristics is equally important. Comprehensive Star Wars Galactic Racer guides help players analyze performance options, discover unlock methods, and prepare for competitive challenges.

    Reply
  5. Silas Hale

    September 1, 2026 at 5:34 am

    With its mysterious world and character-driven gameplay, Grave Seasons encourages players to carefully consider every decision. Comprehensive guides covering romance paths, walkthrough structures, and launch updates help the community stay informed while enjoying the evolving experience of Ashenridge.

    Reply
  6. Elias Dawson

    September 1, 2026 at 5:33 am

    A strong Moonlighter 2 loot strategy can completely change the way players approach runs. Understanding item value and storage choices is a major advantage for efficient progression.

    Reply
  7. Arthur Bennett

    September 1, 2026 at 5:33 am

    The return of Star Wars turn based strategy brings something different to the franchise. Players who enjoy careful planning, squad positioning, and meaningful choices will likely appreciate the deeper tactical approach.

    Reply
  8. Arthur Bennett

    September 1, 2026 at 5:32 am

    The prequel nature of Plague Tale Legacy creates opportunities to explore unanswered questions from the original series. A detailed guide helps players understand the timeline, follow Sophia’s journey, and discover how the mythology of the curse connects with the broader Plague Tale universe.

    Reply
  9. MORTAL SHELL 2

    September 1, 2026 at 5:32 am

    Mortal Shell 2 introduces new challenges while maintaining the atmospheric design that defined the original game. Players interested in Shell customization, combat mechanics, and progression systems can explore detailed resources focused on confirmed information and verified updates.

    Reply
  10. Arthur Bennett

    September 1, 2026 at 5:31 am

    Stepping far beyond their traditional monster-collecting roots, Game Freak delivers a mature, story-driven action RPG in Beast of Reincarnation. Merging real-time attacks with turn-based strategy, the unique synergy between Emma and Koo changes how companion mechanics work. Explore the wiki for detailed breakdowns of skill trees, spirit stones, and boss weaknesses to conquer this brutal world.

    Reply
  11. Rowan Quinn

    September 1, 2026 at 5:29 am

    The random interval between 1.5 and 5 seconds is what makes this reaction time test genuinely accurate. Many similar tools have predictable patterns that let you cheat by clicking early. This one keeps you honest—you genuinely have to wait for the color change and respond purely on reflex.

    Reply
  12. Nolan Palmer

    September 1, 2026 at 5:29 am

    Tech reviewers can use a click speed test to evaluate different mouse models. The lighter, clickier switches on gaming mice consistently outperformed office mice by nearly 1.5 CPS across multiple rounds. It’s become an unexpected but reliable peripheral benchmarking tool.

    Reply
  13. Evelyn Gutierrez

    September 1, 2026 at 5:28 am

    The trigger test on a quality gamepad tester is brilliant—it shows pressure values from 0 to 1.0 as you squeeze. I realized my right trigger wasn’t reaching full value unless I pressed uncomfortably hard. Adjusted my in-game trigger sensitivity and now racing games feel much more responsive.

    Reply
  14. Evelyn Gutierrez

    September 1, 2026 at 5:28 am

    I run a small agency and we use eztxt to polish all client deliverables. Whether it’s a newsletter, white paper, or social ad copy, the tool adjusts tone and structure to match each brand’s voice. It’s affordable, fast, and consistently delivers human-quality text.

    Reply
  15. printable calendar

    August 30, 2026 at 6:12 pm

    This homemade teriyaki sauce looks so simple to whip up—I love that it uses pantry staples instead of bottled marinade. The step-by-step photos make it easy to follow, and I can already imagine it over grilled chicken or stir-fried veggies. Speaking of staying organized, I’ve been using a free printable calendar from printable-cal.org to plan my weekly meals ahead. It’s surprisingly handy for jotting down which sauce to pair with what dish. Do you usually prep sauces in bulk and freeze them for later, or do you prefer making just enough for one meal?

    Reply
  16. Alex Donovan

    August 30, 2026 at 12:18 pm

    Great write-up. Glad I found it. this crash fix walkthrough

    Reply
  17. DSH Plugin Directory

    August 29, 2026 at 9:30 am

    This recipe looks fantastic! I love that it’s gluten-free and vegan. Using orange juice instead of water is a great idea for added flavor. I’m curious, how long does the sauce typically last when stored in the refrigerator?

    Reply
  18. UUID Tool

    August 28, 2026 at 2:29 am

    I really appreciate that this recipe uses fresh ginger and garlic instead of powders, since that extra step definitely seems to make a difference. The tip about swapping honey for extra coconut sugar to keep it vegan is handy too. Have you found this works equally well as a marinade for tofu, or does it need a longer soak?

    Reply
  19. WisGate

    August 28, 2026 at 2:07 am

    Using certified gluten-free tamari and the reduced-sodium version is a useful detail because it keeps the sauce suitable for dietary needs while letting you control the salt level. I also like that the vegan adjustment is simple: omit the honey and increase the sugar, then use the sauce for both stir-fries and marinades.

    Reply
  20. Small Text

    August 27, 2026 at 8:05 pm

    I’ve been looking for a homemade teriyaki recipe that doesn’t rely on store-bought bottles, and the tip about using orange juice instead of water is really clever. I love that you can swap honey for more coconut sugar to make it vegan, too. Definitely planning to try this for my next stir fry—thanks for sharing!

    Reply
  21. UUID Tool

    August 27, 2026 at 8:04 pm

    This looks like a great staple recipe to keep on hand. I like that you used orange juice instead of water for extra depth, and the tip about using tamari for a gluten-free version is really helpful. I’m planning to try it as a marinade next since you mentioned that works well too. Quick question: once it’s stored in the fridge, does the texture stay nicely thick, or does it thin out a bit after sitting for a couple of days?

    Reply
  22. Ethan Cole

    August 27, 2026 at 10:17 am

    A visual-first AI image and video generator that combines subject, scene, and style references.

    Reply
  23. stemelo

    August 27, 2026 at 7:28 am

    This sounds absolutely perfect! I love the idea of an easy homemade teriyaki sauce, especially one that’s full of flavour and made without nasty ingredients. The fact that it’s also gluten-free and vegan is a huge bonus. Can’t wait to try this recipe!

    Reply
  24. Iganony Instagram story viewer

    August 27, 2026 at 6:25 am

    I found this article to be highly informative and professionally written. The content is supported by thoughtful explanations that help readers gain a deeper understanding of the subject. It is clear that a lot of research and preparation went into creating this post.

    Reply
  25. qingmi

    August 27, 2026 at 1:34 am

    这个自制照烧酱配方太实用了,完全戳中了我这种喜欢在家做饭但又受不了市售酱料一堆添加剂的人。用橙汁代替水这个思路很妙,做出来的酱汁确实比普通的更有层次感。我试着按方子做了一次,家里正好有节后的蔬菜,炒了个杂蔬拌饭,连我家那位平时挑食的都多添了半碗。这次先试的原版,下次准备按变体做成全素的。要是你也常常为快手晚餐发愁,坚持要健康干净配料,又没时间去比对新配方,这个方子可以说是闭眼入的那种靠谱。手头食材齐全的话,值得花个十分钟在厨房把酱汁先调好,用的时候随手拿,比外卖有满足感多了。

    Reply
  26. Clean Voice App

    August 26, 2026 at 5:14 pm

    This teriyaki sauce sounds killer! I love how easy it is to customize based on your taste. Oh, and if you’re recording your cooking tips, check out this audio tool for crystal clear sound. It could really elevate your video game!

    Reply
  27. mahjong solitaire

    August 26, 2026 at 3:16 pm

    This teriyaki sauce recipe sounds like a game-changer! I’m always on the hunt for easy, healthy swaps for store-bought staples, and the gluten-free/vegan aspect is a huge plus. It’s funny how we develop these food preferences as kids, isn’t it? My picky eating phase involved a lot of hiding broccoli under mashed potatoes, so I can totally relate to the “sauce is the key” mentality. I’m curious, though – you mention using orange juice instead of water to dilute it. Does that add a noticeable sweetness or tang? I’ve been looking for a good way to add a little more complexity to my homemade sauces. Speaking of finding simple pleasures and engaging activities, I’ve been getting into playing Mahjong Solitaire online lately at Mahjong-Solitaire.cc. It’s surprisingly relaxing and a great way to focus the mind.

    Reply
  28. NYT Spelling Bee

    August 26, 2026 at 3:08 pm

    Honestly, this teriyaki sauce sounds like a game changer for stir fries. Love that you’re using orange juice instead of water—it’s those little tweaks that make it epic. If you’re into word games, check out this .

    Reply
  29. Iganony Instagram story viewer

    August 26, 2026 at 3:19 am

    This article was exceptionally informative and enjoyable to read. The writing is clear, the content is valuable, and the overall structure makes it easy to follow. I appreciate the time and dedication required to create content of this quality.

    Reply
  30. Iganony Instagram story viewer

    August 26, 2026 at 3:11 am

    I found this post extremely valuable and informative. The article covers the topic thoroughly while maintaining a writing style that is approachable and easy to understand. It is clear that a lot of care went into creating content that genuinely helps readers.

    Reply
  31. AI Image to Video

    August 24, 2026 at 12:25 pm

    The orange juice instead of water tip is such a game changer! I never would have thought of that on my own, but you’re right—it adds this subtle tang and depth that plain water just can’t. I made a batch last night for a chicken stir fry and my husband actually asked if I ordered takeout because it tasted that good. I went with fresh ginger and garlic like you recommended, and while it was a little extra prep, the difference was noticeable for sure. Also, your story about picking out veggies as a kid made me laugh—I was totally that child too, although I was the opposite and only ate the carrots! Quick question: do you know how long this keeps in the fridge? I’d love to make a double batch to have on hand for busy weeknights. Thanks for sharing—definitely won’t be going back to the bottled stuff!

    Reply
  32. Froging AI

    August 24, 2026 at 12:23 pm

    The orange juice trick is genius! I never would have thought to use that instead of water, but you’re right that it adds so much more depth than plain water would. I made a batch last night to go with a chicken stir fry, and my whole kitchen smelled amazing from the fresh ginger and garlic — you’re absolutely right that they’re worth the extra few minutes of prep. Also, your story about picking veggies out of stir fries as a kid made me laugh, because I did the exact same thing… except carrots were fine in my books too. Funny how taste buds change! I ended up adding a splash more honey since I like mine on the sweeter side, and it turned out perfect. This one’s definitely going into my regular rotation. Thanks for sharing such an easy recipe!

    Reply
  33. Baiak Idle Builds

    August 24, 2026 at 11:06 am

    I never thought of swapping water for orange juice in teriyaki sauce, but it makes sense for adding tanginess and depth without extra refined sugar.

    Reply
  34. Stefan

    August 24, 2026 at 8:19 am

    Using orange juice instead of water is such a clever twist — sweetness and tang in one step. I’ve been meaning to stop buying bottled sauce with its long ingredient list, and fifteen minutes from pantry staples sounds totally doable. Planning to try it with tamari for a gluten-free version next stir-fry night.

    Reply
  35. wire mesh

    August 24, 2026 at 12:20 am

    It is rare to find content of this quality on the internet these days. So many blogs chase quick clicks and skip careful analysis. By contrast, your article takes time to unpack the topic carefully. Every key point is supported by reasonable reasoning, and you avoid overly complicated jargon so more audiences can follow along. I spent quite some time reading and rereading certain sections. This post has become one of my‑go‑to references for this subject. Please continue producing content like this, your voice matters.

    Reply
  36. Melissa

    August 23, 2026 at 12:16 pm

    This is a thoughtful and informative post about “Easy Homemade Teriyaki Sauce (gluten-free, vegan)”. I especially appreciate the clear explanation and the useful perspective. Thanks for sharing this.

    Reply
  37. RemoveText.Video

    August 22, 2026 at 2:02 pm

    This teriyaki sauce looks amazing! I love that it’s so easy to make and uses only clean ingredients—definitely trying this for my next stir fry night. Thanks for sharing such a simple, healthy staple!

    Reply
  38. Hailuo O3

    August 21, 2026 at 4:14 pm

    Hailuo 03 is an AI video tool for creating movie‑like videos. You can use text or reference pictures and set camera movements exactly how you want. Its outputs have no extra copyright costs, and you can start using it in your browser right away

    Reply
  39. MiniMax H3

    August 21, 2026 at 4:13 pm

    MiniMax H3 AI is an all‑round AI video tool. It makes full short videos, including pictures, people talking and sound effects. You may use its outputs without paying extra fees. It runs in your web browser.

    Reply
  40. MiniMax H3

    August 21, 2026 at 4:11 pm

    MiniMax H3 AI is an all‑round AI video tool. It makes full short videos, including pictures, people talking and sound effects. You may use its outputs without paying extra fees. It runs in your web browser.

    Reply
« Older Comments
Newer Comments »

Leave a Reply Cancel reply

Your email address will not be published. Required fields are marked *

Recipe rating 5 Stars 4 Stars 3 Stars 2 Stars 1 Star

Primary Sidebar

Hi & Welcome to Spoons!

Amanda

I'm Amanda - health coach, cookbook author, recipe developer, photographer, makeup junkie, and the blogger behind Running with Spoons - a blog dedicated to proving that healthy snacking doesn't have to be tasteless or boring, one delicious recipe at a time. More about Amanda →

  • Facebook
  • Instagram
  • Pinterest
  • Twitter

Subscribe to get new recipes straight in your inbox

Delicious Gluten-free Recipes

Tasty Vegan Recipes

Footer

Looking for more healthy recipes? Try one of these!

Privacy Policy

Copyright © 2026 . running with spoons . on the Foodie Pro Theme