If you’re looking for a quick, flavorful, and homemade Asian-inspired sauce, this easy teriyaki glaze recipe is a must-have in your cooking toolkit. Whether you’re glazing grilled chicken, tossing vegetables, or finishing off a rice bowl, this thick, shiny glaze delivers bold, sweet-savory flavor in just minutes.
Unlike the bottled version, this glaze is made with pantry staples, tailored to your taste, and free from preservatives. You’ll love how it brings dishes like our crispy boneless chicken thighs or baked honey garlic chicken to life with its restaurant-style sheen and depth.
🍯 What Is Teriyaki Glaze?
Teriyaki glaze is a concentrated, thickened version of teriyaki sauce. The word “teriyaki” comes from the Japanese terms “teri” (shine) and “yaki” (grill or broil) — highlighting its glossy finish when grilled on proteins.
Difference Between Teriyaki Sauce and Glaze
- Teriyaki Sauce is thinner and used for marinating or stir-frying.
- Teriyaki Glaze is thicker, applied at the end of cooking or used for dipping.
This easy teriyaki glaze recipe sticks beautifully to chicken, tofu, or salmon, sealing in flavor and moisture.
🧂 Ingredients for an Easy Teriyaki Glaze Recipe
To make the best easy teriyaki glaze recipe, you’ll need:
- Soy sauce (low-sodium recommended)
- Brown sugar (for rich sweetness)
- Honey or maple syrup (for thickness and gloss)
- Fresh garlic and ginger (adds zing)
- Rice vinegar or mirin – see the difference at The Kitchn
- Cornstarch slurry (to thicken)
- Optional: chili flakes, sesame oil
💡 Want to explore different types of soy sauce? Serious Eats breaks it down with expert insight.
👩🍳 How to Make Easy Teriyaki Glaze
Step-by-Step Instructions
Prep Time: 5 mins
Cook Time: 10 mins
Total Time: 15 mins
- Combine in saucepan:
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 2 tbsp honey
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp garlic & 1 tsp ginger (minced)
- ½ cup water
- Bring to boil over medium heat.
- Stir in cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water).
- Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened and glossy.
- Cool and store, or use immediately.
🍗 Ways to Use Teriyaki Glaze in Meals
This easy teriyaki glaze recipe isn’t just versatile — it’s a kitchen workhorse.
Use it to:
- Glaze grilled chicken or salmon like our street corn chicken rice bowl
- Add to stir-fry noodles like in this mongolian beef noodle dish
- Brush onto roasted vegetables
- Serve as a dipping sauce for potstickers or spring rolls
🔁 Flavor Twists & Customizations
You can easily personalize this easy teriyaki glaze recipe:
- Spicy Kick: Add chili flakes or sriracha
- Citrus Brightness: Stir in orange zest or pineapple juice
- Umami Boost: Add a dab of miso or mushroom powder
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari instead of soy sauce
Want more ways to boost flavor? Learn all about umami and its sources.
🧊 How to Store Homemade Teriyaki Glaze
Refrigeration: Up to 1 week in a sealed jar
Freezer: Store in ice cube trays for 2–3 months
Reheating: Use a small saucepan, add water to loosen if needed
❌ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Glaze too thin? → Add more cornstarch slurry
- Glaze too salty? → Add honey or water
- Burnt sugar taste? → Use medium heat and stir constantly
❓ FAQ: Easy Teriyaki Glaze Recipe
Can I use teriyaki glaze instead of teriyaki sauce?
Yes! Just dilute it slightly with water or broth if needed.
How long does homemade teriyaki glaze last?
It lasts up to 1 week in the fridge or 2 months in the freezer.
What makes this glaze thick?
A simple mix of cornstarch and water gives it that perfect consistency.
Can I make it vegan or sugar-free?
Absolutely—use maple syrup instead of honey and a sugar alternative.
✅ Conclusion: Why This Easy Teriyaki Glaze Recipe Belongs in Your Rotation
This easy teriyaki glaze recipe is a flavorful, fast, and cost-effective way to upgrade your meals. It’s customizable, pantry-friendly, and far tastier than any bottle on the shelf.
Use it in dishes like our quick cheesy garlic chicken wraps or alongside some easy chicken pineapple stir-fry.
Keep this glaze on hand, and you’ll never look at takeout the same way again.
Easy Teriyaki Glaze Recipe – Sweet & Savory in Minutes
Ingredients
- – 1/2 cup soy sauce low sodium preferred
- – 1/4 cup brown sugar
- – 2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
- – 1 tablespoon rice vinegar or mirin
- – 1 teaspoon garlic minced
- – 1 teaspoon fresh ginger minced
- – 1/2 cup water
- – 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- – 2 tablespoons cold water for slurry
Instructions
- 1. In a medium saucepan, combine soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, vinegar, garlic, ginger, and 1/2 cup water.2. Bring to a gentle boil over medium heat, stirring frequently.3. In a small bowl, mix cornstarch and 2 tablespoons cold water to create a slurry.4. Slowly pour the slurry into the saucepan, stirring constantly.5. Simmer for 3–5 minutes until the sauce thickens to a glaze consistency.6. Remove from heat and allow to cool slightly before using or storing.
Notes
• Store in an airtight container in the fridge for up to 1 week.
• Use as a glaze for chicken, salmon, tofu, or vegetables.
• Want it thinner? Add more water while heating.
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