Easy Teriyaki Glaze Recipe – Sweet & Savory in Minutes

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By mohammeddaker1

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

Ingredients for easy teriyaki glaze laid out on a rustic table
A flat lay of soy sauce, garlic, ginger, honey, and more for homemade teriyaki glaze

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

  1. 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
  1. Bring to boil over medium heat.
  2. Stir in cornstarch slurry (1 tbsp cornstarch + 2 tbsp cold water).
  3. Simmer 3–5 minutes until thickened and glossy.
  4. 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:


🔁 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.

Thick and glossy easy teriyaki glaze in a bowl surrounded by soy sauce, garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds.

Easy Teriyaki Glaze Recipe – Sweet & Savory in Minutes

This Easy Teriyaki Glaze Recipe is sweet, savory, and ready in just 15 minutes! Perfect for chicken, tofu, or vegetables, it's made with simple pantry staples and packs a flavorful punch.
Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 10 minutes
Total Time 15 minutes
Course Sauces
Cuisine Japanese-Inspired
Servings 3
Calories 80 kcal

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.
    Ingredients for easy teriyaki glaze laid out on a rustic table

Notes

• For a spicier glaze, add 1/2 tsp chili flakes or a dash of sriracha.
• 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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