Homemade Teriyaki Sauce
The Ultimate Savory-Sweet Teriyaki Sauce Recipe Made at Home
As a mom who loves to make sandwiches and burgers for my daughter, I often worry about the calories and hygiene of store-bought sauces. That’s why I decided to make my own teriyaki sauce at home! This versatile sauce isn’t just great for sandwiches and burgers; it also pairs wonderfully with ribs, steaks, pork belly, and even grilled fish, adding a delicious glaze. Here’s a simple recipe for a pantry staple that will elevate all your home-cooked meals.
Basic Ingredients- 500ml Savory Soy Sauce (Mat-ganjang)
- 200ml Dashi Broth (Kombu Broth)
- 100ml Mirin (or Cheongju/Sake)
- 100g Apple (peeled, cored)
- 100g Onion
- 54g Minced Garlic
- 22g Grated Ginger
- 150g Sugar
Cooking Instructions
Step 1
First, prepare the dashi broth. Add kombu (kelp) to water in a pot and bring it to a boil. Once boiling, reduce the heat and simmer for an additional 15 minutes to extract a deep, savory flavor. Remove the kombu after simmering.
Step 2
Gather all your ingredients. Measure out the savory soy sauce for a rich umami base, dashi broth for depth, mirin (or cheongju, if you don’t have mirin) for a smooth sweetness, apple and onion for natural sweetness and aroma, minced garlic and ginger for pungency, and sugar to balance the flavors. (Ensure the apple is peeled and cored before using.)
Step 3
Combine all the prepared ingredients in a pot and bring to a simmer over medium heat. Once it starts boiling, lower the heat to low and let it gently simmer and reduce for about 45 minutes. During this process, a cloudy foam may form on the surface. Skim this foam off as it can affect the final taste, making it less clean. After simmering, strain the sauce through a sieve to remove solids and let it cool completely.
Step 4
And there you have it – a perfectly balanced, savory-sweet teriyaki sauce! Isn’t it surprisingly simple? This homemade sauce is fantastic for sandwiches and burgers, but it truly shines when brushed onto ribs or steaks as they grill, adding incredible depth. It’s also a delicious dipping sauce for grilled pork belly. For an exceptionally delicious result, try glazing white fish like Atka mackerel or croaker while they grill – the flavor is absolutely divine!
Step 5
Just as the sauce was ready, my daughter asked for a sandwich this morning as she was heading to school. It was the perfect opportunity to use my newly made teriyaki sauce and whip up a delicious Tteokgalbi (short rib patty) sandwich for her.
Step 6
I’m so proud of how this batch of teriyaki sauce turned out! I feel like I’ve found the perfect flavor balance. This sauce is a real kitchen hero, proving that you can achieve professional-quality taste right in your own home!
