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Japanese-Style Sweet Soy Teriyaki Sauce

Japanese-Style Sweet Soy Teriyaki Sauce captures the quintessential balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors that define classic Japanese cuisine. Originating in the Edo period as a simple grilling sauce, teriyaki has evolved into a versatile condiment used on proteins, vegetables, and even tofu. This recipe melds traditional Japanese shoyu (soy sauce) with dark brown sugar for deep molasses notes, mirin for delicate rice-wine sweetness, and sake for a subtle fragrant kick. The long, gentle simmer concentrates flavors and creates a glossy finish perfect for glazing chicken, beef, or salmon, or drizzling over stir-fried vegetables and rice bowls. Easy to prepare in under 30 minutes on the stovetop, this sauce can be made in advance and stored for up to two weeks. Its rich color and velvety texture transform any dish into a restaurant-quality delight, making it a pantry must-have for weeknight dinners or weekend grilling sessions.

Japanese | Dairy-Free | Egg-Free | Nut-Free | Shellfish-Free | Vegan | Teriyaki Sauce | Jar | Saucepan | Whisk | Brown Sugar | Mirin | Sake | Soy Sauce | Simmering | Whisking | Weekend | Weeknight | Make-Ahead | Under 30 Minutes
Time to complete

Prep

5min

Cook

22min

Wait

10min

Total

37min

Ingredients (About 2 cups (480 mL), serves 16 (2 tablespoons/30 mL each))
  • 1 cup (240 mL) Japanese shoyu (soy sauce)
  • ½ cup (110 g) dark brown sugar
  • 1 cup (240 mL) mirin
  • ½ cup (120 mL) sake
Nutrition Information (per 100g)
  • Calories: 220
  • Fat: 0
  • Protein: 5
  • Carbohydrates: 48
  • Fiber: 0
Directions

Combine Ingredients

  • 1. In a small, heavy-bottomed saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, dark brown sugar, mirin, and sake.

Cook the Sauce

  • 2. Place the pan over medium-high heat and bring to a gentle boil, stirring occasionally.

Reduce and Simmer

  • 3. Reduce heat to medium-low and simmer uncovered until the sauce thickens and coats the back of a spoon, about 18–22 minutes.

Finish and Store

  • 4. Remove from heat and let cool for 10 minutes. Transfer to a clean jar or airtight container and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Cookix's Secrets

Citrus Aroma

  • Add 1 tablespoon of fresh yuzu juice or lemon juice off the heat for bright acidity.

Consistency Check

  • Cool a small spoonful on a plate to see true thickness before deciding if it needs more reduction.

Flavor Boost

  • Add a teaspoon of freshly grated ginger or garlic in the final 5 minutes of simmering for extra depth.

Ingredient Quality

  • Use authentic Japanese shoyu for a cleaner soy flavor; avoid low-sodium or flavored variants.

Lower Sugar

  • Substitute half the brown sugar with coconut sugar for a lower-glycemic option and mild caramel notes.

Miso Depth

  • Whisk in 1 tablespoon of white miso paste after removing from heat for savory complexity.

Smoky Flavor

  • Use a dash of liquid smoke or smoked paprika for a subtle barbecue character.

Spicy Twist

  • Stir in 1–2 teaspoons of chili garlic sauce or Sriracha at the end of cooking for a kick.

Storage

  • Strain the cooled sauce through a fine-mesh sieve to remove any sugar crystals for a silky finish.

Texture Control

  • Simmer gently and stir occasionally to prevent burning and achieve a smooth, glossy texture.