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Easy Homemade Teriyaki Marinade Recipe

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This Teriyaki Marinade is a quick and easy blend of savory soy sauce, sweet brown sugar and honey, fragrant garlic and ginger, and the subtle tang of mirin, perfect for marinating meats, seafood, or vegetables. It can be used as a thin marinade or transformed into a thicker sauce by adding cornstarch and gently heating. The optional addition of sesame oil enhances the flavor with a nutty aroma, making it a versatile staple for Asian-inspired dishes.

Ingredients

Marinade Ingredients

  • ½ cup soy sauce
  • ¼ cup water
  • ¼ cup brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 teaspoon ginger, minced or grated
  • 2 tablespoons mirin (rice wine)
  • 1 tablespoon sesame oil (optional, for added flavor)

Optional Thickening

  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening the sauce)
  • 2 tablespoons water (to dissolve cornstarch if thickening)

Instructions

  1. Combine Base Ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine ½ cup soy sauce, ¼ cup water, ¼ cup brown sugar, 2 tablespoons honey, minced garlic, minced ginger, and 2 tablespoons mirin. Stir thoroughly until the brown sugar dissolves completely, ensuring a smooth, uniform marinade.
  2. Add Sesame Oil: If using, add 1 tablespoon of sesame oil to the mixture and stir well to combine. This will impart a nutty flavor enhancing the overall taste profile of the marinade.
  3. Adjust Flavor: Taste the marinade and adjust seasoning if needed, adding more brown sugar to increase sweetness or more soy sauce for saltiness according to your preference.
  4. Use as Marinade: This mixture serves as a thin marinade ideal for soaking meats, seafood, or vegetables for at least 30 minutes prior to cooking.
  5. Optional – Thicken Sauce: For a thicker teriyaki sauce, whisk 1 tablespoon cornstarch into 2 tablespoons water until smooth. Pour into the marinade and heat gently in a pan over low to medium heat, stirring often, until the sauce thickens to desired consistency. Remove from heat and let cool before using as a sauce or glaze.

Notes

  • This recipe yields approximately 6 servings of marinade.
  • The marinade can be stored in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
  • For best results, marinate proteins for at least 30 minutes to allow flavors to penetrate.
  • The optional sesame oil adds depth, but can be omitted for a milder flavor.
  • If thickening, ensure the sauce is heated gently to avoid burning or separating.