Savory Homemade Teriyaki Sauce (No Pineapple)
Discover a delightful and thick teriyaki sauce that captures the essence of your favorite Japanese restaurant without the use of pineapple. This homemade sauce strikes the perfect balance between sweetness and umami, thanks to brown sugar and tamari. Enjoy its velvety texture perfect for drizzling over grilled chicken, vegetables, or tofu. If you prefer a tangier flavor, simply adjust by adding more rice wine vinegar and tamari. For an extra kick, freshly grated ginger will enhance the aroma and taste. Once you've made this sauce, you may find it hard to go back to store-bought versions. Ideal for quick weeknight dinners or meal prep, consider doubling the recipe to ensure you have plenty on hand!
N/A
Servings
N/A
Calories
6
Ingredients
Ingredients
rice wine vinegar
1/2 cup (none)
brown sugar
1/2 cup (none)
tamari
2 tablespoons (none)
cornstarch
1 tablespoon (none)
water
2 tablespoons (none)
fresh grated gingerroot
1/2 teaspoon (optional)
Instructions
1
In a small saucepan, combine the rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, and tamari over medium heat. Stir until the brown sugar is completely dissolved.
2
In a separate bowl, mix the cornstarch and water together until smooth to create a slurry.
3
Gradually pour the cornstarch mixture into the saucepan while stirring constantly to prevent clumping.
4
Increase the heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Allow it to boil for about 2 minutes without stirring, or until the sauce reaches your desired thickness.
5
If using, incorporate the freshly grated ginger into the sauce just before removing it from the heat for a fresh and vibrant flavor.
6
Let the sauce cool slightly before using, and store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Nutrition Information
Frequently Asked Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
What is Savory Homemade Teriyaki Sauce?
It is a thick and delightful Japanese-style sauce that balances sweetness and umami without using pineapple.
Does this teriyaki sauce contain pineapple?
No, this recipe is specifically designed to be made without pineapple.
What makes this sauce thick?
The sauce achieves its velvety and thick texture through the use of a cornstarch slurry and a short boiling period.
What are the primary ingredients?
The main ingredients include rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, tamari, cornstarch, water, and optional fresh ginger.
How do I prepare the cornstarch slurry?
Mix one tablespoon of cornstarch with two tablespoons of water in a separate bowl until the mixture is smooth.
How long should I boil the sauce?
Once the mixture reaches a boil, allow it to boil for about 2 minutes without stirring until it reaches your desired thickness.
Can I add ginger to this recipe?
Yes, you can add 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated gingerroot just before removing the sauce from the heat for a vibrant flavor.
How should I store leftovers?
Store any leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator.
How long does the sauce stay fresh?
The sauce can be stored in the refrigerator for up to a week.
Can I make this sauce tangier?
Yes, you can adjust the tanginess by adding more rice wine vinegar and tamari to taste.
Is this sauce suitable for vegetarians?
Yes, the ingredients listed like tamari and rice wine vinegar are plant-based, making it suitable for vegetarians and vegans.
What can I serve with this teriyaki sauce?
It is perfect for drizzling over grilled chicken, vegetables, tofu, or as a glaze for various dishes.
Can I double the recipe?
Yes, doubling the recipe is recommended for meal prep or if you need a larger quantity.
What type of sugar is used?
The recipe calls for 1/2 cup of brown sugar to provide sweetness and depth.
What is tamari?
Tamari is a Japanese soy sauce that is often gluten-free and provides a rich umami flavor.
How much rice wine vinegar is needed?
The recipe requires 1/2 cup of rice wine vinegar.
Do I need to stir the sauce while it boils?
No, once it starts boiling, let it boil for 2 minutes without stirring to help it thicken properly.
How do I prevent clumping?
Gradually pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan while stirring constantly to ensure a smooth consistency.
What is the first step in making the sauce?
The first step is to combine rice wine vinegar, brown sugar, and tamari in a saucepan over medium heat until the sugar dissolves.
Should I cool the sauce before using?
It is recommended to let the sauce cool slightly before using it on your food.
Is this recipe good for weeknight dinners?
Yes, it is ideal for quick weeknight dinners because it is fast to prepare and highly versatile.
What provides the umami flavor?
The tamari is the primary source of the savory umami essence in this sauce.
Is this sauce better than store-bought versions?
Many find that the fresh ingredients and balanced flavors make it superior to many store-bought alternatives.
What heat level should I use to dissolve the sugar?
Use medium heat to dissolve the brown sugar into the liquid ingredients.
How much ginger should I use?
Use 1/2 teaspoon of freshly grated gingerroot if you choose to include it.
Can I use this as a glaze?
Yes, its thick and velvety texture makes it an excellent glaze for meats and vegetables.
What is the total number of ingredients?
There are 6 total ingredients including the optional ginger.
Can I use regular soy sauce instead of tamari?
Yes, you can substitute soy sauce, though the flavor profile may change slightly.
What color is the finished sauce?
The sauce will have a dark, rich color characteristic of traditional teriyaki.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
If you use a certified gluten-free tamari, the sauce will be gluten-free.