Vegan Teriyaki Sauce: 10 Minute Recipe

You have GOT to try making this vegan teriyaki sauce! This thick, glossy sauce is bursting with flavor, vegan and gluten free, and pairs well with most dishes. You just need 5 main ingredients and less than 10 minutes to make this amazing homemade teriyaki sauce.

This easy sauce might just be my new favorite condiment! It’s extremely easy, so versatile, and is prepared in under 10 minutes.

Made with tamari, (like a gluten free soy sauce) fresh ginger, garlic, and sweetened with maple syrup and brown sugar, this one pot sauce is simply divine. You can use it on everything from chicken and salmon, to roasted veggies and noodles for an easy boost of flavor.

Skip the store-bought bottles and make your own homemade teriyaki sauce instead! It’s quick to make, is much healthier, and has ample amount of flavor. Drizzle this sauce over any dish and it’s sure to make any dinner a winner!

If you want another vegan sauce be sure to check out my vegan buffalo sauce!

WHAT YOU NEED TO MAKE VEGAN TERIYAKI SAUCE

• Tamari: Tamari is a Japanese sauce that’s slightly thicker than soy sauce as well as being vegan and gluten free
• Water: The water is used to thin the vegan teriyaki sauce
• Ginger: I prefer to use fresh ginger in my sauce because it is much more potent and flavorful than dried
• Maple Syrup: Maple syrup is a great healthier, vegan sweetener option
• Brown Sugar: The brown sugar is also used to sweeten the sauce as well as helping it to thicken
• Arrowroot Starch: This is a key ingredient since it’s the main thickening agent and will give homemade teriyaki sauce it’s rich, glossy consistency
• Garlic Powder: This ingredient is optional, but highly recommended because it adds a boost of flavor

Ingredient Substitutions:

• Tamari- Use soy sauce or coconut aminos
• Maple syrup- Date syrup is another vegan option, while honey will work but isn’t vegan
• Brown sugar- I sometimes use a sugar free brown sugar substitute and it always turns out great
• Arrowroot starch- Cornstarch or tapioca starch will also work

HOW TO MAKE THE BEST VEGAN TERIYAKI SAUCE

1. In a medium size pot add your tamari, 3/4 cup of water, ginger, maple syrup, brown sugar, and garlic powder
2. Cook the mixture over medium heat for about 3 minutes, or until the sugar is dissolved
3. In a small bowl, whisk together the remaining 1/4 cup of water with 2 tablespoons of arrowroot starch. Pour the slurry into the pot on the stove while gently stirring
4. Continue to stir and let the sauce come to a boil
5. Boil for 3-4 minutes while stirring constantly to prevent the bottom from scorching
6. You’ll know that the vegan teriyaki sauce is done when it’s thick enough to coat the back of a spoon
7. Once done, turn the heat off and remove the pot from the burner. Pour your homemade teriyaki sauce into a glass jar and let it cool completely

EXPERT TIPS

• Use tamari or coconut aminos to ensure this is gluten free
• Don’t add the arrowroot starch directly into a hot pot or it will clump
• After the slurry is added to the sauce it will look cloudy, but once it cooks out you’ll get a thick, glossy sauce
• Store in an airtight jar in the fridge for up to 2 weeks

VARIATIONS AND ADD-INS

• Make it spicy by adding in 1/4-1/2 teaspoon of red pepper flakes
• Add in 1 teaspoon of sesame oil
• Use vegetable broth in place of the water for even more flavor

WAYS TO USE VEGAN TERIYAKI SAUCE

This versatile sauce is great in so many dishes! A few of my favorites are:

• Air fryer teriyaki chicken
• Teriyaki chicken on a stick
• Air fryer teriyaki salmon
• Sticky chicken wings
• Shrimp stir fry

STORAGE AND FREEZING INSTRUCTIONS

Storing:

You can store any leftovers in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. It will thicken up and turn into the consistency of a thick jam, but once the sauce warms up it’ll be back to the regular texture.

I usually keep mine in a Mason Jar.

Freezing:

Did you know you can freeze teriyaki sauce? Just like pesto, this sauce freezes well and is perfect to add a boost of flavor to soups and stir fries.

Pour cooled teriyaki sauce into an ice cube tray and place into the freezer. When you need a boost of flavor, pop out a frozen cube add it to your dish, and enjoy!

FAQs

Is it spicy?

No, the fresh ginger adds a small amount of spice but nothing that would be considered “spicy.” If you want a spicy teriyaki sauce then add a pinch of red pepper flakes.

Is teriyaki sauce gluten free?

Typically it is not gluten free because it is made with soy sauce which contains wheat. I make mine with Tamari or coconut aminos with ARE gluten free, so this vegan teriyaki sauce recipe is gluten free as well.

Does homemade teriyaki sauce have a lot of sugar?

Teriyaki sauce does tend to have more sugar than most sauces, however a homemade version will have MUCH LESS than a store bough variety.

Can I use this as a soy sauce substitute?

No, teriyaki sauce and soy sauce are not the same thing. Soy sauce is much more watery and used as the base for many sauces while teriyaki sauce is a thick, glaze type of sauce.

Did you make this recipe?

If so, I would greatly appreciate you leaving a comment and star rating down below. Additionally, follow me on Instagram and tag me if you make this or any other of my easy recipes.

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