How To Make Teriyaki Sauce With Just 2 Ingredients

Teriyaki sauce is a popular condiment known for its sweet and savory flavor, and you can easily make a simple version at home with just two ingredients: soy sauce and honey. Begin by selecting a high-quality soy sauce, as it forms the base of the sauce, providing the rich umami flavor characteristic of teriyaki. Opt for a natural, organic soy sauce if possible, to ensure the best taste. The second ingredient, honey, adds the necessary sweetness and helps to thicken the sauce as it cooks. Start by pouring half a cup of soy sauce into a small saucepan over medium heat. Add a quarter cup of honey, and stir the mixture to combine. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally to ensure the honey fully dissolves. Continue simmering the sauce for about 5 to 7 minutes until it slightly thickens and reduces. Once it reaches your desired consistency, remove it from the heat and let it cool. The sauce will thicken further as it cools. This simple homemade teriyaki sauce can be used as a marinade, glaze, or dipping sauce, enhancing a variety of dishes with its delightful sweet and savory profile.
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Tips for making your own simplified teriyaki sauce

To experience this deceptively simple yet undeniably tasty condiment, you'll want to take a pot and gently heat equal parts soy sauce and brown sugar over low heat until the sugar fully dissolves into the soy sauce. The brown sugar, with its rich molasses undertones, adds a layer of flavor that surpasses typical sweeteners like corn syrup or granulated sugar. While this method is straightforward, there are a few important tips to consider if you decide to make it at home.

The flavor of soy sauce can be quite strong, even after adding a generous amount of sugar. Soy sauce is a potent ingredient, which is why it’s a favorite in many recipes. However, on its own, it can be very salty with bitter and umami notes. Additionally, brown sugar tends to clump together. When its molasses is exposed to air, moisture evaporates, causing the sugar crystals to stick together. If it doesn’t dissolve properly while cooking, you might end up with clumps of sugar instead of the well-balanced teriyaki sauce you envision. Be sure to stir your sauce and monitor it closely while it simmers. The rich flavor is definitely worth the effort. You might also consider using this version as a marinade for Karaage, or fried chicken. However, if you need a quick teriyaki fix, combining soy sauce and brown sugar is an excellent way to achieve a similar taste in your dishes.

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