Our Homemade Vegan Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

This homemade vegan teriyaki sauce recipe is the perfect way to bring bold, savory-sweet flavor to your plant-based dishes, without relying on store-bought bottles filled with preservatives or added sugars. 

It’s thick, glossy, and full of umami, with just the right balance of sweetness and tang.

Made with simple pantry ingredients, this teriyaki sauce comes together in minutes and works beautifully for stir-fries, tofu, noodles, or as a marinade. 

Once you make it yourself, you’ll never want to go back to the pre-made version.

Why This Vegan Teriyaki Sauce Is So Useful

Teriyaki sauce is one of those versatile staples that can instantly transform everyday ingredients.

This version keeps things simple, wholesome, and entirely plant-based, with no fish sauce or added animal products.

It’s family-friendly and easy to adjust to your own taste preferences.

Here’s what makes this vegan teriyaki sauce a keeper:

• Thick and glossy with a deliciously balanced flavor
• Uses everyday vegan ingredients (no hard-to-find items)
• Ready in under 10 minutes
• Great for meal prep or quick weeknight dinners
• Naturally dairy-free and made without refined sugar

Whether you’re cooking tofu, roasting vegetables, or meal-prepping grain bowls, this sauce is an easy way to add flavor without fuss.

Ingredients You’ll Need for Vegan Teriyaki Sauce

You probably already have most of these ingredients in your kitchen. Here’s what to gather:

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari
• ¼ cup maple syrup (or agave nectar)
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• 1 tablespoon sesame oil
• 1 tablespoon cornstarch
• 2 tablespoons water (for the cornstarch slurry)
• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
• 1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced
• Optional: 1 to 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

Step-by-Step Instructions for Homemade Vegan Teriyaki Sauce

Making vegan teriyaki sauce at home is quick and easy. Just follow these simple steps:

1. Mix the cornstarch slurry
   In a small bowl, whisk together the cornstarch and water until smooth. Set aside for a while. This will help thicken the sauce later.
   
2. Combine the base ingredients
   In a small saucepan over medium heat, add the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger. Stir well and bring to a low simmer.
   
3. Add the cornstarch mixture
   Slowly whisk in the cornstarch slurry while stirring continuously. This step helps prevent lumps and ensures the sauce thickens evenly.
   
4. Simmer until thickened
   Let the sauce simmer for 2 to 4 minutes, stirring frequently, until it reaches a glossy, pourable consistency. It will continue to thicken slightly as it cools.
   
5. Remove from heat and cool
   Once thickened, remove the pan from the heat. Let the sauce cool slightly before using, or transfer to a jar for storage.
   
6. Optional garnish
   Stir in toasted sesame seeds for added texture and visual appeal, if desired.

How to Use Vegan Teriyaki Sauce

This flavorful sauce pairs beautifully with a wide range of plant-based meals. Here are a few easy ways to use it:

• Toss with crispy tofu, tempeh, or plant-based chicken strips
• Drizzle over steamed rice and vegetables
• Stir into noodles or ramen for a savory-sweet twist
• Use as a marinade for roasted mushrooms or eggplant
• Brush onto veggie skewers before grilling or baking

Its versatility makes it a great go-to sauce for meal prep or last-minute dinners.

Tips for Storing Homemade Vegan Teriyaki Sauce

This sauce stores well and can be made ahead of time for added convenience. 

Allow it to cool completely, then transfer to a jar or airtight container. Store in the refrigerator for up to 5 to 7 days.

If it thickens too much in the fridge, simply stir in a splash of warm water before reheating.

Flavor Variations to Try

You can easily tweak this vegan teriyaki sauce recipe to suit your preferences or switch things up:

• Add a kick with a pinch of chili flakes or sriracha for spicy teriyaki
• Make it citrusy by adding 1 tablespoon of orange or pineapple juice
• Use fresh herbs like cilantro or scallions for added freshness
• Swap sweeteners by using coconut sugar instead of maple syrup
• Try it with different vinegars like apple cider or balsamic for a twist

These variations allow you to customize your sauce depending on the meal or your mood.

Final Thoughts

This homemade vegan teriyaki sauce is a quick, flavorful addition to your plant-based kitchen. 

It’s made from simple ingredients, takes just minutes to prepare, and adds a delicious glaze or marinade to everything from tofu to noodles.

Once you’ve tried this from-scratch version, it’s hard to go back to bottled. It’s a staple for anyone who enjoys bold, savory flavor with a naturally sweet finish.

Our Homemade Vegan Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Recipe by Jess Miller

Servings

4

servings

Prep time

30

minutes

Cooking time

40

minutes

Ingredients

• ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce or tamari

• ¼ cup maple syrup (or agave nectar)

• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar

• 1 tablespoon sesame oil

• 1 tablespoon cornstarch

• 2 tablespoons water (for the cornstarch slurry)

• 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger

• 1 to 2 garlic cloves, minced

• Optional: 1 to 2 teaspoons toasted sesame seeds

Directions

• Mix the cornstarch slurry
• Combine the base ingredients
• Add the cornstarch mixture
• Simmer until thickened
• Remove from heat and cool
• Optional garnish