Add some heat to your favorite Asian recipes with this Spicy Teriyaki Sauce!
Anyone who is familiar with Japanese cuisine should know about teriyaki sauce. Chances are, your mall’s food court features a Little Tokyo or something similar. Or maybe you’ve gone to one of the more authentic Japanese restaurants that feature authentic hibachi grills.
Even if you didn’t already know that teri means “glossy sheen” and yaki refers to “grilling,” you’ve probably tasted teriyaki sauce at some point in your life. The point is, you’ve likely tried teriyaki chicken or some other protein glazed with this delicious sauce. This recipe takes things one step further by creating teriyaki sauce with a little more kick.
Traditional teriyaki sauce is known for its sweet and savory flavors. And don’t worry—thanks to the honey, garlic, and ginger, you’ll still get that. But with chili flakes added to the mix, the flavor of the sauce cranks up the heat for a spicier take. So, if you’ve ever tried teriyaki sauce and thought that something was missing, this recipe adds a little fire to the menu.
Is This Spicy Teriyaki Sauce Healthy?
Spicy teriyaki sauce doesn’t come with many health concerns. In terms of fat and calories, it doesn’t add much to a meal. However, one potential caveat is that the sodium content is high. If you’re watching your sodium intake, use a low-sodium soy sauce. You could also replace the soy sauce with coconut aminos.
Add More Heat
If you’re interested in spicy teriyaki sauce, there is a good chance you like spicy foods. In fact, chili flakes might be too tame for your tongue. You’re in luck, because there are other ways to spice things up.
For starters, you can simply add an extra teaspoon of chili flakes. Adding various types of peppers is an option as well. I would recommend starting out with half a minced jalapeño. This keeps the spice level manageable, but it’s definitely noticeable. If that’s not enough, consider thinly slicing a serrano pepper and letting it simmer with the sauce—keep the seeds for even more of a kick. For some serious heat, mince half a habanero or ghost pepper and add it during the simmering process. You can also go a different route and squirt in some sriracha or gochujang. Replacing the regular honey with Hot Honey Recipe is a great option, too!
Can I Prep This Ahead?
Yes! Simply allow the teriyaki sauce to cool, and then store it in a sealed jar. Refrigerate the sauce for up to 2 weeks.
Serving Suggestions
Spicy teriyaki sauce can be used to replace normal teriyaki sauce in a variety of dishes. The obvious candidate is Teriyaki Chicken, but it’s also really tasty on Air-Fryer Teriyaki Salmon. In the past, I’ve even enjoyed using this as a dipping sauce for Air-Fryer Egg Rolls. Of course, any dish that you think needs an extra kick can benefit from spicy teriyaki sauce, including Paleo Chicken-Cashew Stir-Fry and Thai Lettuce Wraps. Brush the sauce on grilled chicken thighs or toss it on your Teriyaki Chicken Wings—you might need a cold drink, like this Watermelon Sangria, to wash this all down.
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup water
- 1/4 cup honey
- 1 tablespoon rice vinegar
- 2 teaspoons chili flakes
- 1 teaspoon minced garlic
- 1 teaspoon grated ginger
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch
- 2 tablespoons cold water
Instructions
- Combine soy sauce, water, honey, rice vinegar, chili flakes, garlic, ginger, and sesame oil in a saucepan over medium heat.
- Mix cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Add to the saucepan while stirring continuously.
- Bring the mixture to a simmer and cook until the sauce thickens, about 3-4 minutes, stirring frequently.
Nutrition Info:
Nutrition information are estimates only and may vary based on the specific brands, ingredients, and portion sizes you use. This data is provided for informational purposes only.
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