There’s nothing stopping you now from soaking your favorite foods in this rich, tangy marinade.
One of my most commonly ordered items at Asian restaurants is teriyaki tofu. And why shouldn’t it be? The juicy marinade makes me drool just thinking about it. But how much fresher and full of flavor is homemade teriyaki marinade? It has the same tangy taste, but with a twist. You can make as much as you want for personal meal prep, and it lasts a long time in the fridge or freezer.
Originally from ancient Japan, teriyaki sauce is a terrific glaze that was applied over broiled or grilled meats. It can go on basically anything. Meat, tofu, mushrooms—you name it. All are welcome at the table when teriyaki is the taste enhancer. The classic combo of soy sauce, honey, sugar, garlic, and ginger is one-of-a-kind.
Now that I think about it, I’m not sure I know anyone who doesn’t like teriyaki marinade. It’s that delicious! So, if you’re seeking an easy way to turn a meal from bland to bold, whip up this five-minute marinade. It’s just as delicious as restaurant versions, but you get to customize it to your liking.
What does “teriyaki” mean?
Translated literally from Japanese, teri means “gloss” or “luster,” while yaki refers to the “grilled” or “broiled” method of cooking. This makes perfect sense when we consider that teriyaki sauce is usually glazed on top of grilled meats or veggies. But this marinade takes it to a whole other level by acting as a bath of flavor for whatever soaks in it. This allows the flavors to penetrate deeper into the food, spreading throughout the whole meal while making it nice and tender.
How do I store leftovers?
Store teriyaki marinade in a well-sealed jar and refrigerate for up to 2 weeks. Alternatively, transfer it to a freezer-safe container and freeze for 2-3 months. Then, thaw it in the fridge overnight. When you’re ready to serve it, whisk it with a fork to mix everything smoothly, and then use it in your desired dish.
Serving suggestions
Seeking an easy and enjoyable Asian meal? Incorporate teriyaki marinade into Beef Teriyaki and Slow-Cooker Rice, Hawaiian Teriyaki Chicken with Pork Fried Rice, or Broccoli Tofu Stir-Fry and Pan-Fried Noodles. Alternatively, for something light and bright, drizzle teriyaki marinade over Asian Cabbage Salad. You’ll never know how yummy a dish will be unless you try it!
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon light brown sugar
- 3 cloves garlic, minced
- 1- inch piece fresh ginger grated
- 1/4 cup water for sauce thickening, optional
- 1 tablespoon cornstarch for sauce thickening, optional
Instructions
- In a bowl, combine the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, brown sugar, garlic, and ginger. Stir well until the brown sugar is fully dissolved.
- Place your protein, tofu, or vegetables in a non-metal container. Pour the marinade over and let sit in the refrigerator for at least 30 minutes to enhance flavor.
- Optional: If you prefer a thicker sauce for glazing, pour any leftover marinade into a small saucepan. In a separate cup, whisk together the water and cornstarch to create a slurry.
- If you add a slurry, place the sauce in a saucepan over medium heat and cook for about 5 minutes until the sauce thickens.
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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