Fresh & Easy Gluten-Free Teriyaki Sauce

By Amanda Paa – Updated April 24, 2023
5 from 1 vote
This gluten-free teriyaki sauce is made with tamari instead of soy sauce, and has the classic richness and shiny luster of this sweet and salty condiment. It comes together in 10 minutes on the stovetop. Fresh ginger and garlic add brightness and balance. Use it as a marinade or sauce for vegetables, meat, and tofu.
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broccoli tossed with gluten-free teriyaki sauce on white plate

One of the first things I noticed when I went gluten-free in 2011 was that soy sauce was in SO many things, especially sauces and condiments. And what is soy sauce made of? Soybeans and wheat.

Teriyaki sauce is delicious and an integral part of some of my favorite dishes and stir-fries. The main ingredient for teriyaki sauce is soy sauce, so I developed this gluten-free recipe to use instead. This sauce is rich and has a beautiful shiny luster with sweet and salty flavors. Fresh ginger and garlic add brightness and balance.

Tamari is the base for gluten-free teriyaki sauce, which replaces soy sauce.

Tamari is made solely from fermented soybeans, and tastes nearly identical to soy sauce. It is slightly less salty and a darker color, with richer flavor. I actually prefer it!

Ingredients for Gluten-Free Teriyaki Sauce

  • tamari
  • garlic
  • fresh ginger
  • rice wine vinegar
  • brown sugar
  • honey
  • cornstarch
  • sesame oil

Delicious Ways to Use Gluten-Free Teriyaki Sauce

Homemade gluten-free teriyaki sauce is incredibly versatile and can be used in multiple ways throughout your meal planning. Here are a few of my favorites:

making teriyaki sauce in a saucepan with whisk

How to Make Homemade Gluten-Free Teriyaki Sauce

  1. In a small saucepan, add all ingredients besides sesame oil and cornstarch. Bring to a gentle boil, whisking to dissolve sugar.
  2. In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch with 3 tablespoons cool water. Turn heat to medium and whisk cornstarch mixture into saucepan. Let it come to a soft simmer, with bubbles around the edges, and it will start to thicken over 4-5 minutes, coating the back of the spoon. You don’t want it to be overly thick, as it will continue to thicken as it cools. 
  3. Remove from heat and whisk in sesame oil. Pour into a glass jar and let cool before storing in the fridge. 

Is all teriyaki sauce gluten-free?

Unfortunately most store-bought bottles of teriyaki sauce are not gluten-free because soy sauce is the main ingredient, which is made from wheat. The same goes for many “teriyaki” restaurant dishes, so be sure to ask your server before ordering.

Luckily, tamari is the one simple ingredient swap you can make at home to replace the soy sauce and create delicious gluten-free teriyaki sauce in just 10 minutes.

gluten-free teriyaki sauce in a saucepan, with a spoon
gluten free teriyaki sauce in a glass jar with spoon

More Gluten-Free Sauces:

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gluten free teriyaki sauce in glass jar

Quick & Fresh Gluten-Free Teriyaki Sauce

This gluten-free teriyaki sauce is made with tamari instead of soy sauce, and has the classic richness and shiny luster of this sweet and salty condiment. Fresh ginger and garlic add brightness and balance. It can be used as a marinade or sauce.
5 from 1 vote
Cook Time :10 minutes
Yield: 1 cup
Author: Amanda Paa

Ingredients

  • ¼ cup tamari
  • 3/4 cup water
  • 2 cloves garlic, finely minced
  • 2 teaspoons minced fresh ginger
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 3 tablespoons brown sugar
  • 2 tablespoons honey
  • 3 cracks of fresh black pepper
  • 2 tablespoons cornstarch (which will be whisked in with 3 additional tablespoons water)
  • 1 1/2 teaspoons toasted sesame oil

Instructions 

  • In a small saucepan, add all ingredients besides sesame oil and cornstarch. Bring to a gentle boil, whisking to dissolve sugar.
  • In a small bowl, whisk together cornstarch with 3 tablespoons cool water. Turn heat to medium and whisk cornstarch mixture into saucepan. Let it come to a soft simmer, with bubbles around the edges, and it will start to thicken over 3ish minutes, coating the back of the spoon. You don’t want it to be overly thick, as it will continue to thicken as it cools.
  • Remove from heat and whisk in sesame oil. Pour into a glass jar and let cool before storing in the fridge for up to 7 days.

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April 24, 2023

COMMENT & RATE

I look forward to your comments, reviews and questions! If you love this recipe, please rate it when you leave a comment. Star ratings help people discover my recipes. Your support means a lot; thank you for being a part of the Heartbeet Kitchen community.

Amanda

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Recipe Rating




5 from 1 vote

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4 comments

  1. Anne

    5 stars
    This was delicious
    Thank you

    • Amanda Paa

      So glad you liked it!

  2. Erin

    I am using sweet rice flour as the thickener. When using that as a substitute for cornstarch, I double the amount. My teriyaki sauce was so thick that I had to make the recipe again without the starch and then mix the two together. Is 2 T. cornstarch the correct amount? Taste is very good.

    • Amanda Paa

      Hi! Yes, that amount of cornstarch is correct amount; I’m wondering if you got the mixture too hot or boiled too high? You can always add more water to decrease the thickness.