Vegan Teriyaki Sauce Recipe Easy and Delicious Guide

Updated On: September 30, 2025

Teriyaki sauce is a classic Asian condiment beloved for its perfect balance of sweet, salty, and umami flavors. The good news?

You don’t need any animal products to enjoy this delicious sauce! Our vegan teriyaki sauce recipe is incredibly easy to make at home, using wholesome ingredients that you likely already have in your kitchen.

Whether you’re drizzling it over stir-fried veggies, marinating tofu, or adding a flavorful glaze to roasted dishes, this sauce will become your new kitchen staple.

This recipe is perfect for anyone looking to enjoy a rich, savory sauce without the use of fish sauce or honey. Plus, making it from scratch means you can control the sweetness and saltiness to your liking.

Get ready to elevate your plant-based meals with a sauce that’s both comforting and vibrant. And if you love experimenting with vegan cooking, don’t miss our Asian Vegan Recipes for Delicious and Healthy Meals for more inspiration.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Our vegan teriyaki sauce is not only quick and simple to prepare but also incredibly versatile. Unlike store-bought versions, this homemade sauce contains no preservatives, artificial flavors, or added sugars.

It’s a healthier alternative that tastes fresh and vibrant.

The ingredients are pantry-friendly, making it an ideal recipe to whip up any time you want a burst of flavor. Plus, it’s gluten-free if you use tamari instead of regular soy sauce, making it suitable for many dietary needs.

This sauce pairs well with a variety of dishes, from grilled vegetables to rice bowls and even as a dipping sauce for snacks.

If you’re interested in more easy and tasty vegan recipes, check out our Veg Recipes for Slow Cooker: Easy, Tasty Meal Ideas and Vegetable Alfredo Recipes for Creamy, Healthy Dinners.

Ingredients

Ingredient Quantity
Low-sodium soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free) 1/2 cup
Maple syrup (or agave nectar) 1/4 cup
Rice vinegar 2 tablespoons
Water 1/4 cup
Garlic, minced 2 cloves
Fresh ginger, grated 1 tablespoon
Sesame oil 1 teaspoon
Cornstarch (or arrowroot powder) 1 tablespoon
Cold water (for slurry) 2 tablespoons

Equipment

  • Small saucepan
  • Whisk
  • Measuring cups and spoons
  • Grater or microplane (for ginger)
  • Garlic press or knife (for mincing garlic)
  • Small bowl (for cornstarch slurry)

Instructions

  1. Combine the base ingredients: In a small saucepan, whisk together the soy sauce, maple syrup, rice vinegar, and water over medium heat.
  2. Add the aromatics: Stir in the freshly minced garlic and grated ginger. Allow the mixture to come to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally.
  3. Prepare the cornstarch slurry: In a small bowl, mix the cornstarch with cold water until fully dissolved to avoid lumps.
  4. Thicken the sauce: Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering saucepan while whisking continuously. The sauce will start to thicken within a minute or two.
  5. Add the finishing touch: Remove the saucepan from the heat and stir in the sesame oil for a rich, nutty flavor.
  6. Cool and store: Let the sauce cool to room temperature before transferring it to an airtight container. It will keep well in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.

Tips & Variations

“For a spicier kick, add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of sriracha while simmering.”

Want a thicker sauce for glazing? Simply increase the cornstarch to 2 tablespoons and adjust the water slurry accordingly.

If you prefer a less sweet sauce, reduce the maple syrup to 2 tablespoons.

For a richer flavor, try adding a tablespoon of mirin or a splash of orange juice. If you’re avoiding soy, explore our Soy Free Vegan Recipes for Delicious Plant-Based Meals for alternative sauces and marinades.

Don’t hesitate to experiment by incorporating chopped green onions or toasted sesame seeds as garnish to add both texture and visual appeal to your dishes.

Nutrition Facts

Nutrient Amount per 2 tbsp serving
Calories 40
Carbohydrates 9g
Sugar 7g
Protein 1g
Fat 0.5g
Sodium 600mg

Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary based on ingredient brands and measurements.

Serving Suggestions

This vegan teriyaki sauce is a wonderful addition to many dishes. Try it as a marinade for tofu, tempeh, or seitan to infuse deep flavor before grilling or baking.

It’s also fantastic drizzled over stir-fried vegetables or mixed into rice and noodle bowls for a delicious Asian flair.

Use it as a dipping sauce for spring rolls, dumplings, or veggie skewers. For a quick weeknight meal, toss steamed broccoli or green beans with this sauce and garnish with sesame seeds for an easy side dish.

Looking for more plant-based meal ideas? Check out our Vegetarian Date Cake Recipe: Moist, Easy, and Delicious for a sweet treat to finish your meal, or try the Vegan Bread Machine Recipe for Soft, Delicious Loaves to bake fresh bread that pairs perfectly with savory dishes.

Conclusion

Making your own vegan teriyaki sauce is a rewarding and tasty way to bring authentic flavors into your kitchen without relying on processed ingredients. This recipe is not only quick and easy but also flexible enough to suit your taste preferences and dietary needs.

Whether you’re a seasoned vegan or simply looking to add more plant-based meals to your rotation, this sauce will quickly become a go-to for enhancing your dishes. Remember, the magic lies in balancing the sweet, salty, and savory elements while using fresh ingredients like garlic and ginger to elevate every bite.

We hope you enjoy this vegan teriyaki sauce as much as we do! For more delicious plant-based sauces and recipes, be sure to explore our collection of Vegan Bechamel Sauce Recipe for Creamy Pasta Dishes and other flavorful options to keep your meals exciting and wholesome.

📖 Recipe Card: Vegan Teriyaki Sauce

Description: A rich and flavorful vegan teriyaki sauce perfect for glazing tofu, vegetables, or stir-fries. Easy to make with simple pantry ingredients.

Prep Time: PT5M
Cook Time: PT10M
Total Time: PT15M

Servings: 1 cup

Ingredients

  • 1/2 cup soy sauce (or tamari for gluten-free)
  • 1/4 cup water
  • 3 tablespoons maple syrup
  • 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
  • 1 tablespoon grated fresh ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic, minced
  • 1 tablespoon cornstarch
  • 2 tablespoons cold water
  • 1 teaspoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)

Instructions

  1. In a small saucepan, combine soy sauce, water, maple syrup, rice vinegar, ginger, and garlic.
  2. Bring the mixture to a gentle boil over medium heat.
  3. In a separate bowl, mix cornstarch and cold water until smooth.
  4. Slowly whisk the cornstarch mixture into the boiling sauce.
  5. Cook and stir until the sauce thickens, about 2-3 minutes.
  6. Remove from heat and stir in toasted sesame oil.
  7. Let the sauce cool slightly before using.
  8. Optional: Garnish with sesame seeds before serving.

Nutrition: Calories: 60 | Protein: 2g | Fat: 1g | Carbs: 12g

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Photo of author

Marta K

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