Meet your new secret kitchen weapon: this Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe! Deeply savory, sweet, and kissed with gorgeous umami, this sauce is an instant flavor upgrade for everything from stir-fries to grilled veggies. Black garlic brings a molasses-like richness without any of the punchy bite of raw garlic, rounded out by ginger, soy, and just the right hint of sweetness. Whether you’re a seasoned home cook or just beginning your teriyaki adventures, this simple sauce is about to make you rethink “homemade.”

Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe - Recipe Image

Ingredients You’ll Need

The beauty of this Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe is in its unfussy yet purposeful ingredients—each one plays a role in color, balance, and texture. You don’t need anything fancy, just a short list of pantry heroes ready to turn up the flavor.

¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred): The savory backbone of the sauce, providing saltiness and depth.
2 tablespoons mirin (or rice vinegar): Lends a gentle sweetness and subtle acidity; swap for rice vinegar if you want a brighter, less sweet version.
2 tablespoons brown sugar: Adds caramel notes and helps create that signature glossy teriyaki finish.
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup: Brings even more sweetness and a luscious, silky texture.
4–5 cloves black garlic (mashed into a paste): The showstopper ingredient—packed with earthy, slightly tangy umami.
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger: Zings up the sauce with warmth and freshness, balancing out the sweetness.
1 clove regular garlic (minced): Adds just a touch of classic, sharp garlic flavor without overpowering the black garlic.
½ teaspoon sesame oil: Nutty and aromatic, a tiny splash makes a huge difference.
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional): For those who like a rich, clingy sauce—it thickens up to coat every bite perfectly.

How to Make Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Step 1: Mash and Gather Your Flavor Base

Start by mashing those magical cloves of black garlic into a silky paste. This ensures you’ll get their full, luxurious umami in every spoonful. Grate your ginger, mince your regular garlic, and measure out all the other ingredients so the sauce comes together seamlessly.

Step 2: Simmer and Whisk

In a small saucepan over medium heat, add your soy sauce, mirin (or rice vinegar), brown sugar, honey or maple syrup, black garlic paste, grated ginger, regular garlic, and sesame oil. Whisk everything together thoroughly, making sure the black garlic melts into the mix for a smooth, even sauce.

Step 3: Reduce and Thicken

Bring everything to a gentle simmer. Let the mixture bubble away for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally. You’ll see the sauce reduce a bit as the flavors meld together and intensify. If you like your Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe on the thicker side, whisk in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for another 1–2 minutes until it’s glossy and rich.

Step 4: Cool and Store

Remove your saucepan from heat and let the sauce cool for several minutes. This step thickens it slightly more and makes it less likely to scorch. Pour into a clean jar or container, and your Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe is ready to dazzle!

How to Serve Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Garnishes

This sauce loves a finishing touch! Sprinkle sliced scallions, toasted sesame seeds, or even a pinch of chili flakes for extra color and crunch. These garnishes catch the light and add visual flair as well as extra bursts of flavor in every bite.

Side Dishes

The Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe plays beautifully with a whole spread—serve it over fluffy jasmine rice, alongside stir-fried snap peas, or as a dip for crispy tofu. It transforms even the simplest steamed veggies or grains into crave-worthy dishes. Don’t forget a light, herbaceous salad for extra freshness.

Creative Ways to Present

Try drizzling the sauce over a grilled portobello mushroom “steak,” spooning it into lettuce wraps with grilled chicken or roasted cauliflower, or swirling it into a buddha bowl. A tiny dipping bowl on the side of a vibrant bento box really lets the Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe shine as the star condiment.

Make Ahead and Storage

Storing Leftovers

Once cooled, transfer your sauce to an airtight jar or container and stash it in the fridge. It’ll keep beautifully for up to a week without losing its punch, so you’re always just a spoonful away from instant flavor.

Freezing

Good news: this sauce freezes like a champ! Pour into ice cube trays or small freezer containers for easy, portioned servings. Just label with the date and use within two months for best flavor—defrost what you need in the fridge overnight.

Reheating

To gently reheat, warm the sauce in a small pan over low heat, stirring occasionally. If it’s too thick, add a splash of water to loosen it up. Microwave reheating works too—just use short bursts and stir often for even warmth.

FAQs

Can I make the Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe without cornstarch?

Absolutely! The cornstarch just gives extra body, but the sauce is delicious and slightly syrupy on its own after a bit of simmering. If you want it thickened, you could use arrowroot or tapioca starch as alternatives.

What if I can’t find black garlic?

While black garlic’s flavor is unique, you could try roasted garlic as a backup—just know the taste will change. You might want to seek out black garlic online or in specialty stores for the full, rich experience.

Is this Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe gluten-free?

It can be! Just swap in a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari. Every other ingredient in the recipe is naturally gluten-free, so it adapts easily for dietary needs.

Can I double or triple the recipe?

Definitely! Just scale up all the ingredients proportionally, and use a medium saucepan for larger batches. The extra keeps well in the fridge or freezer, so you’ll always have some on hand for quick meals.

What dishes does this sauce pair best with?

It’s incredibly versatile—think stir-fries, grilled salmon, chicken skewers, roasted Brussels sprouts, and tofu. It even adds an umami punch to noodle bowls or drizzled over a quick fried rice. The sky’s the limit!

Final Thoughts

Go ahead, make a batch of this Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe and watch how it upgrades your favorite meals. The warm, deep flavors are seriously addictive, and you’ll love finding new ways to use it all week long. Don’t forget to share your creations—you just might inspire someone else to start their own umami adventure!

Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

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4.6 from 5 reviews

Author: admin
Total Time: 15 minutes
Yield: ½ cup 1x
Diet: Vegan

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Description

Elevate your dishes with this Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce recipe that combines the unique flavor of black garlic with traditional teriyaki ingredients to create a savory, umami-rich condiment.

Ingredients

Scale

Sauce:

¼ cup soy sauce (low-sodium preferred)
2 tablespoons mirin (or rice vinegar for a less sweet version)
2 tablespoons brown sugar
2 tablespoons honey or maple syrup
4–5 cloves black garlic (mashed into a paste)
1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
1 clove regular garlic (minced)
½ teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)

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Instructions

In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, mirin, brown sugar, honey (or maple syrup), mashed black garlic, grated ginger, regular garlic, and sesame oil. Whisk well to incorporate the black garlic paste fully.
Bring the mixture to a gentle simmer and cook for 4–6 minutes, stirring occasionally until the sauce slightly reduces and the flavors blend.
For a thicker sauce, stir in the cornstarch slurry and simmer for an additional 1–2 minutes until it reaches your desired consistency.
Remove from heat and let cool slightly. Use immediately or store in an airtight jar in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.

Notes

This sauce is perfect for stir-fries, grilled meats, roasted veggies, or as a marinade.
Black garlic adds a rich, molasses-like umami depth without the sharpness of raw garlic.

Prep Time: 5 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Category: Sauce, Condiment
Method: Stovetop
Cuisine: Asian-Inspired