In a house full of school-aged kids, having some teriyaki sauce on hand is non-negotiable. When we shifted to a refined-sugar-free lifestyle, recreating a version our kids would love became a mission. They're obsessed with teriyaki noodles, so I worked on a homemade alternative that would taste just like the original - and honestly, it turned out even better.
To keep the sticky-sweet glaze and that classic umami flavor, I relied on honey, fresh ginger, and a touch of sesame oil. After testing multiple batches, I finally found the naturally sweetened blend that delivers that authentic teriyaki feel without any refined sugar. We've used it on everything from salmon to veggie stir-fries, and the fact that all four kids ask for seconds says it all.
This sticky, honey-based sauce is my go-to finishing touch for homemade poke bowls or stir-fries, and it also makes a flavorful dipping sauce. I also like to use it in pulled-pork tortilla tacos (no surprise, we never have any leftovers).
If you skip the cornstarch step, the sauce instantly becomes a marinade that's bold, sweet & savoury, and perfectly balanced. It brings a rich, balanced flavor to baked salmon, chicken (hello, hot honey chicken salad), or pulled pork without having to mix a dozen different spices.
Ingredients
Soy Sauce: I use low-sodium soy sauce for a less salty taste. Keep in mind that you can swap it with tamari sauce for a gluten-free version, too.
Honey: Instead of refined sugar, honey adds natural sweetness and helps create that signature teriyaki glaze. I always use raw or unfiltered honey for added nutrients. Check out the Alternative Sweeteners section below if you need more options.
Apple Cider Vinegar: It balances the sweetness and enhances the overall flavor. Apple cider vinegar can be substituted with rice vinegar.
Fresh Ginger: Freshly grated ginger works best, but ground ginger and ginger paste have also done the job when I had no fresh ginger at hand.
Fresh Garlic: I love how garlic adds rich depth of flavor, and I can't imagine this sauce without it. Fresh minced garlic is ideal, but garlic powder can be used if you're short on time.
Sesame Oil: A small amount of sesame oil adds a toasted, nutty aroma that takes the sauce to the next level. A little goes a long way!
Step-By-Step Instructions
Mix the Ingredients - In a bowl or jar, whisk together soy sauce, honey, apple cider vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil until well combined. Use as a Sauce or Marinade - Use immediately as a marinade or drizzle over your favorite dish.
Thicken the Sauce (Optional) - Pour the sauce into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Dissolve one teaspoon of cornstarch in one tablespoon of water, then stir it into the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Alternative Sweeteners
Honey is by far the best option for teriyaki sauce due to its flavor and texture. However, there are alternative sweeteners if honey is not an option for you. Maple or date syrup might be the closest to honey in texture and sweetness, and they're also low-carb, which is great for a low-carb or even keto diet (see our keto sweetener guide and sugar-free baking conversion post for more details on different types of sugar-free natural sweeteners).
Storage
I keep my teriyaki sauce in an airtight container (like a mason jar or a bottle with a cap) in the fridge for up to a week. Since there are no preservatives, its shelf life is shorter than that of store-bought sauces. However, with only 10 minutes of prep time, it's not that difficult to make a new batch whenever you need it.
If you tried this recipe, I'd really appreciate it if you could leave a star rating and let me know how it turned out! I'd love to hear your feedback. Thanks so much for your support!
Homemade Honey Teriyaki Sauce (No Sugar)
Ingredients
- ½ cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 3 tablespoon honey
- 1 tablespoon apple cider vinegar
- 1 tablespoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon fresh ginger grated
- 1 clove garlic
Optional (for thickening):
- 2 teaspoon corn starch
Instructions
- Mix the Ingredients: In a bowl or jar, whisk together all the basic ingredients until well combined. Use immediately as a marinade or drizzle over your favorite dish.
- To make a thicker sauce (optional but recommended for a more authentic texture): Pour the sauce into a small saucepan and heat over medium heat. Dissolve 1 teaspoon of cornstarch in 1 tablespoon of water, then stir it into the sauce. Simmer for 2-3 minutes until thickened.
Notes
- Use your preferred sweetener instead of honey, such as maple or date syrup, or a brown sugar substitute for a low-carb version.
- Add sesame seeds for extra texture or chili flakes for a spicier version.
- Store in an airtight container in a fridge for up to a week.
Nutritional Information
Disclaimer: This nutrition label has been created using the calculator provided by www.verywellfit.com, and it may not be 100% accurate.
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