Teriyaki sauce is a popular Japanese cooking sauce that can add a sweet and savory flavor to vegetables, meat, fish, and more. Spicy teriyaki sauce has all the flavors of traditional teriyaki with the addition of chili peppers or cayenne pepper to give it some heat and spice.
Main Ingredients
While there are many variations, most spicy teriyaki sauces contain a similar base of ingredients:
- Soy sauce – For saltiness and umami flavor
- Rice vinegar or mirin – For sweetness
- Sugar or honey – To balance the soy sauce saltiness
- Fresh ginger – For some spiciness and to cut the sweetness
- Garlic – For aroma
- Chili peppers or cayenne – For heat
- Cornstarch or arrowroot – To thicken the sauce
The specific amounts of each ingredient can vary based on personal tastes and just how spicy you want the final teriyaki sauce to be. Some chefs also add extras like sesame oil, rice wine, and orange juice or zest.
Soy Sauce
Soy sauce is the base ingredient in teriyaki sauce. It provides the characteristic salty, umami flavor. For spicy teriyaki, you want to use a good quality soy sauce. Some chefs recommend using naturally brewed soy sauce instead of chemically produced varieties.
Tamari and coconut aminos can be used instead of soy sauce for a gluten-free option. The amounts may need to be adjusted though since tamari has a bolder, richer taste.
Rice Vinegar
Rice vinegar adds sweetness and acidity to balance out the saltiness of the soy sauce in teriyaki. It helps provide that signature teriyaki flavor profile. Rice vinegar ranges in sweetness, so taste test a few varieties to find one you like.
You can substitute other vinegars like apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar. Just start with smaller amounts and adjust to taste.
Sugar
Sugar complements the salty soy sauce and helps make teriyaki sauce sweet and sticky. White sugar is most commonly used, but you can also use brown sugar, honey, agave, or maple syrup.
Start with around 1/4 cup sugar for every 1/2 cup of soy sauce as a basic ratio. Adjust according to your preferences.
Fresh Ginger
Fresh ginger adds a little spiciness and also helps cut any overly sweet flavors. Grated or minced ginger is best for mixing into teriyaki sauce. The longer the ginger is cooked, the more mellow in flavor it will become.
Powdered dried ginger can work as a substitute but has a more concentrated flavor. Use about half the amount of ground ginger as you would fresh.
Garlic
Garlic provides an aromatic component to teriyaki sauce. Crushed or minced garlic is commonly used so it blends into the sauce evenly. Roasted garlic can also add a mellow sweetness.
Garlic powder will work in a pinch but adds a more intense garlicky punch than fresh garlic cloves.
Chili Peppers
This is where the spicy aspect of spicy teriyaki comes from! Finely chopped chili peppers add heat and a hint of fruity flavor. Most recipes call for red jalapenos or serranos, but you can experiment with different kinds of peppers.
Cayenne pepper and crushed red pepper flakes quickly stir into the sauce. For a milder spice, use paprika or a dash of Sriracha instead.
Cornstarch
A small amount of cornstarch helps thicken the teriyaki sauce so it nicely coats foods with a sticky glaze. It also creates a rich, glossy appearance.
Arrowroot powder can be substituted for cornstarch. Use about 1 teaspoon arrowroot for every 1 tablespoon of cornstarch called for.
Extra Ingredients
While the ingredients above make up the bulk of most spicy teriyaki recipes, some chefs like to add a few extras for more complexity of flavor.
A splash of rice wine like mirin or sake adds sweetness and acidity similar to rice vinegar. Sesame oil will give a nutty aroma and toasty sesame flavor. Orange juice or grated zest can also enhance the sweetness.
For a thicker sauce, chopped scallions or minced onion can provide texture and flavor. Dried spices like five spice powder, chili flakes, or crushed peppercorn can dial up the heat as well.
How to Make Spicy Teriyaki Sauce
Here is a basic process for how to make homemade spicy teriyaki sauce:
- Combine the soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, and ginger in a saucepan. Whisk together.
- Add the chopped chili peppers and bring the mixture to a simmer over medium-high heat. Let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- Make a slurry by mixing the cornstarch with a bit of water. Pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while stirring constantly.
- Let the sauce simmer until it thickens enough to coat the back of a spoon, about 5 more minutes.
- Remove from the heat and add any extras like sesame oil, orange juice, etc.
- Allow the teriyaki sauce to cool before using or storing. It will thicken more as it cools.
The sauce can be used immediately or kept refrigerated in a sealed container for up to 2 weeks. Some tips for adjustments:
- For thicker sauce, use more cornstarch or simmer longer to reduce.
- For thinner sauce, add a splash of water and simmer briefly.
- For sweeter sauce, add more sugar, honey, or orange juice.
- For spicier sauce, add more chopped peppers or cayenne pepper.
Teriyaki Sauce Substitutes
Don’t have all the makings for homemade teriyaki? Here are some pre-made substitutes you can use instead:
- Prepared bottled teriyaki sauce – Add chili paste or cayenne to it
- Hoisin sauce – Spice it up with sriracha and ginger
- Oyster sauce – Mix with soy sauce, vinegar, and chili peppers
- Stir fry sauce – Look for spicy flavors
You can also quickly combine and simmer these ingredients:
- Soy sauce
- Honey or brown sugar
- Rice vinegar or lemon juice
- Minced garlic
- Grated ginger
- Crushed red pepper
Start with 2-3 tablespoons of each (except 1/4 tsp red pepper) and adjust to your taste.
How to Use Spicy Teriyaki Sauce
Spicy teriyaki sauce adds delicious flavor to all kinds of recipes. Try using it to make:
- Teriyaki chicken, beef, or salmon
- Stir fries with vegetables and meat
- Grilled or roasted vegetables
- Rice bowls
- Glazed shrimp or scallops
- Marinade for chicken wings or skewers
As a general rule, use about 1/4 to 1/3 cup of the sauce per 1 pound of food. Toss or brush the sauce onto ingredients then cook as desired until lightly caramelized. The sugar content means the sauce can burn quickly, so watch carefully when grilling, broiling, or pan frying.
Spicy teriyaki also makes a flavorful dipping sauce for dumplings, potstickers, egg rolls, and tempura.
Teriyaki Sauce Storage
To maintain the best flavor and texture, follow these storage tips for leftover spicy teriyaki sauce:
- Let the sauce cool completely before storing.
- Transfer to an airtight glass or plastic container.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
- Freeze for up to 3 months.
- Reheat gently on the stovetop or microwave until warm when ready to reuse.
If the sauce seems too thick after storing, whisk in a bit of warm water before using to thin it out again.
Spicy Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
Try out this tasty homemade recipe for spicy teriyaki sauce:
Ingredients
- 1/2 cup soy sauce
- 1/4 cup rice vinegar
- 1/4 cup honey or brown sugar
- 2 tablespoons fresh grated ginger
- 3 garlic cloves, minced
- 1-2 jalapeno or serrano peppers, finely chopped
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 1/2 tablespoons cornstarch
- Sesame oil to taste
Instructions
- In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, rice vinegar, honey, ginger, garlic, and jalapenos.
- Bring to a boil over medium high heat, then reduce heat and let simmer for 2-3 minutes.
- In a small bowl, mix the water and cornstarch together until smooth.
- Stir the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan. Cook, stirring, until sauce thickens, about 5 minutes.
- Remove from heat and stir in sesame oil to taste.
- Allow to cool completely before using or storing.
Notes
- Add more or less jalapenos depending on desired spice level.
- For gluten-free, use tamari instead of soy sauce.
- Sesame oil is optional but adds nice flavor.
- Stored in the refrigerator, the sauce will keep for up to 2 weeks.
FAQs
What’s the difference between regular and spicy teriyaki sauce?
The main difference is that spicy teriyaki contains additional chili peppers or cayenne pepper to give it a spicy heat. Other than that added spice, the ingredients are very similar to traditional teriyaki.
Is spicy teriyaki sauce spicy hot?
It can range from mildly spicy to very spicy depending on the type and amount of chili peppers used. Most commercial spicy teriyaki sauces add just enough heat to complement the sweetness but aren’t terribly hot. Homemade sauce can be adjusted for desired spiciness.
What chili peppers are used in spicy teriyaki?
Common choices are jalapeno, serrano, and red chili peppers. Cayenne powder is also sometimes used. Mixing different types of peppers can give a layered, nuanced spicy flavor.
Can you make spicy teriyaki gluten-free?
Yes, substitute tamari or coconut aminos for the regular soy sauce, and use corn starch instead of wheat flour to thicken it.
How long does homemade spicy teriyaki sauce last?
Stored in an airtight container in the fridge, it will keep for up to 2 weeks. Frozen spicy teriyaki sauce will last for about 3 months.
Conclusion
With a mix of soy sauce, vinegar, sugar, garlic, ginger, chili peppers, and cornstarch, you can whip up a quick homemade batch of spicy teriyaki sauce. Let it simmer to create that perfect sticky, sweet, spicy glaze for all kinds of Asian recipes. Adjust the ingredients to suit your preferred level of spice and sweetness. Store any leftovers for up to two weeks refrigerated or up to three months in the freezer. Spicy teriyaki sauce is so versatile and easy to make at home!