Teriyaki BBQ Sauce Recipe

Name: Teriyaki BBQ Sauce Recipe
Prep time: 5 min
Cook time: 20 min
Ingredients: 2 cups Low Sodium Soy Sauce ((standard soy sauce can be to salty as this reduces)); 1 cup Pineapple Juice; 1.5 cups Ketchup; 1 cup Brown Sugar; 1/2 cup Honey; 1/4 cup Rice Wine Vinegar; 2 tsp Ginger (minced or paste ); 4 Garlic Cloves (minced ); 2 tbsp Sesame Oil; 1 tbsp Cornstarch; 2 tsp Water

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This homemade Teriyaki BBQ Sauce recipe combines the sweet, savory flavors of classic teriyaki with the smoky tang of barbecue for the ultimate glaze or dipping sauce. Perfect for grilling, smoking, or weeknight dinners, this easy sauce adds bold flavor to chicken, pork, seafood, and vegetables.

If you love a balance of sweet, savory, and smoky flavors, this Teriyaki BBQ Sauce is going to be your new favorite kitchen staple. It’s a fusion of classic barbecue depth with the umami punch of homemade teriyaki sauce, and it comes together in just 20 minutes. Whether you’re basting grilled chicken, tossing wings, or using it in these party pineapple teriyaki meatballs recipe, this teriyaki sauce recipe is versatile, bold, and totally addictive.

Why You’ll Love This Recipe

Sweet & Savory Balance: The combo of soy sauce, pineapple juice, and brown sugar creates layers of flavor that hit every taste bud.
Quick & Easy: With simple pantry ingredients, you can make a batch of homemade teriyaki sauce in under 30 minutes.
Versatile Use: Works as a glaze on chicken or foods like my smoked duck wings, dipping sauce, marinade, or stir-fry sauce. You’ll find endless ways to enjoy it.

Ingredients

Base Flavors

Soy sauce (use low-sodium to balance saltiness; tamari works for a gluten-free option)
Ketchup (adds body and tang; substitute tomato paste with a splash of vinegar if preferred)
Pineapple juice (classic for fruity sweetness; orange juice also works well)

Sweetener

Brown sugar and honey (gives rich caramel notes; maple syrup, or coconut sugar)

Acidity & Depth

Rice vinegar (mild and balanced; substitute apple cider vinegar or white wine vinegar)
Sesame oil (adds nutty aroma; toasted sesame oil or even a drizzle of olive oil can be used in a pinch)

Fresh Aromatics

Garlic (fresh minced is best; garlic powder can be used if needed)
Ginger (grated fresh root; ground ginger works in smaller amounts as a backup)

Heat Options

Red pepper flakes (adds mild spice)
Sriracha or another chili sauce (for more heat and tangy depth)

Thickener

Cornstarch mixed with water (to create a slurry; arrowroot powder can be substituted for a similar effect)

Step-by-Step Instructions

Combine the Base: In a medium saucepan, whisk together soy sauce, pineapple juice, ketchup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, ginger, and red pepper flakes or sriracha.
Simmer: Place the pan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a gentle simmer. Cook for about 10 minutes, stirring occasionally, until the sugar dissolves and the flavors meld together.
Thicken: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch with cold water. Slowly pour this slurry into the simmering sauce, whisking constantly. Cook for 2–3 more minutes until the sauce thickens.
Cool & Store: Remove from the heat and let cool before transferring to jars or containers for storage.

Steps for making Guinness BBQ sauce on the stove

Storage & Preservation

Store your Teriyaki BBQ Sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. For longer storage, freeze it in small portions (ice cube trays or half-cup containers work great). Thaw in the fridge overnight and warm gently on the stove when ready to use.

Teriyaki BBQ Sauce Recipe with pork and pineapple meatballs

Serving Suggestions

This sauce is endlessly versatile. Brush it over grilled wings for game day, on smoked baby back ribs or pulled pork, toss it with my homemade pork meatballs, or glaze over the salmon in my salmon stir fry recipe for a quick weeknight dinner. It pairs beautifully with vegetable stir-fries, rice bowls, or even as a dip for egg rolls and dumplings. If you’ve tried recipes like my smoked pork belly burnt ends or my smoked party ribs, this homemade teriyaki sauce takes those flavors up a notch with a BBQ twist.

Expert Tips

Go Low-Sodium: Use low-sodium soy sauce to keep the saltiness balanced, especially since the sauce reduces as it cooks.
Adjust Sweetness: For a sweeter sauce, add more brown sugar or swap in honey for a richer flavor.
Control Thickness: If you prefer a thinner glaze, reduce or skip the cornstarch slurry. For a thicker dipping sauce, add an extra teaspoon of cornstarch.
Make it Smoky: Add a pinch of smoked paprika or a drop of liquid smoke to lean into the BBQ side of the flavor.

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Homemade Memphis BBQ Sauce

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Alabama White Sauce Recipe

Cranberry BBQ Sauce