Vegan teriyaki sauce is simple to make yet packed with sweet, umami-rich flavors. It's perfect for a variety of recipes, from marinades to sauces and dips.
Heat a saucepan over low-medium. Add the sesame seeds in, and toast them until they are fragrant and turning golden brown, about 3-5 minutes.
In the meantime, whisk together the cornstarch and water in a separate bowl until dissolved. Set aside.
Increase the heat to medium, then add the tamari, maple syrup, brown sugar, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and cornstarch slurry. Whisk until the consistency is uniform.
Bring the teriyaki sauce to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to simmer for about 6-8 minutes, or until the sauce thickens to your desired consistency.
Remove the sauce from the heat, and let it cool before transferring it to an airtight container for storage. Happy eating!
Notes
Use quality tamari: The quality of tamari significantly affects the sauce's flavor. Invest in a good-quality tamari brand, like San-J or Kikkoman, for the best results.Simmer at low heat: Keep the sauce at a low simmer rather than a full boil while thickening it. This prevents the sugars from burning and allows the flavors to meld.Be patient: Heat the sauce until it’s thick enough to cover the back of a spoon.Consistency: If the sauce is too thick or too thin after the initial cooking, adjust its consistency by adding a little more water or cornstarch slurry. Remember to heat it for another minute or so to activate the cornstarch.Cornstarch is not traditionally included in teriyaki sauce, but I prefer the thick, glossy texture it creates. You can omit it if you prefer.Keep an eye on the sesame seeds as they toast to prevent burning them!Remember to stir the sauce occasionally to prevent it from sticking to the bottom of the pan and burning.Nutritional information is a rough estimate and should not be taken as health advice.