Rich, umami-packed, and just the right touch of sweetness—this Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce is a true flavor bomb and an instant secret weapon in your kitchen! Elevate everything from stir-fries to grilled meats with its complex depth and silky texture—trust me, your taste buds are in for a treat!
Why You’ll Love This Recipe
- Deep Umami Magic: Black garlic adds a sweet, earthy richness you just can’t find in regular teriyaki sauces.
- Versatile Uses: Drizzle it over grilled meats, roasted veggies, noodles, or even as a marinade—the possibilities are endless!
- Fuss-Free Ingredients: Simple pantry staples transform into an elevated, restaurant-worthy sauce with minimal effort.
- Make Ahead Friendly: Keeps beautifully in the fridge, making meal prep and quick dinners absolutely effortless.
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce is wonderfully simple, but each ingredient plays an important role in building those craveable layers of flavor and the perfect glossy texture. Here’s how each one brings a little magic to your kitchen:
- Black Garlic Cloves: The star ingredient! These fermented cloves bring deep, sweet umami with subtle balsamic notes.
- Soy Sauce: Provides that essential salty backbone and classic teriyaki color.
- Sesame Oil: Just a hint adds a nutty, toasty aroma that instantly reminds you of your favorite Asian dishes.
- Fresh Ginger: Brightens up the sauce with zesty warmth—fresh is best here for maximum punch.
- Brown Sugar: Balances the savory notes, creating that lovely sticky finish.
- Honey: Adds a smoother sweetness and shiny, luscious texture.
- Water: Used both to blend and to thin the sauce to just the right consistency.
- Cornstarch: The secret to achieving that rich, silky thickness that coats every bite.
Variations
This Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce is flexible and loves to be customized! You can easily adapt the recipe to suit your pantry, dietary needs, or flavor cravings—let your creativity shine with these easy ideas:
- Gluten-Free: Use tamari or coconut aminos in place of soy sauce for a gluten-free version without losing any depth of flavor.
- Spicy Kick: Add a teaspoon of sriracha or a pinch of red pepper flakes for a subtle heat that balances the sweetness.
- Extra Citrus: A splash of fresh orange or lime juice at the end adds bright, fresh complexity—perfect for seafood.
- Vegan: Replace the honey with agave syrup or maple syrup for a vegan-friendly option that tastes just as delicious.
How to Make Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce
Step 1: Blend the Black Garlic and Ginger
Add the black garlic cloves, fresh ginger, and half a cup of water to your blender or small food processor. Blend for about 20 seconds until the mixture is completely smooth—it’s okay if you see tiny flecks, but you want everything nicely integrated.
Step 2: Combine Base Ingredients in Saucepot
Pour your blended black garlic mixture into a medium saucepan. Add the soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, and honey. Give it all a good stir to make sure nothing sticks to the bottom—this gets your aromatics and sweeteners mingling beautifully.
Step 3: Mix Cornstarch Slurry
In a separate small bowl, whisk together 1 cup of cool water with the cornstarch until no lumps remain. This simple step ensures your Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce thickens up smooth and glossy, without any chalky bits.
Step 4: Simmer and Thicken
Add your cornstarch slurry to the saucepan and stir well. Bring the whole mix to a gentle boil over medium-high heat, then reduce to a low simmer, stirring occasionally. Let it bubble for around 15 minutes, until the sauce has thickened enough to coat the back of a spoon and the flavors are rich and unified.
Step 5: Finish and Serve
Remove the pan from heat. Give the sauce a taste—add a splash more soy or a drizzle of honey if you want to tweak the balance. Use your Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce immediately, or let it cool and refrigerate for a ready-to-go flavor boost anytime.
Pro Tips for Making Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce
- Blender Boost: Use a high-speed blender for that ultra-creamy finish, preventing any grainy bits of garlic or ginger in the final sauce.
- Cornstarch Slurry Perfection: Always mix your cornstarch with cold water first—adding directly to hot liquid will cause lumps that are very hard to smooth out.
- Low and Slow Simmer: Resist the urge to boil vigorously—the gentle simmer helps flavors develop and avoids over-thickening or burning.
- Bold Flavors Ahead: Taste and tweak before finishing—add extra soy, sugar, or even a splash of rice vinegar depending on how you want your Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce to shine.
How to Serve Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce
Garnishes
Sprinkle sesame seeds and finely sliced scallions over anything you drizzle this sauce on for a restaurant-worthy look and a fresh pop of flavor—chopped cilantro or a few thin slivers of red chili are great for some added color and zing.
Side Dishes
This rich Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce pairs beautifully with fluffy jasmine rice, pan-fried noodles, or a side of crispy tempura veggies. Don’t be afraid to try it with roasted sweet potatoes or over a simple Asian slaw for a modern twist.
Creative Ways to Present
Transform a weeknight meal by drizzling the sauce into lettuce cups with leftover chicken or tofu, use it as a vibrant glaze for grilled salmon, or serve as a dipping sauce for spring rolls—this is one condiment that’s equally at home as a main event or a finishing touch!
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Once cooled, pour your Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce into a jar or airtight container and refrigerate—it’ll stay fresh and delicious for up to one week, making it a lifesaver when you need instant flavor during the week.
Freezing
Yes, you can freeze this sauce! Divide it into small portions (an ice cube tray is perfect), freeze, and then pop out just what you need for a speedy meal—it’ll keep in the freezer for up to two months without sacrificing that signature taste.
Reheating
When ready to use, simply warm the sauce gently in a saucepan over low heat or microwave in short bursts—add a splash of water if it’s too thick, and whisk to restore its silky-smooth consistency.
FAQs
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Do I have to use black garlic, or can I substitute regular garlic?
Black garlic is what makes this sauce so special—it’s sweet, mellow, and umami-rich, unlike the spicy sharpness of regular garlic. If you can’t find black garlic, you could try roasting regular garlic until deeply caramelized, but the flavor won’t be quite the same!
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Can I double or triple the recipe?
Absolutely! This Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce scales up beautifully. Just use a larger saucepan and keep the simmer time the same—perfect for meal prepping or gifting to foodie friends.
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What’s the best way to use Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce?
The options are endless! Toss with stir-fried veggies and protein, brush onto grilled meats or tofu, serve as a dipping sauce for dumplings, or even drizzle over grain bowls for an instant upgrade.
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Will the sauce thicken more as it cools?
Yes, it thickens noticeably as it cools. If you prefer a thinner sauce, add a splash of water or broth when reheating to achieve your desired consistency.
Final Thoughts
If you’re looking to bring restaurant-level wow-factor into your own kitchen, this Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce is the gourmet touch you need—bold, unique, and so easy to love. Don’t wait—give it a try and watch your favorite dishes get even more irresistibly delicious!
PrintBlack Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 20 minutes
- Total Time: 25 minutes
- Yield: About 1 cup 1x
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
A rich and flavorful Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce that adds a unique twist to your dishes. Made with black garlic cloves, soy sauce, and a blend of savory ingredients, this sauce is perfect for marinating meats or drizzling over vegetables.
Ingredients
Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce:
- 2 Black Garlic Cloves, whole
- 1/2 cup Water
- 1/3 cup Soy Sauce
- 1/4 tsp Sesame Oil
- 1/2 tsp Ginger, fresh
- 1 cup Water, cool +1 Tbsp Cornstarch
- 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Honey
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients: Blend together black garlic, ginger, and 1/2 cup water until smooth, about 20 seconds.
- Cook Sauce: Transfer the blended mixture into a sauce pot. Add the remaining ingredients. Mix the cup of water with cornstarch separately before adding it to the pot.
- Simmer: Bring the mixture to a boil, then simmer for 15 minutes until the sauce thickens and can coat the back of a spoon.
- Serve: Remove from heat. Serve the sauce with meats, veggies, or noodles. Refrigerate any leftovers for later use.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 1 tablespoon
- Calories: 30
- Sugar: 3g
- Sodium: 400mg
- Fat: 0g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 0g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 7g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg