If you are craving a sauce that brings together bold umami with a subtle sweetness and a touch of smoky depth, the Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe is an absolute must-try. This recipe transforms humble ingredients into a luscious, velvety sauce that elevates everything from grilled chicken to stir-fried veggies. With its unique black garlic base lending a mellow, caramelized flavor, you’ll find yourself reaching for this sauce again and again to add a gourmet twist to your meals.
Ingredients You’ll Need
The magic of the Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe lies in its simplicity and balance. Each ingredient is carefully chosen to build layers of flavor while maintaining the familiar comfort of classic teriyaki sauce. Let’s take a look at these essentials before diving into making the sauce.
- Black Garlic Cloves: These provide a sweet, mellow, almost balsamic-like richness that sets this sauce apart.
- Fresh Ginger: Adds a sharp, zesty brightness that balances the sauce’s sweetness.
- Soy Sauce: The salty, savory foundation that carries the teriyaki profile perfectly.
- Sesame Oil: Just a hint lends a nutty aroma and depth.
- Brown Sugar: Sweetens and helps create that glossy texture.
- Honey: Adds natural sweetness and smoothness to the sauce.
- Cornstarch: Thickens the sauce, giving it that clingy, perfect pour consistency.
- Water: Used to blend flavors and create the right sauce texture.
How to Make Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
Step 1: Blend the Black Garlic and Ginger
Start by combining 2 black garlic cloves, 1/2 teaspoon of fresh ginger, and 1/2 cup water in a blender. Blend on high for about 20 seconds until the mixture is smooth and creamy. This combination is the heart of the sauce, creating a fragrant and flavorful base packed with umami and warmth.
Step 2: Combine Sauce Ingredients in a Pot
Pour the blended black garlic and ginger base into a medium saucepan. Stir in 1/3 cup soy sauce, 1/4 teaspoon sesame oil, 2 tablespoons brown sugar, and 1 tablespoon honey. In a separate small bowl, mix 1 cup cold water with 1 tablespoon cornstarch until it dissolves completely, then add this slurry to the pot. All these ingredients combine for a balanced blend of salty, sweet, and aromatic flavors.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce
Heat the mixture over medium heat, stirring constantly. Bring it to a gentle boil, then reduce the heat to low and let it simmer for about 15 minutes. Keep stirring occasionally to prevent sticking or burning. As it cooks, you’ll see the sauce thicken beautifully and develop a lovely sheen. Test by coating the back of a spoon—the sauce should stick well without running off too quickly.
Step 4: Final Touch and Use
Once thickened, remove the sauce from heat. The Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe is now ready to shine. Use it immediately as a glaze, dipping sauce, or stir-in flavor booster for your favorite dishes. If not using right away, let it cool before storing.
How to Serve Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
Garnishes
To make your serving pop visually and texturally, sprinkle toasted sesame seeds or chopped scallions over dishes dressed with this black garlic teriyaki sauce. A sprinkle of finely chopped fresh cilantro or a few red chili flakes can also enhance the flavor profile and add a fun twist.
Side Dishes
This sauce pairs so well with a variety of sides. Steamed jasmine rice or brown rice is a simple but perfect match that soaks up every drop. For a lighter option, serve alongside sautéed bok choy, roasted broccoli, or crunchy snap peas to add freshness that cuts through the rich sauce.
Creative Ways to Present
Try brushing this sauce onto grilled salmon or tofu before finishing in the oven for a caramelized glaze. Use it as a drizzle over a noodle bowl, topped with crunchy peanuts and fresh herbs for a restaurant-style experience at home. Alternatively, this sauce shines as a dipping element for homemade dumplings or spring rolls, making every bite unforgettable.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Store any leftover Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe in an airtight container in the refrigerator. It will remain fresh for up to one week. The sauce thickens as it cools, so give it a good stir or gentle reheat before serving again.
Freezing
If you want to keep the sauce longer, freezing is a great option. Portion it into freezer-safe containers or ice cube trays for easy use later. Frozen sauce can be stored for up to three months without losing flavor or texture.
Reheating
To reheat, gently warm the sauce in a small saucepan over low heat, stirring frequently. If it has thickened too much, add a splash of water to loosen it to your preferred consistency. Avoid boiling as this can alter the delicate flavors.
FAQs
What makes black garlic different from regular garlic?
Black garlic is aged and fermented garlic that develops a sweeter, milder, and almost tangy flavor compared to raw garlic. It adds rich umami and depth to the teriyaki sauce without overpowering it.
Can I use garlic powder instead of black garlic?
While garlic powder can be a substitute in a pinch, it won’t replicate the unique sweet and mellow taste of black garlic that makes this recipe special. For the best flavor, using black garlic is highly recommended.
Is this sauce gluten-free?
Traditional soy sauce contains gluten, but you can easily make this Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe gluten-free by substituting tamari or a gluten-free soy sauce.
How spicy is this sauce?
This sauce is not spicy by default. It’s rich, sweet, and savory. However, you can add a pinch of red pepper flakes or a splash of chili oil if you like a bit of heat.
Can I use this sauce as a marinade?
Absolutely! This sauce makes an excellent marinade for meats, tofu, or vegetables. Let your protein soak in it for at least 30 minutes before cooking for maximum flavor infusion.
Final Thoughts
Once you try this Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe, you’ll wonder how you ever lived without it. It’s simple, yet so rich in taste, versatile enough for many dishes, and impressively elevates your everyday meals into something memorable. Give it a whirl and discover a new favorite kitchen secret that will have everyone asking for seconds.
Print
Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 15 minutes
- Total Time: 20 minutes
- Yield: 1 serving (about 1 cup of sauce)
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Japanese
Description
This Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce is a rich, flavorful condiment combining the deep umami taste of black garlic with the sweet and savory notes of traditional teriyaki. Perfect for glazing meats, drizzling over vegetables, or mixing into noodles, this homemade sauce adds a gourmet twist to your dishes with minimal effort.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients
- 2 Black Garlic Cloves, whole
- 1/2 tsp Fresh Ginger, peeled
- 1/3 cup Soy Sauce
- 1/4 tsp Sesame Oil
- 2 Tbsp Brown Sugar
- 1 Tbsp Honey
Liquids and Thickeners
- 1/2 cup Water (for blending)
- 1 cup Cool Water + 1 Tbsp Cornstarch (mixed together)
Instructions
- Blend Ingredients: In a blender, combine the 2 whole black garlic cloves, fresh ginger, and 1/2 cup water. Blend for 20 seconds until the mixture is smooth and uniform.
- Cook Sauce: Transfer the blended garlic-ginger mixture to a saucepot. Add soy sauce, sesame oil, brown sugar, honey, and the cornstarch mixture (1 cup cool water mixed with 1 tablespoon cornstarch). Stir thoroughly to combine all ingredients evenly.
- Thicken Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat and bring the mixture to a boil. Once boiling, reduce heat to low and simmer for about 15 minutes. Stir occasionally to prevent sticking and allow the sauce to thicken and achieve a glossy texture that coats the back of a spoon.
- Serve: Remove the sauce from heat. Use immediately by drizzling over your favorite meats, vegetables, or noodles. Any leftovers can be refrigerated in a sealed container for future use.
Notes
- Black garlic has a sweeter, milder flavor than raw garlic and adds a unique umami depth to this sauce.
- You can adjust the sweetness by modifying the amount of brown sugar and honey to taste.
- This sauce works great as a marinade or glaze for chicken, beef, tofu, or roasted vegetables.
- Store the sauce in the refrigerator for up to one week in an airtight container.
- Stir the sauce before use if it thickens too much in the fridge.
