Make Your Own Teriyaki Marinade at Home With This Simple Recipe

Make your own Teriyaki Marinade at home with this simple recipe! A savory blend of soy sauce, ginger, garlic, and sweetness, perfect for marinating chicken, beef, tofu, and more. Since I made that nyama choma stew, I’ve been thinking a lot about how I can take my grilled food to the next level with unforgettable flavors. And the one thing that instantly came to mind was marinating the food. Marinades are such a game changer when it comes to grilling, and let’s just say they are the secret ingredient that takes the flavor of your food to new heights. A marinade is a sauce, usually made up of vinegar, spices, oil, and herbs, and is used to soak your food, be it fish, chicken, meat, or even vegetables, before cooking, to infuse it with rich, bold flavors. They not only enhance the taste of the food but can also help to tenderize it, making your dishes even more mouthwatering.

Marinades are typically categorized as either acidic or enzymatic. Acidic marinades use ingredients like lemon juice, vinegar, or wine to break down the proteins and enhance the flavors. These acids also tenderize the meat, giving it a juicy and flavorful texture. On the other hand, enzymatic marinades rely on natural enzymes from ingredients like ginger, pineapple, or papaya to tenderize the food. These enzymes break down tough fibers and add a delightful sweetness to the dish.

What’s incredible about marinades is that they bring the flavors of the food to a whole new level. Whether you are grilling, stir-frying, or even preparing stews, a good marinade can make all the difference. You can create a universal marinade to use across various dishes, or you can make specific marinades tailored to the type of food you’re preparing. For example, there are marinades specifically for chicken, beef, steak, fish, and even vegetables. There are also special ones, like brine marinades for smoked salmon or Korean BBQ chicken marinades, each catering to the unique flavors of the dishes.

Today, I want to share with you one of my absolute favorites: Teriyaki Marinade. This marinade is perfect for chicken, beef, or even vegetables, and it’s easy to whip up in no time. The beauty of this marinade is that it’s not complicated or time-consuming to make, yet it transforms your food into something extraordinary. You simply gather the ingredients, throw them in a bowl, and give everything a good stir until the sugar dissolves. Once you’ve mixed it, you can immediately use it, or if you prefer, store it in the refrigerator for up to 7 days for future grilling or cooking sessions. The best part? The aroma alone is enough to make your taste buds tingle, and trust me, once you use it, you’ll never want to go back.

Marinating food is such an easy way to infuse it with flavor, and it requires minimal effort. Whether you’re marinating chicken for the grill, beef for stir-fry, or even vegetables for roasting, a good marinade will enhance the taste, making your dishes burst with flavor. For the Teriyaki Marinade, the key ingredients are usually soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, ginger, and a splash of rice vinegar or mirin. These simple ingredients come together to create a deliciously sweet and savory flavor profile that works so well with a variety of proteins.

One thing to remember when marinating is timing. While you can leave your food to marinate for a few hours, the longer the food sits in the marinade, the more time it has to absorb those wonderful flavors. However, don’t go overboard, too long in an acidic marinade and your meat could become mushy. A good rule of thumb is to let it marinate for about 30 minutes to a few hours for the best results. If you have the time to let it sit overnight, that’s even better! Your food will soak up every bit of flavor, and you’ll be rewarded with tender, flavorful dishes that will wow everyone at the table.

Another great thing about marinades is that they can be stored for future use. You can make a big batch and keep it in the fridge, ready to use whenever you need it. This way, you always have a delicious marinade on hand, whether you’re grilling, sautéing, or even making a quick stir-fry. Plus, the versatility of marinades means you can get creative with them, add in a dash of chili flakes for heat, a splash of sesame oil for nuttiness, or a little honey for extra sweetness. There’s no end to the possibilities when it comes to marinades, and that’s what makes them so much fun to experiment with.

Now, I’m definitely excited to try this Teriyaki Marinade on both beef and chicken in the coming weeks. It’s the perfect balance of savory, sweet, and umami, and I just know it’s going to bring my grilled food to new heights. And the best part? You can use this marinade not just for grilling, but also for stir-frying or even making a quick and easy stew. It’s such a versatile recipe that you’ll find yourself reaching for it again and again.

So, next time you’re thinking about grilling or cooking, don’t forget to give your food that extra layer of flavor by marinating it. Whether you stick to the classic Teriyaki Marinade or create your own signature blend, you’ll be amazed at how much more flavorful your dishes become. It’s a simple step that makes all the difference, turning a good meal into an unforgettable one. Cheers to amazing flavors and unforgettable meals! Happy cooking, everyone!

Ingredients

4 Garlic cloves crushed
3 Green onions (use both white and green parts)
1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
1 Tablespoon White Vinegar
3/4 Cup Brown Sugar packed
1/2 Cup water
1 Cup Soy Sauce

Method
Pour the 3 chopped green onions into a medium sized bowl

Add the 4 minced garlic cloves

Add the 1 Tablespoon vegetable oil

Add the 1 Tablespoon distilled vinegar

Add in the 3/4 Cup brown sugar

Add the 1 Cup soy sauce

Pour into the bowl the 1/2 cup water

Start to mix the marinade ingredients gently

Whisk the ingredients for a few minutes

Until the sugar dissolves into the marinade. Youcan check by feeling with your spoon whether there are any grains of sugar at the bottom of the bowl

If not using the Teriyaki Marinade immediately, pour the mixture into a mason jar or glass bottle

Close it tightly and refrigerate for up to 7 days or use it when neccesary

print recipe

TERIYAKI MARINADE

by Mulunga Alukwe August-30-2017

Ingredients

• 4 Garlic Cloves (crushed)
• 3 Green Onions (chopped use both green and white part)
• 1 Tablespoon Vegetable Oil
• 1 Tablespoon White Vinegar
• 3/4 Cup Brown Sugar
• 1/2 Cup Water
• 1 Cup Soy Sauce

Instructions

Mix all the ingredients in a small bowl, whisk ti mix until the sugar has dissolvedStore in an airtight container for up to a week if not using immediately

Details

Prep time: 10 mins Cook time: Total time: 10 mins Yield: 1 Cup

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Here are 20 delicious recipe ideas using teriyaki marinade, ranging from traditional Asian dishes to fun fusion twists:

Meat & Poultry

1. Teriyaki Chicken Thighs – Marinate, then grill or pan-sear until caramelized and juicy.

2. Teriyaki Chicken Stir-Fry – Stir-fry chicken with veggies and toss in teriyaki sauce.

3. Teriyaki Beef Skewers – Cube beef, marinate, then thread onto skewers and grill.

4. Teriyaki Meatballs – Bake or pan-fry meatballs, then simmer in thickened teriyaki sauce.

5. Teriyaki Turkey Burgers – Mix marinade into ground turkey, grill, and top with grilled pineapple.

Seafood

6. Teriyaki Salmon Fillets – Marinate and bake or grill for a flavorful, flaky result.

7. Teriyaki Shrimp Bowls – Sauté shrimp in teriyaki sauce and serve over rice with veggies.

8. Teriyaki Tuna Steaks – Marinate thick tuna steaks, then sear for a restaurant-style meal.

9. Teriyaki Fish Tacos – Use teriyaki-marinated white fish, cabbage slaw, and spicy mayo.

10. Teriyaki Scallop Stir-Fry – Cook scallops quickly and toss with stir-fried greens and sauce.

Plant-Based & Tofu

11. Teriyaki Tofu – Pan-fry tofu until crispy and toss with teriyaki glaze.

12. Teriyaki Jackfruit Sliders – Shred jackfruit, cook with teriyaki, and pile onto slider buns.

13. Teriyaki Cauliflower Wings – Roast or air-fry cauliflower and coat in thick teriyaki sauce.

14. Teriyaki Mushroom Rice Bowl – Sauté mushrooms in teriyaki sauce and serve with rice and veggies.

15. Teriyaki Tempeh Wraps – Marinate tempeh, grill, and roll into wraps with fresh greens.

🍚 Rice, Noodles & Bowls

16. Teriyaki Fried Rice – Use leftover rice and veggies with teriyaki-marinated protein.

17. Teriyaki Noodle Stir-Fry – Lo mein or udon tossed with sauce, meat, and stir-fried veggies.

18. Teriyaki Bento Box – Include teriyaki meat, rice, steamed broccoli, and a boiled egg.

19. Teriyaki Burrito – Fusion-style burrito with rice, teriyaki chicken, avocado, and veggies.

20. Teriyaki Pizza – Use teriyaki chicken as a topping with red onions, bell peppers, and mozzarella on flatbread.