Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
If you’re searching for a boldly flavorful way to elevate your meals, look no further than this Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce. Rich with umami, subtly sweet notes, and that unforgettable complexity of fermented black garlic, this glossy sauce transforms everything from simple grilled veggies to weeknight stir-fry into something crave-worthy and extraordinary. Prepare to fall in love with the balance of savory depth and gentle caramel undertones that make Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce a must-have in your homemade condiment repertoire.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Every ingredient in this sauce plays a starring role, each lending nuance, balance, and character to the final blend. Think of it as a carefully curated symphony: simple components, but when combined, they sing together in umami harmony. Here’s what you’ll need and why each makes the magic happen.
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The savory backbone of any teriyaki sauce, it brings essential salty depth without overpowering other flavors.
- Mirin: Adds a touch of sweetness and subtle acidity, giving the sauce its signature gloss and classic Japanese character.
- Sake or rice vinegar: Brightens up the sauce, balancing sweetness and providing gentle tang—choose sake for richness, rice vinegar for a lighter profile.
- Brown sugar: Lends mellow sweetness, with molasses undertones that marry beautifully with the black garlic.
- Black garlic (4 cloves, mashed): The secret superstar—fermented garlic creates complex sweetness, deep umami, and hints of balsamic.
- Fresh ginger (grated): Zippy and aromatic, ginger brightens all the earthy flavors and adds gentle heat.
- Sesame oil: Just a teaspoon delivers nutty richness and classic Asian flair—don’t skip it!
- Cornstarch mixed with water (optional): For those who like a thicker sauce that clings beautifully to food, this simple slurry does the trick.
How to Make Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce
Step 1: Combine Your Base Ingredients
Pour the soy sauce, mirin, and sake or rice vinegar into a small saucepan. Add the brown sugar as well. Set the pan over medium heat and stir everything together. You’re looking for the sugar to dissolve completely, so a gentle simmer is perfect—no heavy boiling needed. As soon as you see the sugar has vanished and the mixture looks cohesive, move on to the next step.
Step 2: Infuse with Black Garlic and Aromatics
Now it’s time for the star ingredient. Add in your mashed black garlic paste along with the fresh grated ginger and the sesame oil. Grab a whisk and stir well to fully blend that fragrant black garlic throughout. The sauce should start to smell unbelievably savory and inviting at this stage. Let everything simmer gently for about 5 to 7 minutes, which lets the flavors meld and richen.
Step 3: Adjust and Thicken (If You Like)
If you love your Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce on the thick side, it’s time to stir in your cornstarch slurry (just mix the cornstarch with water until smooth before adding). Stir it into the simmering sauce and cook for another 1 to 2 minutes, just until it thickens slightly. If you prefer a pourable, glossy sauce, you can skip this step entirely.
Step 4: Cool and Store
Remove the pan from heat and allow the Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce to cool for several minutes. This helps all those gorgeous flavors settle and intensify. Once cooled, transfer it carefully to an airtight glass jar or bottle, then refrigerate. The sauce will keep well for up to a week, ready to transform any meal in minutes.
How to Serve Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce
Garnishes
Dust your finished dishes with a sprinkle of toasted sesame seeds or finely sliced green onions to add crunch and color. A touch of fresh chili or microgreens turns the rich Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce into a chef-level presentation in seconds.
Side Dishes
This sauce begs to be drizzled over fluffy steamed rice, nutty soba noodles, or roasted vegetables. Serve it with classic sides like edamame, pickled daikon, or a vibrant Asian slaw to highlight the sauce’s bold, earthy character.
Creative Ways to Present
Think beyond stir-fry! Brush Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce over grilled portobello mushrooms, toss crispy tofu cubes, or use it as the base for Asian-inspired lettuce wraps. It even makes a superstar dipping sauce for tempura or dumplings, bringing that unmistakable black garlic magic to every bite.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
After making your Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce, let it cool completely before ladling it into a glass jar or airtight container. Stored in the refrigerator, it’ll maintain its punchy umami and deep flavors for up to one week. Just give it a stir before using.
Freezing
If you’d like to extend the life of your sauce, pour any extra into a freezer-safe bag or small container. Freeze in portions for up to two months. Thaw overnight in the fridge; the flavor holds up beautifully, though you may want to whisk it before serving.
Reheating
When it’s time to use your Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce, gently rewarm it over low heat on the stove or microwave it in short bursts, stirring between each. Avoid high heat, which can alter the delicate balance of flavors. If it’s thickened in the fridge, add a splash of water to loosen before serving.
FAQs
Can I substitute regular garlic for black garlic?
While you can use regular garlic in a pinch, you’ll miss out on the sweet, jammy character and deep complexity that only black garlic brings. Try to find black garlic at Asian markets or specialty grocers—it’s truly worth it!
Is Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce gluten-free?
By default, soy sauce contains gluten, but you can swap in tamari or a certified gluten-free soy sauce for a completely gluten-free version without compromising flavor.
What’s the best protein to pair with Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce?
This sauce shines on everything from grilled chicken and salmon to tofu, tempeh, or even roasted cauliflower steaks. Its balanced flavor complements both hearty and delicate proteins.
Can I make this sauce sweeter or less sweet?
Absolutely! For a sweeter sauce, add an extra tablespoon of brown sugar. If you prefer it more savory, reduce the sugar slightly and let the black garlic take center stage.
Where can I buy black garlic?
Black garlic has become much more accessible in recent years. Look for it at Asian grocery stores, larger supermarkets with specialty condiment sections, or online. It usually comes as peeled cloves or whole bulbs.
Final Thoughts
There’s just something special about sharing a homemade condiment that feels gourmet but is so simple to make. If you’ve never tried Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce before, now is the perfect time! Grab a jar, give it a go, and watch every meal take on a delicious new depth and dimension.
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Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
- Total Time: 15 minutes
- Yield: 1 cup 1x
- Diet: Vegan
Description
Elevate your dishes with this umami-rich Black Garlic Teriyaki Sauce recipe. The deep, complex flavors of black garlic combined with traditional teriyaki ingredients create a versatile sauce perfect for marinating, dipping, or drizzling.
Ingredients
Main Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 1/4 cup mirin
- 1/4 cup sake or rice vinegar
- 3 tablespoons brown sugar
Additional Ingredients:
- 4 cloves black garlic, mashed into a paste
- 1 tablespoon fresh ginger, grated
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch mixed with 1 tablespoon water (optional, for thickening)
Instructions
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, mix soy sauce, mirin, sake or rice vinegar, and brown sugar. Simmer until sugar dissolves.
- Add Flavorings: Incorporate black garlic paste, ginger, and sesame oil. Simmer to meld flavors.
- Thicken (Optional): For a thicker sauce, add cornstarch slurry and cook until slightly thickened.
- Cool and Store: Remove from heat, cool, and refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Notes
- This sauce complements grilled meats, roasted veggies, and stir-fries.
- For a sweeter taste, increase brown sugar by 1 tablespoon.
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 10 minutes
- Category: Sauce, Condiment
- Method: Simmering
- Cuisine: Japanese-Inspired, Asian Fusion
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 45
- Sugar: 6g
- Sodium: 540mg
- Fat: 1g
- Saturated Fat: 0g
- Unsaturated Fat: 1g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 9g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
