An easy vegan + oil-free Teriyaki Sauce recipe with garlic and ginger! Sticky, sweet, savory, and ready in just 10-15 minutes. (Gluten-free.)

This is one of my favorite sauces and it only takes about 10-15 minutes to prepare.
This is not an authentic Teriyaki sauce, but merely my own adaption, and a great alternative to store-bought sauces.
It is sticky, sweet, savory, and also easy to make.
Plus it adds instant flavor to a wide variety of dishes!

Ingredients for Vegan Teriyaki Sauce
For this recipe you will whisk together, then simmer in a saucepan:
- Vegetable broth
- Tamari: Or soy sauce, but I use tamari for a gluten-free teriyaki sauce. (Be sure to use low sodium if desired.) Coconut aminos could also work for a soy-free option.
- Pure maple syrup: Maple syrup is a great natural sweetener. But you can also substitute brown sugar which is tasty as well.
- Rice vinegar: I use unseasoned. (Seasoned rice vinegar contains added sugar and salt.)
- Fresh garlic cloves: Or you can substitute garlic powder for convenience if desired.
- Fresh ginger: Use as much or as little as you prefer!
- Cornstarch: Or substitute another thickener of choice such as arrowroot powder.
Flavor variations: Other flavors you can stir into the mixture include mirin, pineapple juice or orange juice, toasted sesame seeds, or sesame oil to taste.

Serving
Teriyaki is a great all-purpose Asian-style sauce because it can be used as a glaze or marinade.
Try it on a protein like tofu, tempeh, or vegan chicken. Or enjoy it in stir-fry dishes, on noodles, rice bowls, veggies, and more.
Stir-fry instructions: Mix all sauce ingredients together in a small bowl. Then simply add it to the wok or pan towards the end of stir-frying. It will gradually thicken with the other ingredients as it heats and simmers.
Storing
Either use this sauce immediately, or let it cool and then store in an airtight container or sealed jar in the fridge.
We find it keeps for about 4-5 days in the refrigerator.

Recipes with Teriyaki Sauce
Here are a few of my favorite recipes that use teriyaki sauce:
- Teriyaki Vegetable Stir Fry (Oil-Free) (pictured above)
- Teriyaki Mushrooms with Snow Peas
- Easy Teriyaki Tofu (pictured below)
- Teriyaki Broccoli and Carrots
- Teriyaki Noodles with Vegetables

For more inspiration, also browse all sauce & seasoning recipes.

Vegan Teriyaki Sauce (Oil-Free!)
Ingredients
- 1/3 cup vegetable broth or water
- 1/4 cup tamari (or soy sauce)
- 3 Tbsp. pure maple syrup (or brown sugar)
- 2 tsp. rice vinegar
- 1-2 cloves garlic (minced)
- 2 tsp. ginger, freshly grated (I peel my ginger)
- 1 Tbsp. corn starch (or arrowroot or other thickener)
- Optional: sesame seeds
Instructions
- Place all ingredients in a bowl and whisk well to combine.
- Add to a small saucepan over medium-high heat.
- Heat until lightly simmering, whisking frequently until thickened, about 5-10 minutes.
- Use immediately, or cool and store in a sealed container in the fridge for about 1 week.
Notes
Nutrition Per Serving (Estimate)
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Hannah
Super delicious!! We mixed ours with veggies and noodles. Will definitely make again.
Kaitlin
Wonderful! Thanks for sharing, Hannah!
Shellie
Can I use coconut nectar in place of the brown sugar?
Kaitlin
Hi Shellie! I haven't tried that, but I think it could be a great substitution. Would love to hear if you give it a go!
Bethany
I was looking for a quick teriyaki sauce for tofu and this was exactly what I needed! It was delicious! Thanks so much.
Kaitlin
Great to hear!