This sticky, savory Low Sodium Teriyaki Sauce Recipe is made with low sodium soy sauce, fresh ginger, and brown sugar, ready in 15 minutes. The sauce bubbles in the pan before suddenly transforming into a thick, glossy glaze that coats the back of your spoon. I rely on this homemade version whenever I want big flavor without the salt headache.
Try More Sauce Recipes:
- Low Sodium Enchilada Sauce Recipe
- Low Sodium Spaghetti Sauce Recipe
- Low FODMAP Cranberry Sauce Recipe
Why You Will Love This Low Sodium Teriyaki Sauce Recipe:
- Sodium-Conscious Base: By using low-sodium soy sauce or liquid aminos, you drastically reduce the salt content (often by 50% or more) while keeping that essential umami foundation.
- Aromatics over Additives: This recipe leans heavily on fresh grated ginger and garlic. These provide a natural “bite” and heat that makes you forget there’s less salt.
- The Perfect Glossy Finish: Using a small amount of honey or brown sugar combined with a cornstarch slurry gives you that professional, restaurant-style sheen that clings perfectly to chicken, fish, or veggies.
- Bright Citrus Notes: A splash of pineapple juice or rice vinegar provides acidity. This “acid” brightness mimics the flavor-enhancing properties of salt, keeping the sauce from tasting flat.
- Zero Preservatives: Unlike bottled versions, this has no MSG, high-fructose corn syrup, or stabilizers. It’s clean, fresh, and tastes noticeably more vibrant.
- Five-Minute Prep: It takes about the same amount of time to make this as it does to find a bottle in the grocery store aisle. Just whisk, simmer for a few minutes to thicken, and it’s ready.
- The Ultimate Meal Prep Tool: Because it’s so flavorful, you can use it as a marinade, a stir-fry sauce, or a dipping glaze for grilled skewers, making healthy weekday cooking much easier.

Low Sodium Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients
- 1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
- 1/2 cup water
- 1/4 cup brown sugar
- 1 tbsp rice vinegar
- 1 tsp toasted sesame oil
- 2 cloves garlic, minced
- 1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
- 1 tbsp cornstarch
- 1 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
How To Make Low Sodium Teriyaki Sauce
- Combine the base: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the soy sauce, 1/2 cup water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- Simmer the mixture: Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves, taking about 3 minutes.
- Mix the slurry: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth and milky.
- Thicken the sauce: Pour the slurry into the simmering saucepan, whisking constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until the glaze is thick and glossy.
- Cool and store: Remove the pan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly before using or storing.

Recipe Tips
- Use fresh aromatics: Fresh garlic and ginger provide a stronger, brighter flavor profile that makes up for the reduced sodium.
- Watch the heat: Keep the heat at medium to prevent the sugars from burning and turning the sauce bitter.
- Adjust the sweetness: Taste the sauce before adding the slurry and stir in a pinch more brown sugar if you prefer a sweeter finish.
What To Serve With Low Sodium Teriyaki Sauce?
Drizzle this Low Sodium Teriyaki Sauce over grilled chicken thighs and steamed broccoli for a quick weeknight dinner. It also works brilliantly as a marinade for salmon or a finishing sauce for simple vegetable stir-fries.

How To Store Leftovers Low Sodium Teriyaki Sauce?
Let the sauce cool completely before transferring it to an airtight glass jar or container. Store it in the fridge for up to two weeks, shaking well before using as it may thicken slightly when cold.
FAQs
Can I freeze this sauce?
Yes, you can freeze it in an airtight container or ice cube trays for up to three months. Thaw it overnight in the fridge and give it a quick whisk over low heat to restore the texture.
Why did my sauce get clumpy?
Clumps happen if the cornstarch is not fully dissolved in cold water before hitting the hot liquid. Always mix your slurry thoroughly and whisk constantly as you pour it in.
Can I use honey instead of brown sugar?
Honey is a great substitute and adds a lovely floral note to the glaze. Use slightly less honey than brown sugar, as it tastes sweeter.

More Sauce Recipes:
Low Sodium Teriyaki Sauce Recipe Nutrition Fact
- Calories: 25 kcal
- Total Fat: 0 g
- Saturated Fat: 0 g
- Cholesterol: 0 mg
- Sodium: 150 mg
- Total Carbohydrate: 5 g
- Protein: 1 g
Low Sodium Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
Course: Sides, SauceCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy12
servings5
minutes10
minutes25
kcal15
minutesThis Low Sodium Teriyaki Sauce Recipe yields a sticky, savory glaze packed with fresh ginger, garlic, and brown sugar in just 15 minutes. It gives you maximum homemade flavor for easy weeknight dinners without the heavy salt.
Ingredients
1/2 cup low-sodium soy sauce (or coconut aminos)
1/2 cup water
1/4 cup brown sugar
1 tbsp rice vinegar
1 tsp toasted sesame oil
2 cloves garlic, minced
1 tbsp fresh ginger, grated
1 tbsp cornstarch
1 tbsp cold water (for slurry)
Directions
- 1. Combine the base: In a small saucepan over medium heat, whisk together the soy sauce, 1/2 cup water, brown sugar, rice vinegar, sesame oil, garlic, and ginger.
- 2. Simmer the mixture: Bring the liquid to a gentle simmer, stirring occasionally until the sugar completely dissolves, taking about 3 minutes.
- 3. Mix the slurry: In a small bowl, whisk the cornstarch and 1 tablespoon of cold water until smooth and milky.
- 4. Thicken the sauce: Pour the slurry into the simmering saucepan, whisking constantly for 1 to 2 minutes until the glaze is thick and glossy.
- 5. Cool and store: Remove the pan from the heat and let the sauce cool slightly before using or storing.
