Jack in the Box Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Jack In The Box Teriyaki Sauce Recipe is a favorite for good reason. It’s sweet, savory, and full of rich umami flavors that take any dish to the next level.

I love making it at home because it’s easy and tastes amazing. The combination of soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger gives it a unique flavor.

It’s perfect for drizzling over rice bowls, using as a marinade, or even as a dipping sauce.

Jack in the Box Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients

• ⅓ cup water – Helps create the perfect consistency.
• ½ cup soy sauce – Gives the sauce its salty, umami base.
• ½ cup sugar – Adds sweetness and helps with caramelization.
• 4 cloves garlic, minced – Brings a bold, aromatic depth to the sauce.
• ½ cup water (for slurry) – Needed to mix with cornstarch for thickening.
• 3 tbsp cornstarch – Thickens the sauce to the right consistency.
• 2 tbsp mirin (Japanese rice wine) – Adds a mild sweetness and depth of flavor.
• 1 tsp ginger, minced – Enhances the warmth and spice of the sauce.
• 1 tbsp honey – Rounds out the flavors with a touch of natural sweetness.

Suggested Substitutes & Variations

If you don’t have all the ingredients, don’t worry! Here are some substitutes you can use:

1. Mirin: If you don’t have mirin, use dry sherry or a little white wine with a pinch of sugar.
2. Soy Sauce: Use low-sodium soy sauce if you’re watching your salt intake.
3. Sugar: Brown sugar works well too and adds a deeper flavor.
4. Honey: Maple syrup or agave nectar can be used instead.

Kitchen Appliances Needed

• Saucepan: For cooking the sauce.
• Whisk or Spoon: To stir the ingredients together.
• Measuring Cups and Spoons: To measure the ingredients accurately.
• Knife and Cutting Board: For mincing the garlic and ginger.

How to Make Jack in the Box Teriyaki Sauce

Step 1 | Heat the sauce base

In a saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, sugar, minced garlic, minced ginger, and mirin. Stir until sugar dissolves.

Step 2 | Make the slurry

In a small bowl, mix ½ cup water and 3 tbsp cornstarch. Stir well to avoid lumps.

Step 3 | Thicken the sauce

Slowly pour the cornstarch slurry into the saucepan while stirring. Increase heat slightly and allow the sauce to simmer.

Step 4 | Add honey and water

Stir in honey and an extra ½ cup of water. Continue stirring until the sauce thickens to the desired consistency.

Step 5 | Finish and cool

Once the sauce reaches a thick and glossy texture, remove it from the heat and let it cool before using.

Tips for the Perfect Consistency

• Stir Constantly: This prevents lumps and ensures a smooth sauce.
• Adjust Thickness: If the sauce is too thick, add a little more water. If it’s too thin, let it simmer longer.
• Taste as You Go: Adjust the sweetness or saltiness by adding more honey or soy sauce if needed.

How to Use This Teriyaki Sauce

1. Glaze grilled chicken, beef, or pork for a rich, glossy finish.
2. Toss with stir-fried vegetables and rice for an easy, flavorful meal.
3. Drizzle over steamed rice or noodles for a quick flavor boost.
4. Use as a dipping sauce for egg rolls, dumplings, or crispy tofu.
5. Marinate meats before cooking to make them extra tender and tasty.

Proper Storage Tips

Keep the Teriyaki Sauce in an airtight container or jar and place it in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh for up to one week.
If you want to keep it longer, freezing is a great option. Pour the sauce into an ice cube tray and freeze until solid. Then, transfer the frozen cubes to a ziplock bag and store them for up to three months.

Jack In The Box Teriyaki Sauce Recipe FAQs

1. Why did my sauce turn out too thick or too thin?

Too thick? You may have used too much cornstarch or simmered too long. Add warm water to thin it out. Too thin? It didn’t simmer enough. Mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 1 tablespoon water and stir it in while the sauce is hot.

2. Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

Yes! Store it in an airtight container in the fridge for up to two weeks. You can also freeze it in portions for up to three months. Reheat gently and add a splash of water if needed.

3. My sauce is too sweet/not sweet enough—how can I adjust it?

Too sweet? Add a little soy sauce or rice vinegar. Not sweet enough? Stir in an extra tablespoon of honey or brown sugar. Adjust to your taste preference while the sauce is still warm.

4. Why use both sugar and honey in this recipe?

Sugar gives the main sweetness, while honey adds depth and a glossy finish. Together, they create the perfect balance of flavors, making this sauce taste just like the Jack In The Box version.

5. My sauce turned cloudy after refrigeration—is this normal?

Yes, it’s normal! The cornstarch causes slight cloudiness. Reheat gently and stir well. Add a teaspoon of warm water if it thickened too much.

6. How do I prevent the garlic and ginger from burning?

Add them to the pan with the liquid ingredients rather than heating the pan first. Keep the heat at medium and stir frequently to prevent burning.

7. Can I use this sauce for stir-fry, and when should I add it?

Yes! Add it in the last 1-2 minutes of cooking to prevent burning. Stir everything well to coat, and reserve a little extra sauce to drizzle over before serving.