With over 27 sauces on the menu, Jack in the Box knows a thing or two about making a great-tasting sauce.
And their teriyaki sauce is no exception.
Since its introduction, this sauce has quickly become a fan favorite. It adds the perfect flavor to Jack’s Chicken Teriyaki bowl.
Teriyaki sauce originated in Japan during the 17th century and has since become famous worldwide.
Teri means shiny in Japanese, which comes from the sugars in the sauce, while yaki is a Japanese style of grilling – so it basically means shiny grill sauce.
And now you don’t have to run through the drive-through the next time you’re craving some delicious teriyaki.
I’ve put together a Jack in the Box Teriyaki Sauce recipe with all the authentic flavor as the original but without any added chemicals or preservatives.
Plus, it’s super easy to make at home. With just a few simple ingredients and in less than 15 minutes, your teriyaki sauce will be ready to go.
And after just one taste, you’ll be looking to add it to all your favorite dishes.
So if you’re craving teriyaki tonight, read on to discover the best Jack in the Box Teriyaki Sauce recipe you’ll have ready in minutes.
What Do You Need To Make Jack In The Box Teriyaki Sauce
Ingredients
Fresh Garlic
Garlic adds a deliciously spicy, nutty flavor that intensifies the taste of your teriyaki sauce.
You can substitute ½ teaspoon of garlic powder if you don’t have fresh garlic, but don’t use garlic salt, or it will overpower the other flavors.
Freshly Grated Ginger
Ginger is a common spice used in Asian cuisine and gives your sauce a warm, peppery flavor.
Soy Sauce
The base for most Asian sauces. It adds the right amount of umami and salty flavor.
I prefer Kikkoman, but feel free to use your favorite brand.
Brown Sugar
Adds a delicious sweetness to your sauce and deepens its color. If you don’t have brown sugar handy, you can use white.
Honey
Adds more flavor and texture to your teriyaki sauce.
Sesame Oil
A staple in Japanese cooking, sesame oil gives your sauce an earthy, nutty flavor.
Mirin
A Japanese sweet rice wine that lends a distinctive flavor to your sauce.
You can substitute dry sherry if you don’t have mirin, but add a pinch of sugar.
Cornstarch
Used as a thickening agent. When you make the cornstarch slurry, ensure that the water is cold to avoid lumps.
If you plan to use your teriyaki sauce as a marinade, omit the cornstarch.
Salt and Pepper
Ude sparingly to avoid overpowering the other flavors.
Equipment
- Cutting board
- Knife
- Medium saucepan
- Whisk
- Stovetop or other heat source
How To Make Jack In The Box Teriyaki Sauce
Step One: First, peel and mince the fresh garlic and finely chop the ginger.
Step Two: Then, heat the sesame oil in a medium saucepan. Once hot, add the garlic and ginger and saute until soft and fragrant, just a couple of minutes. It’s okay if they brown, but don’t let them burn.
Step Three: Next, add the rest of the ingredients except the cornstarch and the ¼ cup of cold water to the saucepan and bring to a simmer.
Step Four: Mix the cornstarch with the cold water to make a slurry, and slowly add it to the sauce while gently whisking.
Step Five: Allow your sauce to simmer for another five minutes or until it reaches your desired consistency.
Note: you can add more water if you like a thinner teriyaki sauce. Or add more cornstarch, ½ teaspoon at a time while whisking, for a thicker sauce. Allow the sauce to simmer a bit before adding more cornstarch to avoid over-thickening your teriyaki sauce.
Step Six: Taste your sauce and adjust any of the ingredients.
Step Seven: Season with salt and pepper.
Step Eight: Allow your sauce to cool before serving.
Enjoy!
Other Things To Consider When Making Jack In The Box Teriyaki Sauce
It’s Easy to Customize Your Teriyaki Sauce
With just a few changes, you can use this Jack in the Box Teriyaki Sauce recipe as a base to make some delicious variations.
For example, add two tablespoons of your favorite bourbon while simmering for a great-tasting Bourbon Teriyaki that pairs perfectly with grilled meat, chicken, and pork.
Spice up your teriyaki sauce with a couple of pinches of ground cayenne pepper.
Add chopped fresh cilantro to your sauce for more flavor and a spot of color.
For a delicious citrus flavor that pairs well with grilled chicken and seafood, add fresh lemon or orange juice.
Or add a teaspoon of rice vinegar to give your sauce some tang.
Omit the cornstarch for a great-tasting teriyaki marinade, but allow the sauce to cool completely before using.
The bottom line – have fun and experiment with new ingredients to discover your favorite version.
What Can I Eat with Jack In The Box Teriyaki Sauce?
With its perfect blend of Asian flavors, this Jack in the Box Teriyaki Sauce recipe is as versatile as it is delicious.
- It pairs well with grilled meats, chicken, and pork.
- Use it to make a delicious stir-fry or drizzle it over your favorite rice dishes.
- The perfect dipping sauce for game-day wings.
- Goes great with grilled veggies.
- Use it to make Asian-inspired salad dressings.
- Or omit the cornstarch for a delicious Asian marinade.
Make More Than You Need!
This Jack in the Box Teriyaki Sauce recipe tastes so good you’ll never buy bottled again.
And since the flavors get better the longer it sits, go ahead and double the recipe.
Your extra sauce will stay fresh in the fridge for two to three weeks in an airtight container.
You can even freeze it in small pouches. That way, when a teriyaki craving hits you, pop a pouch, and you’re ready to go.
Jack in the Box Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
Love the Teriyaki Sauce down at Jack In The Box? This copycat recipe enables you to make your own batch from home. And it tastes just like the real thing!
Ingredients
- 2 cloves of fresh garlic, finely minced
- 2 teaspoons fresh ginger, peeled and finely chopped
- ½ cup soy sauce
- ½ cup water
- ¼ cup brown sugar
- 3 tablespoons mirin
- 1 tablespoon honey
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 3 teaspoons cornstarch (thickening agent)
- ¼ cup cold water (for the cornstarch slurry)
- Salt and pepper to taste
Instructions
- First, peel and mince the fresh garlic and finely chop the ginger.
- Heat the sesame oil in the saucepan under low-medium heat.
- Once hot, add the minced garlic and ginger and saute until fragrant, approximately two to three minutes.
- Add the soy sauce, ½ cup water, brown sugar, mirin, and honey to the pan and bring to a simmer.
- Mix the cornstarch with ¼ cup cold water and slowly add to the mixture while gently whisking.
- Allow the sauce to simmer for another five minutes or until it reaches your desired consistency. For a thinner sauce, add more water; for a thicker sauce, add more cornstarch, ½ teaspoon at a time.
- Taste your sauce and adjust any of the ingredients.
- Season with salt and pepper.
- Allow your sauce to cool before serving.
- Enjoy!
Notes
- For a great-tasting bourbon teriyaki sauce, add two tablespoons of your favorite bourbon while simmering.
- Chopped fresh cilantro will enhance the flavor and give it some color.
- Like it hot? Add a ¼ teaspoon of ground cayenne pepper.
- Add lemon or orange juice for a delicious citrus flavor.
- Add one tablespoon of rice vinegar to give your sauce some tang.
Nutrition Information:
Amount Per Serving: Calories: 60Total Fat: 1gCholesterol: 0-mgSodium: 524mgCarbohydrates: 11gProtein: 1g
Other related Jack In The Box guides you may want to check out:
- What Sauces Does Jack In The Box Have?
- Jack In The Box Good Good Sauce Recipe
- Jack In The Box Taco Sauce Recipe
- Jack In The Box Secret Sauce Recipe
Hello, I’m Jeremy, a sauce enthusiast and taste trailblazer! My endless pursuit of new flavors has led me on a journey to master sauce making at home, along with try out a range of exciting brands and sauce offerings. Now I share my recipes, tips and recommendations on WeWantTheSauce to help fellow foodies find the perfect sauces.