Introduction
If you’ve been searching for the best homemade Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce Recipe in 2025, you’ve landed in the right place! This flavorful sauce has been a personal favorite in my kitchen.
Let’s be real—Trader Joe’s always impresses with their sauces, but making your own means no preservatives, total customization, and that unbeatable satisfaction of homemade goodness.
In this article, I’ll recreate & guide you to this ultimate homemade Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce Recipe —with fresh flavors, customizable options, and ingredient substitutes
Ready to dive in?
What is Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce?
Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce is a magical fusion of soy sauce and teriyaki sauce, enhanced with bits of garlic, ginger, and toasted sesame seeds. Think of it as teriyaki’s more sophisticated cousin—less sweet, more balanced, and incredibly versatile.
A little backstory: Trader Joe’s introduced Soyaki to satisfy the growing demand for globally inspired, easy-to-use condiments. Over time, it’s become a staple in many households, thanks to its sweet-savory profile and adaptability.
Why is it so beloved?
- Perfect balance of salty, sweet, and umami
- Hints of ginger and garlic
- Toasted sesame seeds for crunch and aroma
- Works with vegetarian, vegan, and non-veg dishes alike
How to Use Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce?
Use Soyaki Sauce as a marinade for chicken, beef, pork, tofu, or seafood. It’s also great in stir-fries, over rice or noodles, as a salad dressing, or as a dipping sauce for dumplings and spring rolls.
Ingredients for Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce Recipe 2025
Making this at home is incredibly easy. You’ll likely have most of these pantry staples already!
Here’s what you’ll need:
♥ ½ cup soy sauce (low sodium works well)
♥ ⅓ cup honey or brown sugar
♥ 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
♥ 1 tablespoon grated ginger or 1 tsp ground ginger
♥ 2 garlic & cloves or ½ teaspoon garlic powder
♥ 2 tablespoons sesame oil
♥ 1 tablespoon toasted sesame seeds
♥ 1 teaspoon cornstarch & water for thickness
How to Make Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce Recipe at Home
This homemade Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce Recipe takes about 10-12 minutes from start to finish and delivers a balanced, sweet, savory, and slightly tangy sauce that’s better than store-bought.
Here’s the fully detailed process:
⚡ Kitchen Equipment Needed:
♥ Small saucepan
♥ Whisk
♥ Microplane or fine grater (for ginger)
♥ Airtight jar or glass container (for storage)
Is Soyaki Sauce vegan?
Trader Joe’s version is typically vegan. If you’re making it at home, be sure to use maple syrup or agave instead of honey to keep it fully plant-based.
Step 1: Combine Ingredients (EXCEPT Sesame Seeds & Slurry)
Instructions:
- Add soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, ginger, garlic, and sesame oil into a small saucepan.
- Mix it well all the ingredients well until the honey is fully dissolved into the soy sauce.
Why this matters:
- Combining everything before applying heat ensures even mixing and prevents sticky honey from burning on the bottom.
Pro Tip:
- If the honey’s thick, warm it slightly in the microwave for 5 seconds to help it blend.
Step 2: Bring to a Gentle Simmer
Instructions:
- Place the saucepan on medium heat.
- Stir it frequently.
- As soon as bubbles start appearing at the edges, lower the heat to medium-low to maintain a gentle simmer.
Why this matters:
- Simmering infuses the flavors of garlic and ginger into the liquid without burning them. Too much heat will caramelize the honey too fast and throw off the sweet-salty balance.
Pro Tip:
- Keep stirring every 30 seconds to prevent burning on the bottom.
Step 3: Thicken the Sauce. [Optional]
Instructions:
- In a small bowl, mix 1 teaspoon cornstarch with 2 teaspoons cold water to create a slurry.
- Slowly pour the slurry into the simmering sauce while whisking constantly.
- Continue whisking for 1-2 minutes until the sauce thickens slightly.
Why this matters:
- The cornstarch thickens the liquid and gives it a glossy finish, perfect for brushing on grilled meats or tofu.
Pro Tip:
- For thinner sauces (like salad dressings or dipping sauces), skip the slurry step altogether.
Step 4: Stir in Toasted Sesame Seeds
Instructions:
- Turn off the heat.
- Stir it gently & sprinkle some sesame seeds at the end of cooking.
Why this matters:
- Adding sesame seeds at the end preserves their crunch and prevents them from becoming soggy.
Pro Tip:
- If you prefer a smooth sauce (for salad dressings), leave them out or strain before bottling.
Step 5: Cool & Store Properly
Instructions:
- Now let the sauce rest & cool at room temperature.
- Transfer to a clean glass jar or an airtight bottle.
- Refrigerate for up to 2 weeks.
Why this matters:
- Cooling prevents condensation, which can dilute the sauce and shorten shelf life.
Pro Tip:
- Label your jar with the date for freshness tracking.
Can I freeze Soyaki Sauce?
Absolutely! You can pour it into ice cube trays, freeze, and transfer to a freezer bag. This way, you can defrost small portions as needed—perfect for quick meals or stir-fries.
🏅 Optional Flavor Customizations:
- Sweeter? For more sweetness, add some honey or maple syrup & adjust to taste.
- More Tangy? To add more tanginess, adding some rice vinegar & lemon juice is the best option.
- Spicy Kick? Add ½ teaspoon of crushed red pepper flakes or a dash of sriracha during the simmer stage.
- Smoky Flavor? Add a few drops of liquid smoke or hoisin for more smokiness.
Visual Cooking Timeline (Optional for Print/Recipe Card):
Time Action
♥ 0-2 min Combine all base ingredients in a saucepan
♥ 3-7 min Simmer gently and stir regularly
♥ 8-9 min Add cornstarch slurry (optional)
♥ 10 min Stir in sesame seeds & remove from heat
♥ 11-12 min Cool & transfer to storage container
✅ That’s it! Now you’ve got a perfect batch of homemade Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce recipe ready for all your favorite meals.
Pro Tip: Toast your sesame seeds for a deeper, nuttier flavor!
Ingredient Substitutes for Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce
1️⃣ Soy Sauce
Substitute Options:
Tamari (Gluten-Free Alternative)
♥ Flavor: Slightly thicker and richer; less salty.
♥ Best For: Gluten-free diets or deeper umami flavor.
Coconut Aminos (Soy-Free, Gluten-Free, Lower Sodium)
♥ Flavor: Sweeter, milder, and lower in sodium.
♥ Best For: Paleo, Whole30, or low-sodium cooking.
Liquid Aminos
♥ Flavor: Slightly saltier with a more concentrated soy flavor.
♥ Best For: Adding depth to marinades.
Note: Adjust salt/sweet balance depending on the substitute.
2️⃣ Honey (Sweetener)
Substitute Options:
Maple Syrup
♥ Flavor: Milder sweetness with earthy undertones.
♥ Best For: Vegan recipes; slightly runnier consistency.
Agave Nectar
♥ Flavor: Neutral, clean sweetness.
♥ Best For: Keeping the texture smooth; good for sauces or dressings.
Brown Sugar
♥ Flavor: Rich, molasses-like sweetness.
♥ Best For: A thicker, more traditional teriyaki glaze texture.
3️⃣ Rice Vinegar
Substitute Options:
Apple Cider Vinegar
♥ Flavor: Fruity tang, sharper than rice vinegar.
♥ Best For: Adding bright acidity; use slightly less due to stronger flavor.
White Wine Vinegar
♥ Flavor: Clean, sharp, slightly fruity.
♥ Best For: Neutral background acidity in marinades.
Lemon Juice
♥ Flavor: Fresh, citrusy tang.
♥ Best For: Bright, summery flavors; works great with grilled seafood.
4️⃣ Fresh Ginger
Substitute Options:
Ground Ginger
♥ Flavor: Milder, slightly more bitter than fresh.
♥ Ratio: You can use about ¼ to ½ ground ginger
Ginger Paste
♥ Flavor: Nearly identical to fresh, slightly more pungent.
♥ Best For: Convenience and consistent flavor.
Crystallized Ginger (Chopped & Soaked)
♥ Flavor: Sweet and spicy.
♥ Work Best: It works best for sweeter flavors.
5️⃣ Fresh Garlic
Substitute Options:
Garlic Powder
♥ Flavor: Milder, more uniform garlic flavor.
♥ Ratio: Use about ⅛ teaspoon garlic powder per clove of fresh garlic.
♥ Best For: Smoother sauces without chunks.
Garlic Paste
♥ Flavor: Very close to fresh.
♥ Best For: Convenience and a rich, fresh garlic kick.
Roasted Garlic (Mashed)
♥ Flavor: Sweeter, mellow, caramelized.
♥Best For: Gourmet-style variations with a softer garlic punch.
6️⃣ Toasted Sesame Seeds
Substitute Options:
♥ Raw Sesame Seeds (Lightly Toast Them Yourself)
♥ Flavor: Toast before adding for optimal nutty aroma.
Black Sesame Seeds
♥ Flavor: Similar taste but provides a striking visual contrast.
♥ Best For: Fancy plating and garnishes.
Skip Sesame Seeds
♥ Best For: Smooth sauce preferences; doesn’t impact flavor drastically.
⚙️ Custom Flavor Variations with Substitutes:
Goal Substitute Combo
- Gluten-Free & Vegan Tamari + Maple Syrup + Apple Cider Vinegar
- Sweeter & Thicker Brown Sugar + Fresh Ginger + Cornstarch Slurry
- Brighter & Citrusy Coconut Aminos + Lemon Juice + Fresh Ginger
- Low-Sodium Coconut Aminos + Reduced Honey or Maple Syrup
- Extra Umami Tamari + Roasted Garlic + Toasted Sesame Seeds
What to Serve with Homemade Soyaki Sauce
Wondering how to put this delicious sauce to use? Try these:
♥ Grilled Chicken or Salmon – Brush on as a glaze.
♥ Stir-Fried Vegetables or Tofu – A must for meatless Mondays.
♥ Rice Bowls & Noodles – Turn a boring bowl into a restaurant-quality meal.
♥ Dumplings – Use as a dipping sauce.
♥ Salads – Drizzle over an Asian-inspired salad with cabbage and carrots.
My favorite combo: Teriyaki tofu bowl with steamed broccoli and jasmine rice—drizzled with plenty of homemade Soyaki!
Tips to Perfect Homemade Soyaki Sauce Recipe
Want that next-level flavor? Follow these tips:
- Use Fresh Ginger & Garlic – The flavor difference is real.
- Low & Slow Simmer – I suggest you avoid boiling & simmer it gently to get enhanced flavour.
- Adjust Sweetness – Like it sweeter taste? Add some honey or sugar.
- Double the Batch – You’ll regret making only one jar!
Best Alternatives to Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce
Looking for other sauces that scratch the same itch? Try these:
- San-J Teriyaki Sauce (gluten-free)
- Kikkoman Teriyaki Marinade & Sauce
- DIY Variation: Add a splash of ponzu for a citrusy twist.
Even with these options, homemade always wins for freshness and flavor!
What’s Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce’s Nutritional Info?
- Per tablespoon (approx.): Calories 35, Total Fat 0g, Sodium 480mg, Total Carbohydrates 8g, Sugars 7g, Protein 0g. It’s flavorful but high in sodium, so use it moderately, especially if watching salt intake.
Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce Recipe Overview
Trader Joe's Soyaki Sauce Recipe
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Combine Ingredients:In a medium saucepan, add soy sauce, brown sugar, honey, rice vinegar, and pineapple juice. Stir well to dissolve the sugar completely.
- Add Aromatics:Add minced garlic, grated ginger, sesame oil, and sesame seeds to the saucepan. Stir everything together.
- Simmer the Sauce:Place the saucepan over medium heat & simmer it well to enhance all flavors from ingredients.
- Optional – Thicken the Sauce:For a thicker texture, mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water. Stir the slurry into the simmering sauce and cook until slightly thickened, about 1–2 minutes.
- Cool & Store:Remove from heat. Let the sauce cool for 10 minutes. Use the clean glass jar or store in an air-tight container in the fridge & it lasts up to 2 weeks.
Notes
- Vegan Option: Use maple syrup or agave instead of honey.
- For Thicker Sauce: Mix 1 tsp cornstarch with 1 tbsp water and simmer until thickened.
- Storage: Refrigerate in an airtight jar for up to 2 weeks; freeze for longer shelf life.
Frequently Asked Questions
What can I use Soyaki Sauce for?
It’s great as a marinade for meats, a stir-fry sauce, a glaze for grilled fish, or even a salad dressing. It’s incredibly versatile and pairs well with both Asian-inspired and fusion dishes.
What sauce is closest to Soyaki Sauce?
Soy Vay’s Veri Veri Teriyaki Sauce is the closest commercial alternative to Soyaki. Homemade versions with soy sauce, garlic, ginger, sesame oil, and brown sugar also replicate the same sweet, savory flavor profile.
How to use Soyaki Sauce in cooking?
Marinate meats, tofu, or veggies before grilling or baking. Stir into cooked noodles or rice, glaze seafood, or drizzle over salads. It caramelizes beautifully when heated, making it perfect for BBQ and stir-fries.
Can I use Soyaki Sauce for sushi rolls?
Yes! Drizzle Soyaki over sushi rolls or poke bowls for added flavor. Mix it with a little mayo or wasabi for a creamy, spicy sushi drizzle.
Where can I buy Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce?
You can buy it at any Trader Joe’s store in the sauces aisle. If unavailable, this homemade version is an excellent, customizable alternative!
Does Soyaki Sauce need to be cooked before using?
Not necessarily. It’s ready to use straight from the bottle or jar. However, cooking it in stir-fries or grilling helps intensify the flavor and creates a caramelized, sticky texture.
Difference between Soyaki Sauce & Teriyaki Sauce?
Soyaki is essentially teriyaki sauce with extra flavor. It includes garlic, ginger, and sesame seeds, giving it more complexity compared to regular teriyaki, which is usually just soy sauce, mirin, and sugar.
Final Conclusion
So there you have it—the complete guide to making Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce Recipe at home! Whether you’re meal prepping for the week or spicing up a last-minute dinner, this recipe has your back. Once you taste it, you might never go back to store-bought again!
It’s customizable, budget-friendly, and honestly, tastes fresher than the store-bought bottle. Plus, you get full control over the ingredients, sweetness, and spice level.
🔥 Ready to elevate your cooking game?
Try this recipe today and tag your creations on social media—I’d love to see your delicious dishes & share your thoughts in the comment section below!
