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.
» As a chef, I was determined to crack this copycat sauce recipe and bring the bold, savory-sweet flavors of Soyaki right into my own kitchen. It’s rich, versatile, and can turn a plain bowl of rice or veggies into a restaurant-style dish in minutes.
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.
Today, I’ll guide you through my tested, chef-approved homemade version so you can skip the store and make it fresh anytime!
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
💖 Why You’ll Love This Recipe
» The Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce Recipe 2025 is more than just a condiment—it’s a flavor booster that instantly transforms any dish. Here’s why you’ll love it:
» Restaurant-quality flavor at home – Bold, savory-sweet, and nutty, just like the original
» Quick & easy – Ready in under 15 minutes with pantry staples
» Versatile – Works as a marinade, stir-fry sauce, dipping sauce, or glaze
» Budget-friendly – Skip the store-bought bottle and save money
» Customizable – Adjust sweetness, spice, and thickness to your taste
💡 Whether you’re cooking up weeknight stir-fries or prepping marinades for grilling, this sauce will be your go-to flavor hack!
🍴 Kitchen Equipment Required Soyaki Sauce
To make this flavorful Soyaki Sauce at home, you’ll only need a few simple tools:
» Grater or Microplane – for ginger
» Saucepan – for simmering the sauce base
» Wooden Spoon or Whisk – to mix ingredients smoothly
» Measuring Cups & Spoons – for accuracy
» Glass Jar or Bottle – to store your finished sauce
💡 Chef’s Tip: A small funnel makes transferring the sauce into jars or squeeze bottles much easier and less messy!
Ingredients for Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce Recipe 2025
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
♥ Optional: ½ tsp chili flakes for heat
💡 Chef’s Note: Toasting sesame seeds first brings out their natural nuttiness—don’t skip this step!
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 the Ingredients
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 of cornstarch with 2 teaspoons of 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 ready for all your favorite meals.
Pro Tip: Toast your sesame seeds for a deeper, nuttier flavor!
Best Tips For a Homemade Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce
Making Soyaki Sauce at home is simple, but these tips will help you nail that signature Trader Joe’s flavor:
» Toast sesame seeds first – enhances nuttiness and depth
» Use fresh garlic & ginger – gives a brighter, more authentic taste than powders
» Balance sweetness – adjust sugar, honey, or maple syrup to your liking
» Simmer gently – don’t boil too hard, or you’ll lose the delicate flavors
» Thicken if needed – add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp water) for a glaze-like finish
» Cool before storing – ensures freshness and prevents condensation in jars
💡 Chef’s Tip: Always taste as you go—your perfect Soyaki should be a harmony of savory, sweet, nutty, and garlicky notes.
🧊 Storage Tips
» You can store it in the fridge for up to 10 weeks in an air-tight glass jar.
» Shake before use—sesame seeds tend to settle
» ❌ Not freezer-friendly (texture may split)
» Let it sit at room temperature for 5 minutes before serving for the best flavor
Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce Recipe Ingredient Substitutes
| Ingredient | Substitute Option | Notes |
|---|---|---|
| Brown sugar | Honey / Maple syrup | Vegan or deeper flavor |
| Mirin | Dry sherry + sugar | Easy pantry swap |
| Sesame oil | Peanut oil | Adds nutty richness |
| Sesame seeds | Black sesame seeds | Stronger nutty taste |
| Garlic & Ginger | Powdered versions | Quick fix in a pinch |
⚙️ 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!
Best Alternate Sauce Recipes You Can Try
If you love the Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce Recipe, here are some other homemade sauce recipes you’ll enjoy experimenting with:
» Big Mac Sauce – Creamy, tangy, and perfect for burgers & sandwiches
» Korean BBQ Marinade – Sweet, smoky, and slightly spicy, ideal for grilling
» Ponzu Sauce – A citrusy soy sauce blend that pairs beautifully with seafood
» Teriyaki Sauce – A Classic Sauce
» Angry Crab Trifecta Sauce Recipe
💡 These alternatives keep your meals exciting while giving you the same balance of savory, sweet, and umami flavors.
Nutrition Facts (per serving – 1 tablespoon)
♥ Calories: ~45
♥ Total Fat: 2 g
♥ Saturated Fat: 0.3 g
♥ Cholesterol: 0 mg
♥ Sodium: 420 mg
♥ Total Carbohydrates: 6 g
♥ Sugars: 4 g
♥ Protein: 1 g
⚠️ Note: Nutrition values are approximate and may vary depending on ingredient brands and portion sizes.
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
And there you have it—my Trader Joe’s Soyaki Sauce Recipe 2025! 🍶 As a chef, I can honestly say this is one of my favorite copycat recipes because it’s versatile, bold, and ridiculously easy to make. From quick stir-fries to sushi nights, this sauce has earned a permanent spot in my fridge.
Now it’s your turn—whip up a batch, drizzle it over your next meal, and see why Soyaki is such a cult favorite. And don’t forget—great food is always better when shared, so spread the flavor with friends and family! 🌟
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, and if you have any thoughts, share them in the comment section below! Till then,
Happy Cooking!
