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Easy Zaxby’s Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Zaxby’s Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Kimberly Booker RD
Imagine standing in line at Zaxby’s, the smell of fried chicken wafting through the air. You know you’re in for a treat, but what truly brings those flavors to life? The answer lies in a small bottle: Zaxby’s Teriyaki Sauce. 
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Prep Time 5 minutes
Cook Time 15 minutes
Total Time 20 minutes
Course Side Dish
Cuisine Asian
Servings 1 cup
Calories 42 kcal

Equipment

  • Small saucepan

Ingredients
  

  • 1/4 cup dark brown sugar
  • 1/4 cup filtered water
  • 1/2 cup tamari or soy sauce
  • 1 tablespoon rice wine vinegar
  • 2 tablespoons golden syrup or honey
  • 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
  • 1 tablespoon freshly grated ginger
  • 2 cloves garlic finely chopped
  • 1 teaspoon mirin
  • 1 tablespoon arrowroot powder mixed with 2 tablespoons cool water for thickening
  • 1/2 teaspoon chili flakes

Instructions
 

  • Let’s get cooking! Follow these steps to create your own dream-worthy Zaxby’s Teriyaki Sauce.

Step 1: Gather Your Ingredients

  • Make sure you have all your ingredients ready. This will save time and help you work effectively. Lay them out on your counter for easy access.

Step 2: Combine Sugar and Water

  • In a small saucepan, combine the dark brown sugar and filtered water. Place it over medium heat and stir until the sugar completely dissolves. This step creates a sweet base for your sauce.

Step 3: Mix in Soy Sauce and Vinegar

  • Once the sugar has dissolved, add in the tamari or soy sauce and rice wine vinegar. Stir well to combine. The mixture should start to darken and take on that teriyaki color that we love.

Step 4: Add Aromatics

  • It’s time to amp up the flavor. Add the freshly grated ginger, chopped garlic, and mirin. Stir the mixture continuously while it warms up. You’ll smell those delightful aromas wafting off the heat.

Step 5: Thicken the Sauce

  • In a small bowl, mix the arrowroot powder with cool water to create a slurry. Slowly whisk this into the sauce mixture as it simmers. The sauce will begin to thicken, achieving that perfect, velvety texture.

Step 6: Spice It Up

  • If you like a hint of spice, add the chili flakes now. Stir and let everything simmer for a few more minutes. Taste it to see if you need to adjust with more sugar or soy sauce.

Step 7: Cool and Store

  • Once thickened to your liking, remove the sauce from heat. Let it cool completely before transferring to a clean, airtight container. This ensures it stays fresh for future use.

Notes

Here are some tips I’ve learned through trial and error that will help make your sauce even better:
  • Balance is Key: Taste the sauce before it cools down. Adjust sweetness by adding a bit more sugar or brightness with additional vinegar.
  • Fresh Ingredients Matter: Try to use fresh ginger and garlic for the best flavor. Dried versions won’t give you the punch you want.
  • Chili Flakes: If you’re unsure about the heat level, start with a small pinch and add more to your liking.
  • Storage: For best results, store your sauce in the fridge in a glass jar. It should last about 2 weeks.
  • Use Immediately: Try to use the sauce within a week for peak flavor, as the freshness of the ingredients may fade over time.

Nutrition

Serving: 21gCalories: 42kcalCarbohydrates: 9gFat: 0.7gSodium: 6mgSugar: 9g
Keyword Zaxby’s Teriyaki Sauce Recipe
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