If you’ve ever wished you could bring that irresistible sweet-savory flavor of a good teriyaki sauce to your salad or grain bowl, this Honey Teriyaki Dressing is about to become a major staple in your kitchen! It’s glossy, velvety, and packed with Asian-inspired flavors, blending the subtle floral notes of honey with ginger, garlic, a splash of toasted sesame oil, and a hint of rice vinegar. Whether you’re drizzling it over crisp greens, using it to marinate grilled veggies, or spooning it over a rice bowl, this dressing does it all—making weeknight dinners feel special and takeout-worthy, straight from your own fridge.
Ingredients You’ll Need
Ingredients You’ll Need
This Honey Teriyaki Dressing really shines because of its straightforward, pantry-friendly ingredients. Each one plays a unique role, whether it’s balancing sweetness, bringing a salty punch, adding depth, or delivering that luscious texture we crave in a great dressing. Here’s what you’ll need and why you definitely don’t want to skip any of them:
- Low-sodium soy sauce: The foundation of our dressing, this delivers savory umami flavor while keeping the saltiness in check.
- Honey: A natural sweetener that gives the dressing its signature glossy finish and helps all the flavors come together.
- Rice vinegar: For a gentle tang that balances the sweet and savory notes and keeps the dressing refreshing.
- Toasted sesame oil: Adds an unmistakable nutty aroma and richness; just a drizzle transforms the whole dish.
- Olive oil: Smooths out the dressing, adding body and keeping the flavors from overpowering each other.
- Water: Lightens the texture for easy drizzling and helps mellow the strong flavors.
- Fresh ginger (grated): Brightens every bite with zippiness and a subtle heat.
- Garlic (minced): Infuses the dressing with a layer of savory complexity that makes it truly crave-worthy.
- Cornstarch (optional): If you want a thicker dressing, just a little bit turns it silky and perfect for dipping.
- Sesame seeds (optional): Sprinkle in for a lovely touch of crunch and extra visual appeal.
How to Make Honey Teriyaki Dressing
Step 1: Combine the Base Ingredients
Start by adding the soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, toasted sesame oil, olive oil, water, grated ginger, and minced garlic to a small saucepan. Give it all a really good stir—this is when the kitchen starts to smell absolutely amazing, and you can already tell it’s going to taste fantastic.
Step 2: Simmer Gently
Bring the mixture up to a gentle simmer over medium heat. Stir occasionally so the honey melts fully and the flavors meld into that signature teriyaki blend. If you want an ultra-smooth result, make sure your ginger and garlic are finely grated and minced.
Step 3: Thicken (Optional)
If you love your Honey Teriyaki Dressing on the thicker side, whisk the cornstarch with a splash of water to make a slurry, then pour it into the simmering dressing. Let it bubble for about 2 to 3 minutes—it’ll become glossy and a little syrupy, perfect for drizzling or dipping.
Step 4: Cool and Strain
Remove the pan from the heat and let the dressing cool for a few minutes. For a super-silky texture, strain it through a fine mesh sieve into a clean jar or bowl. This step is optional, but it’s the secret to a restaurant-worthy finish.
Step 5: Finish and Store
Stir in the sesame seeds, if you’re using them, for a pop of crunch. Close the jar and refrigerate until ready to use. When it’s time to serve, give your Honey Teriyaki Dressing a good shake to recombine everything—and get ready for compliments!
How to Serve Honey Teriyaki Dressing
Garnishes
When finishing any dish with Honey Teriyaki Dressing, try a final flourish of extra sesame seeds or thinly sliced green onions for color and crunch. A sprinkle of red pepper flakes wakes things up if you’d like a touch of heat, and toasted nori strips add a fun, savory twist.
Side Dishes
This dressing is a superstar alongside roasted or steamed vegetables (especially broccoli, carrots, or snap peas), fluffy rice, or even tossed with cold soba noodles. Try it on a bed of greens with crispy tofu or grilled chicken, and you’ll suddenly have a salad that’s the main event, not just a side.
Creative Ways to Present
Pour your Honey Teriyaki Dressing into a pretty mason jar or small carafe for the table, letting each guest drizzle to taste. Or use it as a vibrant glaze for skewers on a party platter, and see how it transforms simple veggies and proteins into show-stoppers. Swirl over poke bowls, grains, or even as a zesty dipping sauce for dumplings and egg rolls—the possibilities are honestly endless.
Make Ahead and Storage
Storing Leftovers
Honey Teriyaki Dressing keeps beautifully in a tightly sealed jar in the fridge for up to one week. If you notice the oil separating, just give it a hearty shake before serving. Since there are no preservatives, use a clean spoon each time to preserve freshness.
Freezing
While freezing isn’t necessary for such a quick-to-make dressing, you technically can freeze it if you want to prep way ahead. Pour into an airtight container, leaving space for expansion, and freeze for up to two months. Thaw in the refrigerator overnight before using, and give it a good whisk to recombine.
Reheating
If you prefer your Honey Teriyaki Dressing warm (it’s especially delicious over grilled dishes), simply spoon the desired amount into a microwave-safe bowl and warm in short 10-second bursts, stirring each time. You can also reheat gently on the stovetop over low heat—just be careful not to boil, or the flavor may change.
FAQs
Can I make Honey Teriyaki Dressing gluten-free?
Absolutely! Just swap in a certified gluten-free soy sauce or tamari, and your dressing will be just as full of flavor—plus, you’ll be able to share it with anyone at the table.
How can I make this dressing spicier?
If you like a little kick, stir in a pinch of red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha right at the end. It will add warmth without overpowering the beautiful balance of sweet and savory notes.
What else can I use this dressing for beyond salads?
Honey Teriyaki Dressing is a dream as a marinade for chicken, tofu, or shrimp, and it makes a wonderful drizzle for grain bowls or roasted veggies. Try it with stir-fried noodles or as a dipping sauce for dumplings and spring rolls—the sky’s the limit.
Is it possible to make this dressing ahead of time?
Yes, and it actually tastes even better after a day in the fridge, as the flavors have more time to meld. Just be sure to give it a good shake or stir before serving since some separation is normal.
Can I reduce the sugar in this recipe?
Definitely! You can reduce the honey to 1 tablespoon if you like your Honey Teriyaki Dressing a bit less sweet. The flavor will be more savory, but still absolutely delicious and versatile.
Final Thoughts
If you’re searching for a dressing that effortlessly brings bold, mouthwatering flavor to almost anything, Honey Teriyaki Dressing should be at the top of your list. It’s quick, flexible, and guaranteed to earn rave reviews at any meal. Go ahead and give it a try—you’ll want to keep a jar ready at all times for salads, grain bowls, and so much more!
Print
Honey Teriyaki Dressing Recipe
- Prep Time: 5 minutes
- Cook Time: 5 minutes
- Total Time: 10 minutes
- Yield: About 3/4 cup (6 servings)
- Category: Sauce
- Method: Stovetop
- Cuisine: Asian
- Diet: Vegetarian
Description
Elevate your salads, meats, and veggies with this homemade Honey Teriyaki Dressing. A versatile, Asian-inspired sauce that brings a perfect balance of sweet and savory to your dishes.
Ingredients
For the Dressing:
- 1/4 cup low-sodium soy sauce
- 2 tablespoons honey
- 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
- 1 tablespoon toasted sesame oil
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon water
- 1 teaspoon grated fresh ginger
- 1 clove garlic, minced
- 1 teaspoon cornstarch (optional, for thickening)
- 1/2 teaspoon sesame seeds (optional)
Instructions
- In a small saucepan over medium heat, combine soy sauce, honey, rice vinegar, sesame oil, olive oil, water, ginger, and garlic. Stir well to combine and bring to a gentle simmer.
- If you prefer a thicker dressing, whisk in the cornstarch and simmer for 2–3 minutes until slightly thickened.
- Remove from heat and let cool. For a smoother texture, strain the dressing through a fine mesh sieve.
- Stir in sesame seeds if using. Transfer to a jar and refrigerate until ready to use. Shake well before serving.
Notes
- This dressing works well as a salad dressing, marinade, or dipping sauce.
- For a spicier version, add a pinch of red pepper flakes.
- Store in the refrigerator for up to one week.
Nutrition
- Serving Size: 2 tablespoons
- Calories: 70
- Sugar: 5g
- Sodium: 390mg
- Fat: 5g
- Saturated Fat: 0.5g
- Unsaturated Fat: 4.5g
- Trans Fat: 0g
- Carbohydrates: 6g
- Fiber: 0g
- Protein: 1g
- Cholesterol: 0mg
