This Trader Joe’s Soyaki recipe is a savory and sweet recipe, which is made with classic soy sauce, sugar, and aromatics like ginger and garlic. It’s the perfect versatile sauce and marinade, a simple, foolproof copycat that’s ready in just 10 minutes.
Jump to RecipeTrader Joe’s Soyaki Ingredients
A simple list for a perfect copycat of the popular store-bought sauce.
- 1 cup soy sauce
- ¾ cup granulated sugar
- 1 teaspoon granulated garlic
- 1 teaspoon ground ginger
- 1 teaspoon onion powder
- 1 teaspoon sesame oil
- 1 teaspoon sesame seeds
How To Make Trader Joe’s Soyaki
A step-by-step guide to this incredibly quick and easy sauce.
- Combine Ingredients: In a small saucepan, combine the soy sauce, granulated sugar, granulated garlic, ground ginger, onion powder, sesame oil, and sesame seeds.
- Simmer the Sauce: Place the saucepan over medium heat. Bring the mixture up to a low boil, stirring to help the sugar dissolve. Let it cook for about 5 minutes, allowing the sauce to reduce slightly.
- Cool and Store: Once the sugar has dissolved completely, remove the sauce from the heat and allow it to cool. The sauce will thicken slightly as it cools.
- Store: Pour the cooled Soyaki sauce into an airtight container, such as a mason jar, and store it in the refrigerator.
Recipe Tips
For the most authentic, perfectly balanced Soyaki sauce.
- How to get the best flavor? The simple simmer is key. Cooking the sauce for 5 minutes not only dissolves the sugar but also allows the dried garlic, ginger, and onion to rehydrate and infuse their flavors into the sauce, creating a more cohesive and delicious result.
- Can I use fresh garlic and ginger? Yes! For a brighter, more pungent flavor, you can substitute the dried powders with 1 tablespoon each of freshly minced garlic and ginger. Add them to the pot and let them simmer in the sauce.
- How can I make this gluten-free? To make this sauce gluten-free, simply substitute the regular soy sauce with an equal amount of a certified gluten-free tamari or with coconut aminos.
- Can I make this sauce thicker? For a thicker, glaze-like consistency, you can make a small slurry by whisking 1 teaspoon of cornstarch with 1 tablespoon of cold water. Stir this into the simmering sauce and cook for another minute until it thickens.
How to Use Soyaki Sauce
This versatile sauce is perfect for grilling, stir-frying, and dipping.
This all-purpose sauce is a fantastic staple to have in your fridge. It’s perfect as:
- A marinade for chicken, beef, pork, or salmon before grilling or baking.
- A stir-fry sauce with your favorite vegetables and protein.
- A glaze brushed onto meat or vegetables in the last few minutes of cooking.
- A simple dipping sauce for potstickers, spring rolls, or chicken wings.
How To Store Homemade Soyaki
Keeping your sauce fresh and ready to use.
- Refrigerate: Store the cooled Soyaki sauce in a sealed jar or airtight container in the refrigerator. It will stay fresh and delicious for up to 2 weeks.
Trader Joe’s Soyaki Nutrition Facts
An estimated guide per tablespoon.
- Calories: 48kcal
- Carbohydrates: 10g
- Protein: 2g
- Fat: 0.3g
Nutrition information is estimated and may vary based on ingredients and cooking methods used.
FAQs
Soy sauce is inherently salty. If you are sensitive to salt, you can use a low-sodium soy sauce as a direct substitute to control the sodium level.
Yes, this sauce is a relatively thin, marinade-style sauce, not a thick glaze (unless you add a thickener like cornstarch). It will thicken slightly as it cools, but it is meant to be a pourable consistency.
Yes, cooking the sauce is an important step. It dissolves the sugar completely and allows the flavors of the dried spices to bloom and meld into the sauce for the best result.
Try More Recipes:
- Trader Joe’s Chicken Curry Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Cowboy Caviar Recipe
- Trader Joe’s Thai Peanut Satay Sauce Recipe
Trader Joe’s Soyaki Recipe
Course: SauceCuisine: AmericanDifficulty: Easy1
servings5
minutes5
minutes48
kcalAn easy, 10-minute copycat recipe for Trader Joe’s famous Soyaki sauce. This sweet and savory sauce is incredibly versatile as a marinade, a stir-fry sauce, or a glaze for all your favorite dishes.
Ingredients
1 cup soy sauce
¾ cup granulated sugar
1 teaspoon granulated garlic
1 teaspoon ground ginger
1 teaspoon onion powder
1 teaspoon sesame oil
1 teaspoon sesame seeds
Directions
- Combine all of the ingredients (soy sauce, sugar, garlic, ginger, onion powder, sesame oil, and sesame seeds) in a small saucepan.
- Place the pot over medium heat and bring the mixture to a low boil, stirring to dissolve the sugar.
- Let the sauce simmer for 5 minutes to allow the flavors to meld and the sauce to reduce slightly.
- Remove the sauce from the heat and let it cool completely. It will thicken as it cools.
- Transfer to an airtight container, like a mason jar, and store in the refrigerator for up to two weeks.
Notes
- For a thicker glaze, you can add a cornstarch slurry (1 tsp cornstarch + 1 tbsp cold water) to the simmering sauce.
- Use low-sodium soy sauce or tamari if you are watching your salt intake.
- This sauce is perfect for making a big batch and keeping it on hand for quick and easy weeknight meals.
- Ensure the sugar is completely dissolved before you let the sauce cool.
