Jack in the Box Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

We’ve spent hours in our kitchen testing sauces, tasting, tweaking, and tasting again, just to get it right. Honestly, we wanted that exact Jack in the Box flavor at home and after a bunch of trials, we nailed it. You can trust us, this recipe really works.

The Jack in the Box Teriyaki Sauce Recipe is a sweet, tangy, and rich sauce made with simple ingredients like soy sauce, sugar, garlic, and ginger. You can use it as a glaze, a marinade, or even as a dipping sauce. Whether you’re pairing it with chicken, Churros, pork, Jack in the Box Egg Rolls, or roasted vegetables, this teriyaki sauce instantly transforms any dish into a flavor-packed delight.

We can’t wait to show you how easy it is to make. Stick with us, and we’ll share the steps, little tips, and tricks so your sauce comes out tasting just like the real deal every single time!

My Personal Experience With This Jack in the Box Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

The first time I made this Jack in the Box Teriyaki Sauce Recipe, I was amazed at how something so simple could taste so incredible. The sweet balance from brown sugar combined with the salty depth of soy sauce instantly reminded me of takeout nights.

I loved how the garlic and ginger gave the sauce a warm, aromatic kick. Toasting the sesame seeds was a game changer it added a nutty crunch that elevated the whole dish. From that moment, this became my go-to sauce for weeknight meals.

Now, whenever I cook grilled chicken, stir-fried veggies, or even oven-baked salmon, this sauce is the first thing I reach for. It’s quick, reliable, and honestly tastes better than the bottled versions.

Ingredients Required for Jack in the Box Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Gather all the following ingredients, before you start making this Jack in the Box Teriyaki Sauce

• 4 cloves garlic (peeled, diced, and smashed into paste)
• ½ cup brown sugar
• 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce
• 2 tablespoons rice vinegar
• ½ teaspoon ground ginger
• 2 teaspoons sesame oil
• 3 tablespoons cornstarch
• 4 tablespoons water (for slurry)
• 2 tablespoons sesame seeds (toasted, optional)

Kitchen Utensils Required

1. Cutting board & knife
2. Small saucepan
3. Wooden spoon or whisk
4. Measuring cups & spoons
5. Small bowl (for slurry)

Preparation & Cooking Time

Prep Time: 10 minutes
Cook Time: 10 minutes
Total Time: 20 minutes
Servings: About 1 ½ cups of sauce

Copycat Jack in the Box Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Just follow this simple step by step guideline to make your homemade version of Jack in the Box Teriyaki Sauce in a delicious way.

Step 1. Prep the Garlic: Peel four garlic cloves, finely dice them, then smash them into a paste with the flat side of your knife. This step releases their natural oils and deepens the flavor.

Step 2. Build the Sauce Base: In a saucepan over medium-high heat, combine ½ cup brown sugar, 1 cup low-sodium soy sauce, and 2 tablespoons rice vinegar. Stir until the sugar dissolves completely.

Step 3. Add Aromatics: Mix in the ground ginger and garlic paste. Let them simmer for 1–2 minutes to infuse the sauce with bold, savory notes.

Step 4. Enhance with Sesame Oil: Add 2 teaspoons of sesame oil. Stir gently to balance the sweetness and saltiness with nutty depth. Be careful not to overdo it sesame oil can easily overpower the sauce.

Step 5. Thicken the Sauce: In a small bowl, whisk 3 tablespoons cornstarch with 4 tablespoons water until smooth. Slowly whisk this slurry into the simmering sauce. Stir continuously for about a minute until the sauce thickens into a glossy, rich consistency.

Step 6. Finish and Serve: Toast sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat until golden brown, then stir them into the sauce. Remove from heat and serve immediately as a glaze, dipping sauce, or marinade for meats, fish, or vegetables.

Delicious Ways to Customize and Serve This Jack in the Box Teriyaki Sauce

Here are some Variations and Customizations ideas you can try to enjoy this Jack in the Box Teriyaki Sauce deliciously

1. Grilled Chicken Tenders
We love brushing this sauce over juicy LongHorn Steakhouse Chicken Tenders. The glaze caramelizes beautifully on the grill, giving that irresistible sweet-salty bite.

2. Stir-Fried Veggies
One of our go-to weeknight dinners is tossing broccoli, Sonic Pickle Fries, bell peppers, and snap peas in this sauce. It instantly makes plain veggies taste restaurant-worthy.

3. Salmon Fillets
We’ve found that this sauce pairs like a dream with baked or pan-seared salmon. A quick glaze before serving takes the fish to another level.

4. Beef Teriyaki Bowls
Thinly sliced beef, rice, and this teriyaki sauce? Absolutely unbeatable. It reminds us of takeout, only fresher and better at home.

5. Crispy Chicken Wings
When we want game-day food like Chicago Tribune Kentucky Fried Chicken, we toss crispy wings in this sauce. Sticky, flavorful, and downright addictive.

6. Shrimp Stir-Fry
Shrimp cooks so fast, and when tossed with this sauce, it feels fancy yet effortless. Great for a quick weeknight meal.

7. Pork Chops
We’ve glazed pork chops with this sauce, and let me tell you it creates the juiciest, most flavorful crust.

8. Veggie Fried Rice
A splash of teriyaki sauce into fried rice makes it richer and slightly sticky, just like hibachi-style rice.

9. Roasted Vegetables
Even simple roasted carrots or Brussels sprouts taste gourmet with a drizzle of this sauce.

10. Dipping Sauce for Appetizers
Sometimes, we just use it as a dip for egg rolls, dumplings, or even fries it never disappoints.

Some Notable Tips and Tricks on This Jack in the Box Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

Here are some tips and tricks you should follow when trying this recipe.

1. Chop the garlic small
The smaller the pieces, the smoother your sauce will taste.

2. Smash the garlic
Press it flat with your knife. It makes the flavor stronger and yummier.

3. Stir, stir, stir 
Don’t stop stirring while the sauce cooks. This keeps it from burning.

4. Don’t rush the sugar
Let the brown sugar melt all the way so the sauce is nice and smooth.

5. Use low-sodium soy sauce
It gives the right salty flavor without being too strong.

6. Add sesame oil slowly
Just a little bit makes the sauce taste nutty and rich. Too much can take over.

7. Mix the slurry well
Stir the cornstarch and water until there are no lumps before adding.

8. Add the slurry slowly
Pour it in a little at a time while whisking so the sauce gets thick, not clumpy.

9. Toast sesame seeds carefully
Keep shaking the pan so they don’t burn. They brown really fast.

10. Taste and adjust
If you want it sweeter, add a touch more sugar. If you want it tangier, add a splash of vinegar.

How to Store and Reheat Leftover Jack in the Box Teriyaki Sauce Properly?

If you have any leftover (hopefully you don’t have) you can process them properly as follows,

Store leftover sauce in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 1 week. Reheat gently on the stovetop or in the microwave, adding a splash of water if it thickens too much.

FAQs on this Copycat Jack in the Box Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

When you give this Jack in the Box Teriyaki Sauce Recipe a try, you might have a few questions. Don’t worry-we’ve rounded up answers to the most common ones to help you out.

1. Can I make this teriyaki sauce ahead of time?

Yes, absolutely! We often make it a day or two in advance. The flavors actually deepen as it sits in the fridge, making it even tastier.

2. How long does homemade teriyaki sauce last?

From our experience, it stays fresh in the fridge for about a week if kept in an airtight container. We like to store it in a glass jar for best results.

3. Can I freeze this sauce?

Yes! We’ve frozen it in small portions before, and it reheats really well. Just thaw it overnight in the fridge and warm it gently on the stove.

4. Is this recipe gluten-free?

Not as written, since soy sauce has gluten. But when we want it gluten-free, we swap soy sauce for tamari or coconut aminos, and it works perfectly.

5. Can I adjust the sweetness?

Definitely. We sometimes add a little extra brown sugar for more sweetness, or reduce it if we’re serving it with sweet veggies like carrots.

6. What if my sauce is too thick?

We just splash in a bit of water and stir until it loosens up. It happens sometimes when reheating.

7. Can I make this without sesame oil?

Yes, we’ve tried it without sesame oil, and while it still tastes great, the sauce is a little less nutty. A tiny drizzle makes a big difference though.

8. Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground?

Oh yes, we’ve done that. About one teaspoon of finely grated fresh ginger gives the sauce a brighter kick.

9. How can I make it spicy?

When we want a little heat, we add red pepper flakes or a squirt of sriracha. It gives the sauce a nice kick without changing the base flavor.

10. What dishes does this sauce go best with?

Honestly, almost everything! We’ve used it on chicken, salmon, pork chops, stir-fried veggies, and even as a dipping sauce for dumplings. It’s super versatile.

This Jack in the Box Teriyaki Sauce Recipe proves that you don’t need a drive-thru to enjoy bold, restaurant-quality flavors at home. With just a few ingredients, you’ll have a sauce that works with meats, seafood, and veggies alike. Give this recipe a try the next time you want to level up dinner, and don’t forget to share your experience in the comments below. Craving more easy homemade sauces? Stick around I’ve got plenty more delicious recipes coming your way!

We’d love to hear how this recipe turns out for you! Give it a try, then drop a comment below to share your thoughts and tips with us.

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