This recipe is so simple and quick that once you taste it, you may never want to buy a bottled brand again.

 

The secret to outstanding teriyaki is in the sauce, so I insist on using only the best ingredients: fresh garlic, Kikkoman brand soy sauce and sweet, fragrant Demerara sugar. This minimally-processed cane sugar has large, crunchy crystals and a distinct molasses flavor and aroma.

 

Adjust the ingredients to your personal taste. Love garlic? Add some more. Not such a fan of the "stinking rose"? Dial back the garlic to a whisper. And if you like a ginger flavor in your teriyaki sauce, add a small amount of grated fresh ginger or dried crushed (not powdered) ginger to the pan with the other ingredients.

 

Makes 1 cup, at a ratio of 1/2 cup soy sauce to 3 Tbsp. sugar:

 

1 cup Kikkoman brand soy sauce
12 Tbsp. Demerara Sugar
1 small clove garlic, grated or finely minced

 

Combine all ingredients in a small saucepan over very low heat and cook until the sugar is completely melted. Do not allow the sauce to burn.
Cool until thickened.