Hawaiian Bros Teriyaki Sauce Recipe

As a big fan of Hawaiian Bros, I always try to remake their plate lunch at home. But I learned fast that grilled chicken and rice alone won’t taste right without this Hawaiian Bros Teriyaki Sauce Recipe.

I didn’t know how to make the teriyaki sauce like Hawaiian Bros. So I called my friend who works at their kitchen and basically bugged him until he shared the recipe.

He made me promise not to tell anyone, but here I am breaking that promise because this sauce is too good to keep secret.

I made this Hawaiian Bros Teriyaki Sauce at home last weekend, and it came out rich, sweet, and bold. It reminds me of that island-style glaze you get at Hawaiian spots. This sauce is smooth, shiny, and full of flavor.

Takes about 15 minutes start to finish. This homemade teriyaki sauce is smooth, rich, and has that glossy finish you expect. You only need a few basic ingredients, but the flavor feels like the real thing.

Key Difference Between This Hawaiian Bros Teriyaki Sauce and Other Variations

Most teriyaki sauces use minced garlic or garlic powder. This Hawaiian Bros teriyaki sauce recipe smashes garlic into a paste first, which changes everything. The oils come out and blend better with the soy sauce.

I noticed this makes the sauce smoother and less chunky. Other versions use white sugar, but brown sugar adds a deeper taste that works better with the sesame oil. Many recipes skip the rice vinegar or don’t toast the sesame seeds.

Those two steps matter more than you think. The vinegar cuts through the sweetness just enough. Friends who tried both styles always pick this one. It’s thicker and clings to meat better than thin, runny teriyaki from the bottle.

Hawaiian Bros Teriyaki Sauce Perfect For

Quick chicken bowls at home – Pour this sauce over hot rice and chicken, and you get that sweet, glossy flavor in minutes without doing much extra work.

Grilled meat nights – Brush it over chicken, beef, or even shrimp right at the end, and it gives that sticky, rich finish just like restaurant style.

Easy stir-fry meals – Toss it into your pan with veggies and protein, and everything gets coated nice and shiny with bold flavor.

Dipping snacks – Use it as a dip for wings, nuggets, or even fries when you want something sweet and savory at the same time.

Simple rice meals – Drizzle it over plain rice with some veggies, and suddenly it tastes way better without needing anything fancy.

Meal prep days – Make a batch and use it through the week to keep your meals from getting boring or dry.

Hawaiian Bros Teriyaki Sauce Ingredients

4 cloves fresh garlic, finely diced and smashed into a paste – I always use fresh garlic, not the jar kind. Smash it with the knife first, then chop and press into a paste. This step brings out strong flavor and makes the sauce taste deep and real, not sharp or raw.

½ cup brown sugar – I use light brown sugar from Domino brand most of the time. It gives the sauce that sweet, rich taste and helps create the sticky glaze. Brown sugar also adds a little molasses flavor that plain white sugar just can’t give.

1 cup low-sodium soy sauce – I like Kikkoman low-sodium soy sauce because it tastes clean and balanced. Regular soy sauce can be too salty. Low-sodium lets the sweet and garlic shine without making the sauce taste heavy or overpowering.

2 tablespoons rice vinegar – I use plain rice vinegar, nothing fancy. It adds a light tang that cuts through the sweetness. Without it, the sauce can taste flat. It balances the brown sugar and makes everything taste brighter.

½ teaspoon ground ginger – Ground ginger is easy and quick. I keep McCormick in my pantry. It adds warm, gentle spice in the background. Not too strong, just enough to give that classic teriyaki flavor you expect.

2 teaspoons sesame oil – I use toasted sesame oil, usually Kadoya brand. It smells nutty and deep. You only need a small amount because it’s strong. Too much can take over the whole sauce, so I measure carefully.

3 tablespoons cornstarch – Regular cornstarch works fine. I use Argo brand. This is what makes the sauce thick and glossy. Without it, the sauce will stay thin and runny instead of coating the meat like it should.

4 tablespoons water (for slurry) – Just plain tap water is fine. I mix it with the cornstarch to make a smooth slurry. This helps thicken the sauce evenly and prevents lumps when you pour it in.

1–2 tablespoons sesame seeds, optional and toasted – I like to toast simple white sesame seeds in a dry pan. It adds a light crunch and nutty finish. It’s optional, but I think it makes the sauce look and taste more complete.

Ingredients Substitutions & Variations

• Use honey instead of brown sugar if you want a lighter, smoother sweetness. I tried this once, and it gave a softer taste.
• Swap soy sauce with tamari for gluten-free option. Taste stays close, just a bit richer.
• Add fresh grated ginger instead of powder for stronger flavor. I like this when I want a bold kick.
• Use apple cider vinegar if rice vinegar is not available. It adds more sharpness but still works fine.
• Skip sesame seeds if you want a smooth sauce. Texture stays silky without crunch.
• Add chili flakes if you like heat. Just a pinch can change the whole sauce.
• Use arrowroot powder instead of cornstarch if you prefer a cleaner thickener.

How To Make Hawaiian Bros Teriyaki Sauce

Step 1 | Prepare the Garlic

Smash the garlic cloves using the flat side of a knife to loosen the skins, then peel them. Finely dice the garlic into small, bite-sized pieces. After chopping, press and drag the flat side of the knife over the garlic to form a rough paste.

This step helps release the natural oils, deepens the flavor, and reduces the sharpness of raw garlic.

Step 2 | Build the Sauce Base

Place a saucepan over medium to medium-high heat. Add the brown sugar, soy sauce, and rice vinegar. Stir the mixture to begin dissolving the sugar and blending the ingredients together.

Step 3 | Add Aromatics and Flavor

Add the ground ginger and the prepared garlic paste into the saucepan. Stir well to evenly distribute the garlic and spices throughout the liquid. Let everything heat together so the flavors begin to combine.

Step 4 | Incorporate Sesame Oil

Pour in the sesame oil and mix thoroughly. Keep the quantity controlled, as too much sesame oil can overpower the sauce. Continue stirring while the mixture heats.

Step 5 | Prepare the Thickening Slurry

In a separate bowl, combine the cornstarch and water. Stir until completely smooth with no lumps. Set aside until the sauce begins to boil.

Step 6 | Bring to a Boil

Allow the sauce in the saucepan to come to a gentle boil while stirring occasionally. Once boiling, let it cook for about 1 minute to slightly reduce and concentrate the flavors.

Step 7 | Thicken the Sauce

Stir the cornstarch slurry again to ensure it is fully mixed, then slowly pour it into the boiling sauce while stirring continuously. The sauce will thicken quickly.

Once it reaches a glossy, thick consistency, turn off the heat immediately and continue stirring briefly to ensure everything is well combined.

Step 8 | Toast the Sesame Seeds (Optional)

Place sesame seeds in a dry pan over medium heat. Stir or shake the pan constantly to prevent burning. Once the seeds turn light golden brown and release a nutty aroma, remove them from heat. Keep them moving briefly in the hot pan to avoid over-toasting.

Step 9 | Finish the Sauce

Add the toasted sesame seeds directly into the finished sauce and stir to combine. This adds texture and an extra layer of flavor.

Tips & Notes To Make Exact Hawaiian Bros Teriyaki Sauce

1. I always keep the heat at medium, never high. Sugar can burn fast, and once it burns, the whole sauce tastes off. Slow heat gives you better control and smoother flavor.
2. Stir more than you think you need. The sugar and soy sauce can stick to the bottom if you leave it even for a short time. I just keep a spoon moving lightly while it cooks.
3. Don’t rush the slurry step. I pour it in slowly while stirring, not all at once. This helps avoid lumps and gives that smooth, glossy texture you’re looking for.
4. If the sauce turns too thick, don’t panic. I just add a small splash of water and stir on low heat. It comes back to the right consistency pretty easily.
5. Fresh garlic really matters here. I tried it once with pre-minced garlic, and it just didn’t taste the same. Crushing it into a paste brings out more flavor.
6. Always taste before you turn off the heat. Sometimes I add a pinch more sugar or a drop of vinegar, depending on how it turned out. Small tweaks make it better.

Mistakes To Avoid From Ruining The Sauce

• Using high heat whole time – Sauce may burn. Keep medium heat.
• Adding slurry too fast – It can form lumps. Pour slowly and stir.
• Too much sesame oil – It becomes bitter and strong.
• Skipping garlic paste step – Flavor will not be deep enough.
• Not stirring while boiling – Bottom may stick and burn.
• Over-thickening – Sauce gets too sticky. Remove from heat once glossy.

What To Enjoy With This Hawaiian Bros Teriyaki Sauce

This Hawaiian Bros teriyaki sauce brings that sweet, sticky flavor, so you want foods that soak it up and make it shine. I’ve tried it with a lot of meals, and these always hit right.

Honolulu chicken – This is the first thing I pour it on. That grilled chicken with pineapple already tastes good, but once the sauce coats it, you get that real Hawaiian Bros flavor at home.

Huli huli chicken – This one already has that smoky-sweet vibe, and the sauce just takes it further. Brush it on at the end, and it turns glossy and rich, just like the real thing.

Molokai chicken – Crispy chicken with this sauce is hard to beat. The outside stays a little crunchy while the sauce sticks on top. That mix of texture makes every bite better.

Steamed white rice – Simple but perfect. The rice soaks up all that extra sauce sitting on your plate. I always add a little more sauce just for the rice.

Fried rice – If you already have fried rice, just drizzle some sauce over it. It blends right in and gives everything a deeper flavor without extra work.

Grilled veggies – Toss some broccoli, zucchini, or green beans on the grill, then brush this sauce on. The edges get a little char, and the sauce adds that sweet finish.

Dipping for snacks – I’ve used this as a dip for nuggets, wings, even fries. It’s sweet, salty, and works way better than plain ketchup or store sauces.

Hawaiian Bros Teriyaki Sauce Recipe FAQs

Can I make this sauce ahead of time?

You can make it a few days early and keep it in the fridge. I do this often when prepping meals. Just warm it gently before using, and give it a quick stir to bring it back smooth.

Why is my sauce too thick?

This usually happens when too much cornstarch is added or it cooks too long after thickening. I fix it by adding a small splash of water and warming it slowly while stirring until it loosens.

Can I freeze this sauce?

You can freeze it if needed. I store it in a sealed container, then thaw it in the fridge overnight. When reheating, keep the heat low and stir so the texture comes back evenly.

Is this sauce very sweet?

It leans sweet, but it’s not overpowering. The soy sauce and vinegar balance it out. If it feels too sweet for you, just cut back a little on the sugar next time you make it.

Can I use fresh ginger instead of ground?

Fresh ginger works really well here. It gives a brighter and slightly stronger flavor. I like to grate it fine so it blends into the sauce without leaving big pieces.

What can I use instead of cornstarch?

Arrowroot powder is a good swap. It thickens in a similar way but feels a bit lighter. Just mix it with water the same way before adding so you don’t end up with lumps.

How do I fix a salty sauce?

If it tastes too salty, I add a little more brown sugar or a splash of water. Sometimes even a small drop of vinegar helps balance things out. Always adjust little by little.

Can I use this as a marinade?

This sauce works great as a marinade. I usually let chicken or beef sit in it for at least 30 minutes. For deeper flavor, you can leave it longer in the fridge.

Why is my sauce not glossy?

That shiny look comes from proper thickening. If it looks dull, the slurry may not have mixed well or cooked enough. Keep stirring on low heat until it turns smooth and glossy.

Can I make it spicy?

If you like heat, you can add chili flakes or a bit of hot sauce. I start small and taste as I go. It’s easy to add more, but hard to fix if it gets too spicy.

This Hawaiian Bros Teriyaki Sauce Recipe is simple but full of bold island flavor. It uses easy pantry items like soy sauce, brown sugar, garlic, and sesame oil. The thick and glossy texture makes it perfect for chicken, rice bowls, and stir fry.

I made this homemade teriyaki sauce many times, and it never fails me.

Once you try this Hawaiian style teriyaki sauce, you may skip store bottle for good. Make it in your kitchen and see how it changes your next meal. It’s easy, fast, and so worth it.