Anyone tried this before? Looks neat!

When it comes to meal prep, few things are as satisfying as having a homemade stash of your favorite sauces ready to go. Teriyaki sauce, with its sweet and savory flavors, is a versatile addition to many dishes, from stir-fries to grilled meats. But what if you could preserve this delicious sauce in the easiest way possible, without the hassle of using multiple containers or worrying about freezer space? Enter the baking sheet hack—an incredibly lazy yet effective way to freeze teriyaki sauce.

Freezing teriyaki sauce allows you to have it on hand whenever you need it. Whether you're planning a quick weeknight dinner or just need a burst of flavor for a last-minute meal, having pre-frozen teriyaki sauce makes cooking so much easier. Plus, freezing helps to preserve the freshness and taste of the sauce, so you don't have to worry about it going bad in the fridge.

This method is perfect for those who want to freeze teriyaki sauce with minimal effort. The idea is simple: instead of portioning the sauce into individual containers or ice cube trays, you pour it directly onto a baking sheet, freeze it, and then break it into convenient pieces. Here’s how to do it.

A large baking sheet (preferably one with a rim to prevent spills)
Parchment paper or a silicone baking mat
Your homemade or store-bought teriyaki sauce
A freezer-safe bag or container for storage

Prepare Your Baking Sheet: Line your baking sheet with parchment paper or a silicone baking mat. This will prevent the sauce from sticking to the sheet and make it easier to remove once frozen.

Pour the Teriyaki Sauce: Pour your teriyaki sauce onto the prepared baking sheet. Aim for a thin, even layer. Depending on the thickness of your sauce, this might be about ¼ to ½ inch thick. Spreading it out in a thin layer will ensure that it freezes quickly and evenly.

Freeze: Place the baking sheet in the freezer. Make sure it’s on a flat surface to prevent the sauce from pooling in one area. Leave it in the freezer for a few hours or until the sauce is completely frozen.

Break Into Pieces: Once the teriyaki sauce is frozen solid, remove the baking sheet from the freezer. Lift the parchment paper or silicone mat off the sheet, and gently break the frozen sauce into pieces. You can make the pieces as big or as small as you like, depending on your typical serving size.

Store for Later: Transfer the frozen teriyaki sauce pieces into a freezer-safe bag or container. Label it with the date, and store it back in the freezer. The sauce will keep for up to three months.

Using your frozen teriyaki sauce is as easy as grabbing a piece or two and tossing it into your dish. The frozen pieces will melt quickly in a hot pan, making them perfect for stir-fries, glazing meats, or even as a dipping sauce.

If you want to make your teriyaki sauce from scratch before freezing, here’s a simple and delicious recipe that’s sure to please.

Ingredients:
1 cup soy sauce
½ cup mirin (sweet rice wine)
½ cup sake (Japanese rice wine) or substitute with water
½ cup brown sugar
2 cloves garlic, minced
1-inch piece of ginger, peeled and minced
2 tablespoons cornstarch (optional, for thicker sauce)
¼ cup cold water (if using cornstarch)

Instructions:
Mix the Ingredients: In a saucepan, combine the soy sauce, mirin, sake, and brown sugar. Stir until the sugar dissolves.

Add Garlic and Ginger: Stir in the minced garlic and ginger. Bring the mixture to a simmer over medium heat.

Thicken the Sauce (Optional): If you prefer a thicker teriyaki sauce, mix the cornstarch with cold water to create a slurry. Gradually add the slurry to the sauce, stirring constantly until it thickens. If you like a thinner sauce, you can skip this step.

Simmer: Allow the sauce to simmer for about 10-15 minutes, until it reaches your desired consistency. The flavors will meld together beautifully as it cooks.

Cool and Freeze: Once the sauce is done, let it cool completely before using the baking sheet hack to freeze it.

Final Thoughts

Freezing teriyaki sauce using a baking sheet is not only the laziest way to do it but also one of the most efficient. This method ensures you always have just the right amount of sauce on hand without the need for extra containers or complicated prep work. Whether you're a busy parent, a college student, or someone who just loves to cook, this hack will save you time and make your life a little bit easier. Give it a try, and you’ll wonder why you ever froze sauces any other way!