Teriyaki Sauce

What Is Teriyaki Sauce?

Teriyaki sauce comes from Japanese cuisine and is a sweet, thick, glossy sauce made with a soy sauce base, sugar (or mirin/sake), and sometimes ginger and garlic. Its name is associated with the glossy coating it gives meat and the grilling method.

It is a mildly thick sauce that balances sweet and salty flavors; as it cooks, its sugar caramelizes to give meat a glossy, sticky coating. Because it is soy sauce-based, its sodium content is notable, and it also has a moderate amount of sugar because sugar is added.

Teriyaki Sauce Nutrition Facts

Teriyaki sauce provides approximately 89 kcal per 100 ml, making it slightly higher in calories than soy sauce; added sugar contributes carbohydrates, and the soy base makes its sodium content notable. Values vary by brand and are approximate.

How Should Teriyaki Sauce Be Used?

Because teriyaki sauce is salty and sweet, use it in small amounts without adding extra salt or sugar to the dish. Because it is soy-based, people with soy allergies or gluten sensitivity are advised to check the ingredients.

This is general information. Teriyaki sauce is a food and is not a substitute for medical treatment.

How to Choose Teriyaki Sauce

A good teriyaki sauce has simple ingredients, a naturally made soy sauce base, and a current freshness date. Avoid products with excessive additives, artificial sweetness, or unclear ingredients; check the label for sodium and gluten.

• Ingredients should be simple, with a naturally made soy base.
• The freshness date should be current.
• Check the label for sodium and gluten.

How to Store Teriyaki Sauce

Store unopened teriyaki sauce in a cool, dark place; once opened, keep it sealed in the refrigerator. Because it contains sugar, its flavor may change somewhat sooner than soy sauce; pay attention to the date.

How to Use Teriyaki Sauce in the Kitchen

Teriyaki sauce is used most often with grilled chicken, meat, and salmon, in wok sautés, noodle dishes, and vegetable dishes. Brush it on as a marinade or near the end of cooking to create a glossy, sweet-and-salty glaze; it is generally added toward the end so the sugar does not burn.

What Is the Difference Between Teriyaki and Soy Sauce?

Teriyaki is a mildly sweet sauce made by adding sugar or mirin to a soy sauce base; soy sauce is a plain, salty seasoning. Teriyaki is thicker and sweeter, while soy sauce is thinner and saltier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can teriyaki sauce be made at home?

Yes. Soy sauce, sugar (or honey/mirin), and optionally ginger and garlic can be cooked over low heat until thickened. Adjust the consistency and sweetness to taste.

Does teriyaki sauce contain gluten?

Because it is soy sauce-based, most traditional teriyaki sauces contain gluten from wheat; gluten-free varieties are also available. People with sensitivities should check the label.

Why does teriyaki make a glossy coating?

The sugar in it caramelizes during cooking and thickens the sauce, giving meat a glossy, sticky coating; this is a distinctive feature of teriyaki cooking.

Is teriyaki sauce very salty?

Because it is soy-based, its sodium content is notable; sugar balances the saltiness somewhat, but it should still be used in moderation. Lower-sodium varieties may be preferred.