Teriyaki Sauce

What Is Teriyaki Sauce?

Teriyaki sauce is a sweet, dark, glossy sauce from Japanese cuisine, made from a soy sauce base with added sugar (or mirin/sake) and sometimes ginger-garlic. Its name relates to the glossy glaze it gives to meat and the grilling method it's associated with.

It's a slightly thick sauce with a balanced sweet and salty flavor; as it cooks, its sugar caramelizes to give meat a glossy, sticky coating. Since it's soy-sauce based, its sodium content is notable, and its sugar content is moderate due to the added sugar.

Nutritional Values of Teriyaki Sauce

Teriyaki sauce is somewhat more calorie-dense than soy sauce, providing around 89 kcal per 100 ml; its carbohydrate content is notable due to added sugar, and its sodium content is notable due to its soy base. Values vary by brand; they are approximate.

How Should Teriyaki Sauce Be Used?

Since teriyaki sauce is salty and sweet, it is used in small amounts without additional salt-sugar added to the dish. Since it is soy-based, those with a soy allergy or gluten sensitivity are advised to check the ingredients.

This information is general; teriyaki sauce is a food, not a substitute for medical treatment.

How Is Teriyaki Sauce Chosen?

Good teriyaki sauce has a simple ingredient list, a natural soy-sauce base, and a suitable freshness date. Overly additive-laden, artificially sweetened, or unclear-ingredient products should be avoided; sodium and gluten should be checked on the label.

• Ingredients should be simple, soy base natural
• Should have a suitable freshness date
• Sodium-gluten should be checked on the label

How Is Teriyaki Sauce Stored?

Unopened teriyaki sauce is stored in a cool, dark place; once opened, it should be kept in the fridge, sealed. Since it contains sugar, its flavor can change a bit faster than soy sauce; the date should be watched.

Using Teriyaki Sauce in the Kitchen

Teriyaki sauce is used most for grilled chicken-meat and salmon, wok stir-fries, noodle and vegetable dishes. Brushed on during marinating or toward the end of cooking, it forms a glossy, sweet-salty glaze; it's usually added toward the end so the sugar doesn't burn.

What Is the Difference Between Teriyaki and Soy Sauce?

Teriyaki is a sweet sauce made from a soy sauce base with sugar/mirin added; soy sauce is a plain, salty condiment. Teriyaki is thicker and sweeter, soy sauce is thinner and saltier.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can teriyaki sauce be made at home?

Yes; soy sauce, sugar (or honey/mirin), and optional ginger-garlic are simmered over low heat until thickened. The consistency and sweetness are adjusted to taste.

Does teriyaki sauce contain gluten?

Since it's soy-sauce based, most classic teriyaki contains wheat-derived gluten; gluten-free varieties also exist. Those with sensitivity should check the label.

Why does teriyaki form a glossy glaze?

The sugar in it caramelizes as it cooks and thickens, giving the meat a glossy, sticky coating; this is a defining feature of teriyaki cooking.

Is teriyaki sauce very salty?

Since it's soy-based, its sodium content is notable; the sugar balances the saltiness somewhat, but it should still be used in moderation. Low-sodium varieties can be preferred.