The Complete Guide to Teriyaki Sauce – Uses, Nutrition, Varieties, and Buying Tips

Teriyaki sauce is a sweet-savory Japanese-style condiment that has gained worldwide popularity for its rich glaze and versatile use in cooking. Made from soy sauce, sugar, and mirin (or similar sweeteners), it delivers a balanced umami flavour that works well with meat, fish, and vegetables. This guide covers its uses, nutrition, varieties, and how to pick the best quality.

Teriyaki Sauce Uses Beyond Stir-Fry

While stir-frying is the most common use, teriyaki sauce can do much more in the kitchen.

• Grilling & Roasting – Brush over chicken, salmon, or beef for a glossy, caramelised finish.
• Glazing Vegetables – Coat mushrooms, aubergines, or carrots before baking for a sweet-savoury depth.
• Burgers & Wraps – Add a drizzle to chicken or beef burgers for a Japanese fusion twist.
• Rice & Noodle Bowls – Toss with cooked rice or noodles for quick flavour enhancement.

Teriyaki Sauce Nutrition Overview

Like many sauces, teriyaki brings both flavour and calories, mainly from sugar.

• Calories – Around 20–25 kcal per tablespoon (15ml).
• Sugars – 2–4g per serving, depending on brand and style.
• Sodium – 300–600mg per tablespoon, due to soy sauce base.
• Nutrients – Small amounts of minerals from soy sauce, but not a significant source of vitamins.

Tip: If you’re watching sugar intake, look for reduced-sugar versions.

Trusted UK Teriyaki Sauce Brands

Several brands offer quality teriyaki sauce options in UK supermarkets.

• Kikkoman – Naturally brewed with balanced sweetness.
• Blue Dragon – Widely available and affordable, ideal for everyday cooking.
• Stir Crazy – Premium small-batch sauces with fresh ingredients.
• Tesco & Sainsbury’s Own-Brand – Budget-friendly with decent flavour.

Teriyaki Sauce vs Soy-Based Marinade

Although they share a soy sauce base, teriyaki sauce and soy marinades differ.

• Teriyaki Sauce – Sweetened and often thickened, used as a glaze or sauce.
• Soy Marinade – Savoury, lighter, and primarily for soaking before cooking.

When to Choose: Use teriyaki for glazing or finishing dishes, soy marinades for deeper flavour penetration.

DIY Teriyaki Sauce Recipes

Making teriyaki sauce at home is quick and customisable.

Basic Method:

• Combine soy sauce, mirin (or honey), and sugar in a saucepan.
• Add garlic, ginger, and optional sesame oil.
• Simmer until slightly thickened.

Storage: Refrigerate in a sealed jar for up to 1 week.

Teriyaki Sauce Varieties & Flavours

Different brands and regions put their own spin on teriyaki.

• Classic Japanese Style – Balanced sweet and salty.
• Thick Glaze – Reduced further for sticky coating on grilled foods.
• Spicy Teriyaki – Enhanced with chilli or pepper.
• Citrus Teriyaki – Infused with yuzu, orange, or lemon zest.

Teriyaki Sauce Ingredient Breakdown

Most teriyaki sauces include:

• Soy Sauce – Base for umami and saltiness.
• Sweeteners – Sugar, honey, or mirin for sweetness.
• Aromatics – Garlic, ginger, or sesame oil for depth.
• Thickening Agents – Cornstarch or reduction for texture.

Teriyaki Sauce Calories & Sugar

Nutritional values vary by recipe or brand.

• Standard Sauce – ~20–25 kcal and 3–4g sugar per tablespoon.
• Reduced-Sugar Versions – ~10–15 kcal and 1–2g sugar per tablespoon.

Storing Teriyaki Sauce After Opening

To keep flavour and quality:

• Refrigerate after opening to prevent spoilage.
• Consume within 3–6 months for the best taste.
• Keep the lid tightly sealed to avoid flavour loss.

How to Pick Quality Teriyaki Sauce

Look for these markers of a better product:

• Naturally Brewed Soy Sauce – Indicates traditional fermentation.
• Minimal Additives – Avoid artificial colouring and excessive thickeners.
• Balanced Flavour – Sweetness should complement, not overpower, the savoury base.

FAQs about Teriyaki Sauce

Here are some questions and answers about teriyaki sauce.

Is teriyaki sauce gluten-free?

Most teriyaki sauces are not, due to soy sauce content. Look for gluten-free versions made with tamari.

Can I use teriyaki sauce as a marinade?

Yes, it works as both a marinade and a glaze, but it’s thicker and sweeter than a typical soy-based marinade.

Does teriyaki sauce need to be refrigerated?

Yes, after opening, refrigerate to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage.