Are you tired of bland and uninspiring bottled teriyaki sauce?
Do you want to add some extra flavor and depth to your stir-fry or rice dishes?
Look no further!
In this article, we’ll explore some simple and easy ways to elevate your store-bought teriyaki sauce.
From adding a touch of sweetness to thickening up the consistency, we’ve got you covered.
So, let’s dive in and learn how to make bottled teriyaki sauce better!
How To Make Bottled Teriyaki Sauce Better?
1. Add Some Sweetness
One of the easiest ways to improve the flavor of bottled teriyaki sauce is by adding a touch of sweetness. You can use sugar or honey to sweeten the glaze. Start by adding 1 teaspoon of sugar or honey at a time and tasting as you go until it reaches your desired level of sweetness. Note that if your store-bought teriyaki sauce is already quite sweet, you may not need to add any additional sweetener.
2. Make Your Own Teriyaki Sauce Mix
If you want to take your teriyaki sauce to the next level, consider making your own mix. Start by preparing your rice (boil your rice with chicken or veggie broth for a better flavor!). Then, mix together 1/4 cup of teriyaki sauce, 2 tablespoons of water, 1 tablespoon of mirin, 2 tablespoons of brown sugar (if you want a more caramelized texture), some garlic and ginger for the kick! Cook this mixture over medium heat and mix it with your rice or veggie stir-fry!
3. Thicken It Up
If you find that your bottled teriyaki sauce is too runny, you can thicken it up with cornstarch. Most recipes suggest adding 1 or 2 tablespoons of cornstarch, but if it’s still too runny, add an extra tablespoon of cornstarch. For the best thick sauce, use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for every 1/4 cup of water you add to the sauce. Whisk the water and cornstarch together until you get a paste. Heat up all the other ingredients you use to make the teriyaki sauce, and then add the cornstarch mix. Stir constantly and watch as it thickens.
4. Add Some Fat
Another way to thicken up your teriyaki sauce is by adding cold butter, vegetable or other types of oil, or any other form of fat to it. This can be a great option if you do not have any cornstarch or flour on hand. Heat up your teriyaki sauce, and gradually add your preferred form of fat to it, continuously stirring the mixture as you do so. Use a little at a time, and see how thick it becomes before putting more into the sauce. You can keep adding more and more fat until your sauce reaches the desired thickness.
5. Use Brown Sugar
Brown sugar can be used as a thickener and sweetener to sauces. If you want some extra sweetness and thickness to your teriyaki sauce, consider adding 1 to 2 teaspoons of brown sugar into it and bringing it to a simmer until you’re happy with the consistency. The molasses will keep thickening your sauce as long as you heat it.
Add Honey Or Brown Sugar For Sweetness
One way to add sweetness to your bottled teriyaki sauce is by using honey or brown sugar. Honey is a great option as it has a syrup-like consistency, which blends well with the teriyaki sauce. You can add 1 teaspoon of honey at a time and taste as you go until it reaches your desired level of sweetness. Manuka honey, Clover honey, and Fireweed honey are all good varieties to choose from.
Brown sugar is another option that can be used as a thickener and sweetener. You can add 1 to 2 teaspoons of brown sugar into the sauce and bring it to a simmer until you’re happy with the consistency. The molasses in the brown sugar will keep thickening your sauce as long as you heat it. Note that if your store-bought teriyaki sauce is already quite sweet, you may not need to add any additional sweetener.
If you want to make your teriyaki sauce sweeter and thicker, you can also use both honey and brown sugar. Start by adding 1 teaspoon of honey and 1 teaspoon of brown sugar at a time until you reach your desired level of sweetness. Keep in mind that adding too much sweetener can overpower the other flavors in the sauce, so be careful not to overdo it.
Mix In Freshly Grated Ginger Or Garlic For Extra Flavor
6. Add Some Freshness
To add some freshness and zing to your bottled teriyaki sauce, mix in freshly grated ginger or garlic. These aromatics can help to enhance the flavor of your sauce and give it a unique taste. Start by grating a small amount of ginger or garlic into the sauce, and then taste it to see if you need to add more. You can also try using both ginger and garlic together for an even more flavorful sauce.
7. Experiment with Different Varieties
Another way to make your bottled teriyaki sauce better is by experimenting with different varieties. Some teriyaki sauces may have added flavors like sesame oil, scallions, or even citrus juice. Try mixing in some of these ingredients to see how they impact the flavor of your sauce. You can also try different brands of teriyaki sauce to find one that suits your taste buds.
8. Increase the Umami Flavor
Umami is a savory taste that adds depth and complexity to foods. To increase the umami flavor of your bottled teriyaki sauce, try adding ingredients like seaweed, miso paste, or anchovies. These ingredients can help to enhance the flavor of your sauce and give it a unique taste that you won’t find in store-bought varieties.
9. Add Some Heat
If you like spicy foods, try adding chili flakes or a dash of hot sauce to your bottled teriyaki sauce. This can give it a little kick and make it more interesting to eat. Start by adding a small amount of spice and then tasting the sauce to see if you need to add more.
10. Enhance with Fresh Ingredients
To add even more complexity to your bottled teriyaki sauce, try adding freshly grated ginger or garlic, sesame oil, or chopped scallions. These fresh ingredients can help to elevate the flavor of your sauce and make it taste more homemade. Mix them into the sauce and let them sit for a few minutes before using it on your favorite dishes.
Use Cornstarch To Thicken The Sauce
Cornstarch is a popular and effective thickening agent that can be used to thicken bottled teriyaki sauce. To do this, start by whisking together equal parts of cornstarch and water in a small bowl. Gradually add the mixture to your teriyaki sauce while it simmers on low heat, stirring continuously until the sauce starts to thicken. Keep adding the cornstarch mixture until you reach your desired consistency. If the sauce becomes too thick, add a teaspoon of water at a time until it thins out to your liking.
For best results, use 1 tablespoon of cornstarch for every 1/4 cup of water you add to the sauce. Be sure to whisk the cornstarch and water together until you get a smooth paste before adding it to the sauce. Cornstarch is known for its ability to give body to sauces, making it an ideal choice for thickening teriyaki marinades. Once your sauce has thickened, remove it from heat and garnish with sesame seeds if desired.
Experiment With Different Vinegar Types For A Unique Taste
One of the key ingredients in teriyaki sauce is vinegar, and while most recipes call for rice wine vinegar, you can experiment with different types of vinegar to create a unique flavor profile. Apple cider vinegar is an excellent substitute for rice wine vinegar, as it adds a tartness that complements the sweetness of teriyaki sauce very nicely. Its low acidity also makes it a great alternative for those who don’t have access to regular vinegars like white or balsamic.
However, don’t be afraid to try other types of vinegar as well. For example, red wine vinegar can add a bold and tangy flavor to your teriyaki sauce, while white wine vinegar can give it a lighter and more delicate taste. You can even try using fruit-based vinegars like raspberry or blueberry for a fruity twist on your teriyaki sauce.
When substituting with different types of vinegar, start by only using about half as much as what the recipe calls for before adjusting according to taste. This will ensure that the vinegar doesn’t overpower the other flavors in the sauce. Remember, experimenting with different vinegars can lead to some delicious and unique teriyaki sauces that you won’t find in any store-bought bottle!
Add A Splash Of Soy Sauce For Added Umami Flavor
Soy sauce is a versatile ingredient that can enhance the umami flavor of your bottled teriyaki sauce. It is made from fermented soybeans and has a rich, salty taste that can add depth and complexity to your sauce. A splash of soy sauce can help balance the sweetness and acidity of your teriyaki sauce, making it more savory and delicious.
To add a splash of soy sauce to your teriyaki sauce, start by pouring a small amount into the mixture. Taste as you go, and add more if needed. Remember that soy sauce is quite salty, so you don’t want to overdo it. Use a Japanese soy sauce like Kikkoman for the best flavor and quality, or use tamari as a gluten-free alternative.
Soy sauce can also be used to enhance the flavor of other dishes like split pea soup with pancetta garlic pankoso. It adds an umami secret that makes the soup savory and delicious. You can also use soy sauce to season meat, adding meatier and caramelized flavors to your protein.
Heat Up The Sauce With Red Pepper Flakes For A Spicy Kick
If you’re looking to add some heat to your bottled teriyaki sauce, consider using red pepper flakes. Red pepper flakes are a great way to add some spice and flavor to your sauce without overwhelming it. Simply sprinkle in a pinch or two of red pepper flakes into your teriyaki sauce and stir well. Taste as you go, adding more if needed until you reach the desired level of spiciness. You can also experiment with other spices such as chili powder or cayenne pepper for an even spicier kick. Keep in mind that a little goes a long way, so start with a small amount and adjust to your liking. With just a few simple steps, you can easily transform your store-bought teriyaki sauce into a spicy and flavorful glaze or marinade that will take your dishes to the next level.
